After years of coming close, Monty the giant schnauzer finally secured his place in history, winning Best in Show at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Competing against more than 2,500 dogs, Monty became the first of his breed to take home the top prize, delighting his owner, Katie Bernardin, who proudly declared, “The puppy did the thing!” The five-year-old pup, known for his sleek black coat and striking presence, had previously won the Working Group twice but fell short of the grand title—until now.
Judge Paula Nykiel, a respected breeder and handler, found Monty to best embody the breed’s ideal standard, making him the first Working Group winner since 2004. In a strong field of finalists, Monty edged out Bourbon the whippet, a nine-year-old returning from retirement who claimed Reserve Best in Show for the third time. With this historic victory, Monty cements his legacy as a true champion in the world of dog shows.