NEW YORK — Monty, a giant schnauzer, achieved a significant milestone by claiming the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, leaving his handler and co-owner, Katie Bernardin, barely able to contain her emotions. “He always tries so hard, and we’re just proud of him,” she expressed to the audience at Madison Square Garden.
Monty distinguished himself by defeating six other finalists, making history as the first giant schnauzer to win what is widely regarded as the most prestigious dog show award in the United States. He previously triumphed at the American Kennel Club championship in December and had been a finalist at Westminster on two earlier occasions. His remarkable qualities, including his “attitude to his structure,” earned him accolades, with co-owner Sandy Nordstrom describing him as bold, fun, and a “really cool dog.” Monty, aged five, has now retired from competitive shows.
The runner-up was Bourbon, a whippet who has taken second place at Westminster for the third consecutive year. Other finalists included a bichon frisé named Neal, a Skye terrier called Archer, and a shih tzu named Comet, all of whom have previous show experience. Rounding out the finalists were a German shepherd named Mercedes, who placed second last year, and an English springer spaniel named Freddie.
At Westminster, each dog is judged against the breed’s ideal characteristics. While winners receive trophies, ribbons, and the honor of their victory, there’s no cash reward involved. Each participating dog is recognized as a champion, but they also often serve as beloved family pets and may partake in various roles, including therapy or search-and-rescue work. Sheree Moses Combs, co-breeder and co-owner of the German shepherds, emphasized the breed’s versatility, noting that some of her dogs serve as service animals for veterans.
On the day of the competition, large breeds stole the spotlight during the working group rounds. For instance, Brina, a massive 158-pound Neapolitan mastiff, showcased her admirable presence in the ring. Owner Yves Belmont expressed his admiration for the breed’s uniqueness and intelligence, despite their imposing appearance.
The variety within the dog breeds was on full display as Tyra, a miniature bull terrier also made an appearance. Officially named GCH CH Rnr’s Top Model, Tyra is named after fashion model Tyra Banks. Co-breeder Jessica Harrison shared her delight, stating that the lively terrier breed is “a big dog in a small package” and guaranteed to keep one smiling, while humorously rating Tyra’s mischief level as “like a nine, for sure.”
Regardless of which dog ultimately wins the Westminster accolades, several competitors garnered support from the audience. Throughout the semifinals, spectators enthusiastically cheered for their favorites like they were rooting for the local professional sports teams. Lumpy, a Pekingese, received hearty laughs and cheers from fans for his unique gait. A golden retriever named Tuffy, representing a breed that has never clinched a Westminster title, also captivated onlookers, along with a confident Xoloitzcuintli named Calaco, known for their hairless appearance and rich heritage from Mexico.
The crowd also applauded Penny, a Doberman pinscher, who was described by her co-owner, Theresa Connors-Chan, as a dignified yet affectionate companion. In addition to the showring events, Westminster included agility and obedience championships held earlier, with a border collie named Vanish winning the agility title and an Australian shepherd named Willie excelling in obedience.
