CNN
—

Monty, a remarkable Giant Schnauzer, took home the coveted title of Best in Show at the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show this Tuesday.

Having won the Working Group category for three consecutive years at Westminster, Monty has made history as the first Giant Schnauzer to achieve the Best in Show title at this prestigious event.

Monty’s victory marked a significant turning point, as it ended the Working Group’s long wait for a Best in Show champion at Westminster, a title that had not been claimed since 2004.

This five-year-old Giant Schnauzer previously earned the Best in Show award at the AKC National Championship held in December.

“He always gives it his all, and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Katie Bernardin, Monty’s owner and handler, while speaking to Fox Sports 1, visibly emotional after the significant win.

“The puppy did it!”

The Westminster Dog Show, which is celebrating its 149th year, ranks as the second-oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States, following only the Kentucky Derby.

According to the event organizers, about 3,000 dogs from around the globe come together in New York City to compete in this annual tradition.

The Best in Show award represents the pinnacle of achievement at this long-standing competition, determined by a single judge. This year, Paula Nykiel faced the challenging task of selecting from the winners of seven diverse groups.

The seven groups include: Herding, Hound, Non-Sporting, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, and Working, each featuring a variety of breeds and types of dogs.

The title of Reserve Best in Show went to Bourbon, a nine-year-old Whippet who made a comeback from retirement to participate this year. This marks Bourbon’s third Reserve Best in Show title at Westminster.

This year’s spectacle and pageantry returned to its traditional February timeline and was held at its original 1877 location, Madison Square Garden in New York, which was initially known as Gilmore’s Garden.

The competition relocated in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic but proudly returned to MSG this year ahead of the momentous 150th anniversary celebration next year.

“I’ve always cherished the history and tradition surrounding Westminster,” Nykiel shared with the enthusiastic audience before announcing the Best in Show winner.

“I believe everyone here tonight is just as thrilled as I am that Westminster has returned to Manhattan, particularly at the iconic Madison Square Garden.”

The dates for the highly anticipated 150th anniversary event in 2026 are yet to be announced.