In brief
Monty the giant schnauzer has made a splash by being the first of his breed to snag the coveted Best in Show title at this year's Westminster Kennel Club dog show, competing against over 2,500 dogs.
In an emotional moment at Madison Square Garden, Monty’s owner, Katie Bernardin, expressed her joy after the win, remarking, "The puppy did the damn thing." Monty, who is five years old with a stunning all-black coat, had previously reached the finals for three consecutive years but finally triumphed this time around. The Westminster Kennel Club, the oldest dog show organization in the US, celebrated its 149th annual event, second only to the Kentucky Derby in longevity.In the competition, winners from 200 breeds move up to compete for group titles before contenders vie for Best in Show. Monty's previous two years of accolades included victories in the Working Group category, and this year marked a historic win for giant schnauzers as well. Judge Paula Nykiel praised Monty’s performance during the preliminary events, considering factors such as breed standards and overall appearance.Bourbon, a nine-year-old whippet, took the runner-up position, making a comeback from retirement. Other contenders included Comet the shih tzu, Mercedes the German shepherd, and Neal the bichon frise. Monty's win is a testament to the dedication of dog lovers and breeders across the country.
