Monty Wins Best in Show: A Historic Triumph for Giant Schnauzers

In a remarkable achievement, Monty, a five-year-old Giant Schnauzer, secured the coveted Best in Show title at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, overcoming a field of over 2,500 contenders. This victory marks a historic moment as Monty is the first Giant Schnauzer to win the award, having come close in previous years. His owner, Katie Bernardin, expressed immense pride, exclaiming, "The puppy did the damn thing!" The event, televised from New York's Madison Square Garden, remains one of the oldest and most celebrated in dog show history.

Monty, with his striking all-black coat, triumphed after successfully winning the Working Group for two consecutive years. The competition consisted of seven group winners, with Monty shining through outstanding performance during the three-day event. Judge Paula Nykiel, an experienced dog breeder and handler, selected Monty for his adherence to breed standards and overall presentation. The runner-up, Bourbon, a whippet, returned from retirement to impress the judges, while Comet the shih tzu, Mercedes the German shepherd, and Neal the bichon frise rounded out the finalists. The upcoming 2024 event will see a female miniature poodle competing for the top honor, but this year's show will forever be remembered for Monty’s impressive victory.