A giant schnauzer named Monty was crowned Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Tuesday, the most prestigious dog show in the US.
After reaching the final three years in a row, Monty beat more than 2,500 canines to become the first giant schnauzer to take home the show’s top prize.
“The puppy did the damn thing,” Monty’s owner Katie Bernardin said in the event televised from New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
The dog club is the oldest in the US dedicated to showing dogs, with its annual show – now in its 149th year – the second-longest sporting event held in the US after the Kentucky Derby.
The winners of each of the 200 competing breeds advance to compete for one of seven group titles, with each group winner then moving to the finals.
After two years of winning the Working Group, but failing to secure the overall prize, the five-year-old male with an all-black coat finally came out on top.
He gave the Working Group of breeds its first winner since 2004.
Judge Paula Nykiel, who is a dog breeder and owner-handler, chose Monty as Best in Show after he stood out in the preliminary events during the three-day competition.
When choosing a winner, judges also consider the breed’s ideal standard, and examine its body and mouth.
Among the more than 2,500 Monty beat from across the country, was nine-year-old Bourbon, who snapped up runner-up – or Reserve Best as they are known in the show.
The whippet came out of retirement for the event, and claimed Reserve Best for the third time.
Other finalists this year included Comet the shih tzu, Mercedes the German shepherd and Neal the bichon frise.
In 2024, a female miniature poodle won Best in Show.
