Westminster Show, Love for Pets, Monty's Unstoppable Spirit: Monty Makes History by Winning as the First Giant Schnauzer

Westminster Show, Love for Pets, Monty's Unstoppable Spirit: Monty Makes History by Winning as the First Giant Schnauzer

New York: This time, Monty, the Giant Schnauzer, won the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. After two years of coming close, Monty finally won the prestigious award on Tuesday night, which nearly brought his owner and co-owner, Katie Bernardin, to tears.

"He always works so hard, and we are so proud of him," she said to the audience at Madison Square Garden.

Monty made history by becoming the first Giant Schnauzer to win the Best in Show at Westminster, defeating seven other finalists. Last December, he also won the massive American Kennel Club Championship and had previously competed twice at Westminster. His uniqueness and exceptional "emotion and structure" set him apart, said co-owner Sandy Nordstrom.

"He is truly an extraordinary dog," she said in an interview before his victory, which marked his final competition. Five-year-old Monty is now retiring from shows.

The runner-up was a Whippet named Bourbon, competing for the third time. Other finalists included a Bichon Frise, Niall; a Skye Terrier, Archer; and a Shih Tzu, Comet, who had been finalists before.

Also included were a German Shepherd, Mercedes, who had earned second place last year, and an English Springer Spaniel, Freddy.

Each dog is judged based on how well it matches the breed standard. The winners receive trophies, ribbons, and honor, but no cash prizes are awarded.

During a break in the semifinal round, security removed someone from the ring side. The animal rights group 'People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' (PETA) announced that a supporter was removed for holding a sign.

Westminster noted that the event celebrates all dogs. The competing dogs are also pets, with some working in therapy, search and rescue, or other canine roles.

"A good German Shepherd is an exceptional dog," said Sherry Moses Combs, co-breeder and co-owner of Mercedes.

In addition to Monty, other dogs that excited the audience on stage included Penny, a Doberman Pinscher, and Taffy, a Golden Retriever.