NEW YORK — This year, a giant schnauzer named Monty earned a momentous victory at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club dog show, marking a triumphant end to his showing career. Monty’s handler and co-owner, Katie Bernardin, was overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the announcement of their win during the event at Madison Square Garden.
“He always tries so hard, and we’re just proud of him,” she expressed to the audience, highlighting the dog’s dedication. Monty triumphed over six other finalists, making history as the first giant schnauzer to win the coveted title of Best in Show at Westminster, which is regarded as the pinnacle of dog showing in the United States. Having previously competed at Westminster twice and secured the American Kennel Club championship in December, Monty’s success was long waited for by his owners.
According to co-owner Sandy Nordstrom, Monty stands out not only because of his impressive stature but also his personality. “He’s just a really cool dog,” she noted prior to the show. The five-year-old Monty is retiring from competitions after this event.
The runner-up in this year’s competition was Bourbon, a whippet, marking the third time this particular dog has claimed that position. Other contenders included a bichon frisé named Neal, a Skye terrier called Archer, and a previously successful shih tzu, Comet. Completing the roster were a German shepherd named Mercedes, who was a runner-up last year, and an English springer spaniel called Freddie.
At Westminster, each dog is evaluated against the breed’s ideal standards. Successful competitors receive a trophy, ribbons, and the accolade of being recognized at this esteemed event, however, there is no monetary prize involved.
During a brief pause amid the semifinals, security personnel intervened to remove an individual from the sidelines of the ring. The animal rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, claimed on social media that a supporter was escorted out for displaying a sign.
The Westminster dog show emphasizes the celebration of various breeds, asserting that competing dogs are often beloved family pets, with many engaging in therapy work or community service roles. “A good German shepherd is an all-purpose dog,” noted Sheree Moses Combs, co-breeder and co-owner of Mercedes, highlighting that some of her dogs have been trained as service animals for veterans.
While Monty emerged victorious, several other competitors also managed to capture the audience’s heart during the event. Throughout the two nights of semifinals, enthusiastic spectators cheered for their favorites as if they were rallying for their local sports teams, including the NBA’s New York Knicks and NHL’s New York Rangers. A crowd favorite, a Pekingese called Lumpy, amused onlookers with his distinctive waddling walk, prompting enthusiastic shouts of encouragement.
The excitement spread to other contestants as well, including Penny the Doberman pinscher and Tuffy the golden retriever, whose breed has yet to secure a Westminster title. Tuffy garnered attention from the judge, as did another fan favorite, Calaco the Xoloitzcuintli, a unique hairless dog with origins in Mexico that boasts a dedicated following.
The Westminster event is a notable exhibition of canine diversity, with both large, “working” breeds and smaller terriers being showcased. Notably, Brina, a 158-pound Neapolitan mastiff, displayed her impressive presence as she rested in her crate, watched closely by her owner, Yves Belmont, who admires the breed’s intelligence and uniqueness.
Additionally, Tyra, a lively miniature bull terrier, took to the ring, showcasing her charm. Officially identified as GCH CH Rnr’s Top Model, she was named after the famous fashion icon Tyra Banks. Owner and co-breeder Jessica Harrison described the lively terrier as “a big dog in a small package,” while also commenting on her playful nature and penchant for mischief. Tyra’s antics, including seek out belly rubs, added to the joy of the event at the Javits Center, which hosted initial breed judging.
Alongside conformation judging, Westminster also featured agility and obedience contests, held previously to the main event. The agility championship was claimed by a border collie named Vanish, while an Australian shepherd named Willie won in the obedience category. The Westminster show celebrated all aspects of canine excellence and demonstrated the strong bond between dogs and their owners.
