NEW YORK — Monty, a giant schnauzer, achieved a prestigious victory at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Tuesday night, captivating the audience as he took home the coveted best in show title. After nearly clinching the win in the previous two years, Monty’s triumph left his handler and co-owner, Katie Bernardin, visibly emotional.
“Monty always puts in so much effort, and we couldn’t be more proud of him,” she expressed to the crowd gathered at Madison Square Garden.
The enthusiastic schnauzer outperformed six other finalists to become the first of his breed to win this esteemed U.S. dog show trophy. Having claimed the American Kennel Club championship in December and previously being a Westminster finalist on two occasions, Monty has proven his excellence in the ring.
Co-owner Sandy Nordstrom highlighted Monty’s standout qualities, emphasizing his “attitude and structure.” She described him as both bold and playful. “He’s just a really cool dog,” she remarked ahead of his victory, which marks his retirement from competitive showing at the age of 5.
Bourbon, a whippet, took the second place for the third time, while other finalists included a bichon frisé named Neal, a Skye terrier called Archer, and a previously-named finalist shih tzu named Comet. The competition also featured a German shepherd named Mercedes, who placed second last year, and an English springer spaniel known as Freddie.
Each competitor at Westminster is evaluated based on how closely they align with the breed’s ideal characteristics. While winners receive trophies, ribbons, and the prestige of victory, there are no cash rewards associated with these wins.
Every participant in the Westminster show is a titled champion, many of whom also fulfill roles as pets in homes or engage in service work such as therapy and search-and-rescue missions. Sheree Moses Combs, co-breeder and co-owner of a German shepherd from West Virginia, shared that some of her dogs have become service animals for injured veterans. “Dog shows are enjoyable, but ultimately, that reflects the core purpose of our breed,” she stated.
The show showcased larger dog breeds on Tuesday, especially during the “working” group segment. Brina, a hefty Neapolitan mastiff weighing 158 pounds, commanded attention in the first round. Owner Yves Belmont, Ph.D., expressed his admiration for the breed, remarking on their uniqueness as Brina rested comfortably in her crate, complete with a two-gallon water bucket.
The impressive size and protective instinct are inherent qualities of the breed, which was specifically developed to serve as guardians. Belmont, who currently owns several Neapolitan mastiffs at his Atlanta-area home, also commended their intelligence.
The Westminster event is a celebration of the diversity within dog breeds, as evidenced by its entrants. Alongside Brina, a miniature bull terrier named Tyra also showcased her personality. Officially known as GCH CH Rnr’s Top Model, she was named after fashion luminary Tyra Banks. Jessica Harrison, co-breeder and owner, described her hardy breed as “a big dog in a small package, guaranteed to keep you chuckling.” When asked to rate Tyra’s mischievousness, Harrison playfully replied, “Definitely a nine.”
It’s clear that no matter which canine ultimately claims the championship, many have already captured the hearts of the audience. During the semifinals, fans cheered for their favorites as if they were rooting for sports teams from the Madison Square Garden, home to the NBA’s New York Knicks and NHL’s New York Rangers.
“Love you, Lumpy!” a spectator called out to a Pekingese named Lumpy, who entertained guests with his distinctive, slow-moving style. Another crowd favorite, Tuffy, a golden retriever, drew cheers from the audience, despite the breed’s history of not winning. The Xoloitzcuintli named Calaco also earned applause for a confident performance, further showcasing the rich diversity at Westminster. Known for their hairlessness and deep roots in Mexico, Xoloitzcuintlis (pronounced shoh-loh-eets-KWEEN’-tlees) continue to capture attention.
Another star of the show was Penny, a Doberman pinscher who received enthusiastic approval from the audience. Despite her poised demeanor, Penny has a softer side, described as “a mush” by her breeder and co-owner Theresa Connors-Chan, who hails from Ontario, Canada.
Additionally, Westminster hosted competitions for agility and obedience, held on Saturday. The border collie named Vanish excelled in agility, while the Australian shepherd Willie claimed victory in the obedience category.
