Giant schnauzer Monty crowned top dog at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

At the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a giant schnauzer named Monty was crowned Best in Show. The two-day event, held in New York City, brought together over 2,500 top dogs competing for the prestigious title.

This marks the first time a giant schnauzer has won Best in Show in the Westminster Kennel Club's 95-year history. Handler and co-owner Katie Bernardin was overwhelmed with emotion, stating, "He always tries so hard, and we're so proud of him."

Co-owner Sandy Nordstrom described Monty as bold, confident, and fun-loving. In a pre-show interview, she remarked, "He's just a really cool dog." This competition also marked the final event in Monty's career, as the five-year-old champion is set to retire.

Monty faced stiff competition, vying for the coveted title against seven other semifinalists. These contenders included Bichon Frise GCHG CH Vogelflight's Honor To Reign, Scottish Terrier GCHG CH McVan's To Russia With Love, Whippet CH Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon (a multiple group winner), and Shih Tzu GCHG CH Hallmark Jolei Out Of This World. Also competing were last year's reserve champion, German Shepherd Dog GCHG CH Kaleef's Mercedes, and English Springer Spaniel GCHG CH Cerise French Showgirl.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is considered the most prestigious event in the United States for purebred dogs, and it is also the second-oldest sporting event in the country, second only to the Kentucky Derby. So, how do the judges pick a champion?

For the average spectator, it can be difficult to understand what the judges are determining by touching and carefully observing the competing dogs. But selecting a champion requires an encyclopedic knowledge of 201 different breeds. Judges perform hands-on examinations and observe the dogs in motion to determine which one most closely resembles its breed's ideal standard, which are stipulated in "standards" that detail the desired characteristics.

Westminster Kennel Club President Donald Sturz stated that he looks for "the presence of virtues, not the absence of faults." He said, "I focus on the dogs that have the virtues that resonate with me most from one end to the other."

But ultimately, it comes down to which dog performs best on the day. Mr. Sturz said, "There's always something that a dog brings that particular night that just elevates it over the other good dogs."