Monty the giant schnauzer has won the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York City.
The dog was named best in show after missing out in the previous two years at the most prestigious US canine competition, leaving handler and co-owner Katie Bernardin almost too emotional to speak.
The spirited schnauzer bested six other finalists to become the first of his breed to be named best in show at Westminster, the most prestigious prize in the US dog show world.
A standout because of “everything from his attitude to his structure”, Monty is bold, cocky and fun, according to co-owner Sandy Nordstrom.
The runner-up was, for the third time, a whippet known as Bourbon. Other finalists included a bichon frise called Neal, a Skye terrier named Archer, and a shih tzu called Comet who’s been a finalist before.
Each dog at Westminster is judged according to how closely it matches the ideal for its breed. Winners get a trophy, ribbons and bragging rights – but no cash prize.
Campaign group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), which has protested at the dog show for years, said on X that a supporter was removed after holding a sign.
Westminster says that it celebrates all dogs. The show champions that compete also are household pets, and some do therapy work, search-and-rescue or other canine jobs.
