Monty the Giant Schnauzer Wins Top Prize at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
A Long-Awaited Victory
After coming close in previous years, Monty, the giant schnauzer, finally claimed the prestigious Best in Show title at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday night. His win left his handler and co-owner, Katie Bernardin, nearly speechless with emotion.
“He always tries so hard, and we’re just proud of him,” Bernardin told the cheering crowd at Madison Square Garden.
Monty became the first giant schnauzer to ever win Westminster’s top honor, having previously been a finalist twice. He also secured the American Kennel Club (AKC) National Championship in December, solidifying his status as a standout in the dog show world.
What Makes Monty Special?
Co-owner Sandy Nordstrom described Monty as having a bold, cocky, and fun personality, with an impressive combination of attitude and structure.
“He’s just a really cool dog,” she said ahead of the competition.
This Westminster victory marks Monty’s final show as the five-year-old champion is now retiring.
Tough Competition in the Finals
Monty faced stiff competition from six other finalists, including some repeat contenders:
- Runner-up: A whippet named Bourbon, finishing second for the third time.
- Other finalists:
- A bichon frisé named Neal
- A Skye terrier called Archer
- A shih tzu named Comet, a previous finalist
- A German shepherd named Mercedes, last year’s second-place finisher
- An English springer spaniel named Freddie
What Do Westminster Judges Look For?
Each dog at Westminster is judged on how closely they match their breed’s ideal standards. Winners take home a trophy, ribbons, and bragging rights—but no cash prize.
Despite their elite status, these dogs are also beloved household pets. Some even work in therapy, search-and-rescue, or service roles.
“A good German shepherd is an all-purpose dog,” said Sheree Moses Combs, co-breeder and co-owner of finalist Mercedes. Some of her puppies have even been trained as service dogs for wounded veterans.
Big Dogs Steal the Show
Tuesday was the turn for working breeds in the competition, and several large dogs made a strong impression.
Among them was Brina, a 158-pound (71.6 kg) Neapolitan mastiff. Owner Dr. Yves Belmont has admired the breed since childhood.
“They’re so unique,” he said, watching Brina nap in her crate, complete with a two-gallon (7.5-liter) water bucket.
Known for their massive size, jowly heads, and guard-dog history, Neapolitan mastiffs are both imposing and intelligent, according to Belmont, who has several of them at home in Atlanta.
Small but Mighty: Terrier Makes an Impression
Not all standout competitors were giants. Tyra, a miniature bull terrier, strutted her stuff in the ring.
Nicknamed GCH CH Rnr’s Top Model, she was named after fashion icon Tyra Banks.
“The breed is like a big dog in a small package, but they always keep you smiling,” said Jessica Harrison, co-breeder and owner from Austin, Texas.
Asked to rate Tyra’s mischief level, Harrison laughed, “Like a nine, for sure.”
As Tyra soaked up attention, she rolled over for a belly rub from a passerby at the Javits Center, where the early rounds were held.
Crowd Favorites and Unforgettable Moments
Beyond the winners, several dogs won over the audience with their personalities:
- A Pekingese named Lumpy got laughs for his slow, ambling gait as fans cheered, “Love you, Lumpy!”
- A golden retriever named Tuffy received thunderous applause, as the beloved breed has yet to win Westminster’s top honor.
- Calaco, a Xoloitzcuintli (sho-loh-eets-KWEEN’-tlee), impressed with his confident performance, earning crowd support and judge recognition.
- A Doberman pinscher named Penny received loud cheers. Though she carries a dignified look, her owner Theresa Connors-Chan described her as “a mush” behind the scenes.
Beyond the Main Event: Agility and Obedience Winners
Westminster also crowned champions in agility and obedience competitions held earlier in the week:
- Agility champion: A border collie named Vanish
- Obedience champion: An Australian shepherd named Willie
A Celebration of Dogs
With its intense competition, lovable dogs, and thrilling performances, Westminster remains one of the most prestigious and exciting events in the dog show world.
For Monty, his historic victory marks the end of an incredible show career—and the beginning of a well-earned retirement.
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