In a historic win at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Monty the Giant Schnauzer claimed the prestigious Best in Show title on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The five-year-old black-coated champion finally secured the top prize after reaching the finals three years in a row, becoming the first Giant Schnauzer to win Best in Show in the event's long history. Monty outshined more than 2,500 dogs from across the country to claim victory.
"He always tries so hard. I'm just proud of him. I always call him my Secretariat because he never stops," said Katie Bernardin, Monty's handler, after the win.
Before clinching the ultimate title, Monty had dominated the Working Group category with three consecutive wins. The victory marks the Working Group's first Best in Show win since 2004.
Judge Paula Nykiel, a respected dog breeder and owner-handler, selected Monty as the winner after evaluating the competitors through the three-day event. The judging process included examining each dog's body, mouth, and adherence to breed standards.
Nine-year-old Bourbon, a whippet who came out of retirement for the competition, earned Reserve Best in Show (runner-up) honors. Other notable finalists included Comet the Shih Tzu, Mercedes the German Shepherd, and Neal the Bichon Frise.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the second-longest-running sporting event in the United States after the Kentucky Derby, showcases excellence in dog breeding and handling. Winners from 200 competing breeds advance through group competitions before reaching the final round.