**Giant Schnauzer Monty Clinches Prestigious Westminster Dog Show Title**

Monty's victory marks him as the first giant schnauzer to win the sought-after title, taking the crown after years of close competition.

Monty, a five-year-old giant schnauzer, has made history by winning the coveted Best in Show title at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, celebrated as the most prestigious dog show in the United States. After being a finalist for the past three years, Monty's triumph over more than 2,500 competing dogs has made him the first giant schnauzer to claim this honor.

His owner, Katie Bernardin, expressed her pride, stating, "The puppy did the damn thing," following the event broadcast from the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Westminster show, now in its 149th year, is a time-honored tradition that is the second-longest sporting event in the U.S., only trailing behind the Kentucky Derby.

Among stiff competition, Monty was a consistent performer, having previously won the Working Group category for two consecutive years but falling short of the overall title. His training and preparation paid off, as he was finally selected as Best in Show by judge Paula Nykiel, a renowned dog breeder and owner-handler. The judging criteria include adherence to the breed's ideal standards, as well as assessments of the dog's physical attributes.

Among the dogs Monty outperformed was Bourbon, a nine-year-old whippet who took home the Reserve Best title after coming out of retirement for the event. Other notable finalists included Comet the shih tzu, Mercedes the German shepherd, and Neal the bichon frise. Notably, the prior year in 2024, a female miniature poodle had previously captured the Best in Show title, showcasing the evolving landscape of canine champions at Westminster.