Katie Bernardin embraces Monty, a giant schnauzer, following their victory as best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held on February 11, 2025, in New York.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

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Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

NEW YORK — This year, Monty the giant schnauzer truly took the spotlight.

After narrowly missing out in the previous two years, Monty clinched the top honor at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday night, leaving handler and co-owner Katie Bernardin overwhelmed with emotion.

“He always puts in so much effort, and we are just incredibly proud of him,” she shared with the audience at Madison Square Garden.

The lively schnauzer triumphed over six other competitors, marking a historic moment as the first of his breed to win the prestigious best in show title in the U.S. dog show circuit. This spirited dog also secured the American Kennel Club championship in December and had previously participated in Westminster twice.

Described as a standout due to “his attitude, structure, and overall demeanor,” Monty is known for his confident and playful spirit, according to co-owner Sandy Nordstrom.

“He’s simply an extraordinary dog,” she remarked in an interview prior to his retirement from competing at just five years old.

The runner-up this year was Bourbon, a whippet, who has now placed second three times. Other finalists included Neal, a bichon frisé, Archer the Skye terrier, and Comet, a shih tzu with previous finalist experience.

Also competing were Mercedes, a German shepherd who ranked second last year, and an English springer spaniel named Freddie.

At Westminster, canine competitors are evaluated based on how closely they align with their breed standards. Winners receive trophies, ribbons, and the coveted bragging rights but no cash rewards.

During a break in the semifinal rounds, security removed a spectator from the sidelines. The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, known for protesting the dog show for years, stated on X that a supporter was ousted after displaying a sign.

The Westminster Kennel Club claims it celebrates all dogs, highlighting that the champions in the ring are often cherished family pets and may also serve in therapy, search-and-rescue operations, or other canine roles.

“A good German shepherd is a versatile dog,” noted co-breeder and co-owner Sheree Moses Combs from Wardensville, West Virginia, recalling how some of her puppies have become service dogs for veterans.

A Cocker Spaniel participates in the sporting group segment at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 11, 2025, in New York.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

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Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

“Dog shows are entertaining, but they also embody the essence of our breed,” emphasized one owner.

Though Monty received this year’s trophy, other contenders also captured the audience’s attention.

Over two evenings of semifinals, fans cheered for their favorite breeds and names of the canine participants, reminiscent of supporting professional sports teams like the NBA’s New York Knicks or the NHL’s New York Rangers.

“Love you, Lumpy!” someone shouted to a Pekingese named Lumpy, who amused the crowd with his unique walking style.

The crowd erupted with applause for Penny the Doberman Pinscher and Tuffy, a golden retriever representing a breed that has never taken home the top prize. She garnered attention from the judges as did another audience favorite, Calaco the Xoloitzcuintli, a hairless breed rich in Mexican heritage.

The event serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity among dogs, even within purebreds. While larger “working” breeds had their moment in the spotlight, terriers also stole the show.

Brina, a 158-pound (71.6 kg) Neapolitan mastiff, was one standout in her first-round competition. This robust breed was bred for guarding, but owner Yves Belmont, Ph.D., praised their intelligence as well.

“I’ve admired this breed since I was 12 years old… they are incredibly unique,” Belmont stated while Brina rested comfortably in her crate with a two-gallon (7.5-liter) water supply.

Neal, a Bichon Frise, wins the non-sporting group award at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York.
Heather Khalifa/AP

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Heather Khalifa/AP

Meanwhile, Tyra, the miniature bull terrier, made her debut in the first-round competition. Officially named GCH CH Rnr’s Top Model, she draws inspiration from fashion icon Tyra Banks.

This resilient breed is often dubbed “a big dog in a compact package,” always managing to bring a smile to your face, according to co-breeder Jessica Harrison from Austin, Texas. When asked how mischievous the two-year-old Tyra is, Harrison playfully said, “a solid nine!”

“You can’t help but love them for their adorableness,” she remarked as Tyra playfully rolled over for a belly rub from bystanders at the Javits Center, the venue for breed judging.

In addition to the main event, Westminster hosted agility and obedience championships over the weekend. The agility competition crowned a border collie named Vanish as champion, while an Australian shepherd named Willie emerged victorious in obedience.