In brief
Monty’s remarkable journey culminates at Madison Square Garden, showcasing his impressive skills among 2,500 competitors.
Monty, the five-year-old giant schnauzer, was crowned Best in Show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday, marking a significant win for his breed. After three consecutive years of reaching the finals without victory, Monty outperformed over 2,500 canines at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. Owner Katie Bernardin expressed immense pride, stating, “The puppy did the damn thing.” This inaugural win for the giant schnauzer at Westminster holds special significance, fitting into the legacy of a club that has been showcasing dogs since 1877—only second to the Kentucky Derby as the longest-running sporting event in the US.Monty, with his striking all-black coat, had previously dominated the Working Group category for two years but had yet to clinch the overall prize until now. Judge Paula Nykiel, a seasoned dog breeder and owner-handler, selected Monty after he distinguished himself during the three-day event. The judging process not only evaluates the dog’s performance but also its adherence to breed standards concerning conformation and physical traits.Rivaling Monty in the competition, nine-year-old Bourbon the whippet claimed the Reserve Best in Show title after stepping out of retirement, marking his third time as runner-up. Other notable finalists included Comet the shih tzu, Mercedes the German shepherd, and Neal the bichon frise. As Monty takes the crown this year, attention will soon turn to the next competition when a female miniature poodle took home Best in Show in 2024.
