Monty, a 5-year-old giant schnauzer, claimed the prestigious Best in Show title at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday. After reaching the final round for three consecutive years, the all-black-coated Monty finally took the top prize in the 149th annual event at Madison Square Garden.
Competing against more than 2,500 dogs from all 50 states, Monty won the working group for the third year in a row. However, this time, he went all the way. “The puppy did the damn thing,” co-owner Katie Bernardin said through tears.
Second place, or Reserve Best in Show, went to Bourbon, a 9-year-old whippet and hound group winner. Bourbon, coming out of retirement, secured the runner-up spot for the third time.
Other finalists included Comet the shih tzu (toy group), Neal the bichon frisé (non-sporting group), Freddie the English springer spaniel (sporting group), Archer the Skye terrier (terrier group), and Mercedes the German shepherd (herding group).
Judge Paula Nykiel, a breeder and owner-handler of champion pointers, was sequestered from the preliminary rounds before making her decision. Judges assess each dog’s adherence to its breed standard by checking muscle tone and movement.
Before the final lap, Nykiel encouraged the handlers to pause, take a deep breath, and enjoy their moment of glory. Monty’s triumphant run sealed his long-awaited victory.
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