The Westminster 2025 Best in Show award went to the massive schnauzer Monty. Monty became the first member of his breed to win the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show championship after this historic victory on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden..
A Historic Victory for the Giant Schnauzer
It was revolutionary when Monty won Best in Show. Since its debut at Westminster in 1930, the gigantic schnauzer breed has never won the top honor—until now. In addition to ending the working group’s 20-year skid, this triumph was the first time a working dog had taken home the award since 2004.
Best in Show Westminster 2025: Tough Competition
From a limited selection of contenders, Monty was chosen by Judge Paula Nykiel. The Ocean City, New Jersey, five-year-old schnauzer competed against six other group champions, including:
🏆 Set aside Top of the Show: Bourbon, a whippet, finished second for the third time 🐍 Additional finalists were a shih tzu from the toy group, a German shepherd, an English springer spaniel, a bichon frisée, and a Skye terrier.
With more than 2,500 canines in the race, Monty’s victory solidified his legacy at Westminster.
The Road to Triumph for Monty
Monty has been on the verge of victory before. In 2023 and 2024, he made it to the Best in Show round but lost. He entered as the top-ranked dog this year and eventually won the title.
Katie Bernardin, his handler and co-owner, said she was thrilled:
“Winning Best in Show is a dream come true.”
Bernardin had won Best Junior Handler at Westminster when she was 18 years old. Now, she had reached the pinnacle of dog showing.
A Champion’s Life After Westminster
The Westminster Dog Show is one of the oldest sporting events in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby in continuous history. Though there is no prize money, winners gain immense prestige, leading to high-value breeding opportunities.
Monty’s post-victory tour includes:
📺 TV appearances
🏙️ A visit to the Empire State Building
🐶 A well-earned rest at home in Chaplin, Connecticut
Bernardin is confident Monty will enjoy his moment in the spotlight:
“He’ll love it. It’s all about Monty.”
Westminster 2025: A Dog Breed Celebration
201 breeds and variations were on display in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show this year, including: 🐕 Rare breeds like the Belgian laekenois and bluetick coonhound
Popular breeds like poodles and dachshunds
The final round was conducted at Madison Square Garden under high lights, while breed judging was done in the Javits Convention Center.
A Westminster Moment to Remember
For huge schnauzers and the working group, Monty’s historic Best in Show win represents a turning point. Westminster Dog Show viewers will commemorate this significant occasion, honoring a breed that at last took home the top prize.
Source: The Guardian
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