5-Year-Old Giant Schnauzer "Monty" Triumphs, Clinching Best in Show at Westminster Dog Show

After three consecutive years of reaching the finals, Giant Schnauzer Monty finally triumphed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the most prestigious canine competition in the United States. On February 11th, Monty defeated over 2,500 dogs to win the Best in Show title, becoming the first Giant Schnauzer to achieve this top honor.

Reuters and BBC News reported that the 5-year-old all-black male dog, Monty, emerged victorious in the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, surpassing more than 2,500 contestants from all 50 U.S. states who gathered in New York City. Among the 200 breeds, a winner is selected from each breed. These breed winners are then divided into seven groups, with each group champion vying for the title of Best in Show. Monty had previously won the Working Group title for the past two years but only succeeded in claiming the highest honor this year.

Monty's owner, Katie Bernardin, tearfully said during the competition broadcast from Madison Square Garden, "The puppy did it!"

The Reserve Best in Show (runner-up) was awarded to Bourbon, a 9-year-old Whippet. Bourbon, the Hound Group champion, re-entered the competition after retirement and claimed the runner-up prize for the third time. Other finalists included Comet, a Shih Tzu and the Toy Group champion; Neal, a Bichon Frise and the Non-Sporting Group champion; Freddie, an English Springer Spaniel and the Sporting Group champion; Archer, a Skye Terrier and the Terrier Group champion; and Mercedes, a German Shepherd and the Herding Group champion.

Judge Paula Nykiel, responsible for selecting the Best in Show winner, has bred more than 50 champion pointer dogs. To ensure fairness in the finals, she did not participate in the preliminary judging during the three-day competition. The judges evaluate the dogs based on the ideal standards of each breed, examining their mouths, gently touching their bodies to assess muscle firmness, and observing their performance while running.