In brief
Monty, a five-year-old giant schnauzer, made history by winning Best in Show at the renowned Westminster Kennel Club dog show, surpassing over 2,500 competitors. His owner, Katie Bernardin, celebrated the moment, stating, "The puppy did the damn thing." This year's event, broadcasted from New York's Madison Square Garden, marked the dog show's 149th anniversary, making it one of the longest-running sporting events in the US.
After placing among the top three for three consecutive years, Monty's victory breaks the drought for the Working Group, which had not seen a winner since 2004. Judge Paula Nykiel praised Monty's standout performance, considering various factors such as breed standards and physical attributes. The competition saw runner-up Bourbon, a nine-year-old whippet returning from retirement, alongside other finalists like Comet the shih tzu and Mercedes the German shepherd. With this win, the giant schnauzer finally steps into the limelight at an event cherished by dog enthusiasts nationwide.
