Monty The Giant Schnauzer Wins Best in Show At 149TH Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

NEW YORK, NY, February 12, 2025 — In a historic victory that brought tears to his handler’s eyes, Monty the Giant Schnauzer claimed the prestigious Best in Show title at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday night, becoming the first of his breed to earn Westminster’s highest honor.

The 5-year-old champion from Ocean City, New Jersey, officially known as GCHG CH Hearthmore’s Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB, dominated the competition at Madison Square Garden, ending a remarkable drought for the Working Group, which hadn’t produced a Westminster winner since a Newfoundland’s victory in 2004.

“He always tries so hard, and I’m so proud of him,” said an emotional Katie Bernardin, Monty’s handler and co-owner, who could barely contain her tears while accepting the award. The victory proved particularly poignant as it marked Monty’s third and final attempt at the title before retirement, following his Working Group wins in the previous two years.

The win adds to an already impressive resume for the striking black dog, who had recently claimed the American Kennel Club National Championship in December. Judge Paula Nykiel, who had the responsibility of selecting the winner from a field of over 2,500 dogs representing more than 200 breeds, praised Monty’s presence and structure.

“Monty’s attitude is a very ‘look at me’ attitude, and his charisma just kind of makes him shine,” Bernardin explained in a post-win interview. Behind the scenes, his success is supported by a rigorous training regimen that includes cold laser therapy and water treadmill work, along with a carefully managed diet—though Bernardin admits he occasionally enjoys carne asada treats.

The competition’s Reserve Best in Show went to Bourbon, a 9-year-old Whippet who came out of retirement for one final showing. This marked Bourbon’s third time as Westminster runner-up, cementing her place as one of the show’s most consistent performers. Other finalists included Mercedes the German Shepherd, who was returning after placing second last year, Neal the Bichon Frisé, Comet the Shih Tzu, Freddie the English Springer Spaniel, and Archer the Skye Terrier.

The event marked a triumphant return to Madison Square Garden, Westminster’s traditional home since 1877, after a four-year hiatus that saw the show relocated to alternative venues during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Empire State Building celebrated the occasion by illuminating the New York City skyline in Westminster’s signature purple and gold colors.

With his show career now complete, Monty will return home to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. “Monty just gets to be our family dog, hang out and get as dirty as he wants and do whatever he wants,” Bernardin said. “He loves a good soccer ball, loves to go play in the paddock and just be a dog.”

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, established in 1877, remains America’s second-longest continuously held sporting event, surpassed in longevity only by the Kentucky Derby. It stands as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their canine companions, celebrating both the heritage of purpose-bred dogs and the dedication of their handlers and owners.