Monty the Giant Schnauzer Wins Best in Show at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
New York, NY (February 12, 2025) —The Giant Schnauzer named Monty took home the highest title of Best in Show at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan. Under Judge Paula Nykiel of Washington, Missouri, America’s most prestigious dog show came to a close at Madison Square Garden, “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” on the evening of Tuesday, February 11.
Monty, a 5-year-old male of Ocean City, NJ, officially known as GCHG CH Hearthmore’s Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB, is handled by Katherine Bernardin and owned by Sandra Nordstrom, Katherine Bernardin, and Cherlann Ambrose. Monty bested a field of over 2,500 entries in conformation, with two days of Best of Breed judging from Monday, February 10 – Tuesday, February 11 held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, culminating with the Group and Best in Show competitions at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden.
Bourbon, the 9-year-old female Whippet, officially known as GCHP CH Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon, won Reserve Best in Show with handler, Cheslie Pickett Smithey.
2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Best in Show Photos
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin (C) and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, celebrate during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, celebrate during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, celebrate during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club )
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, backstage during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club )
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, backstage during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club )
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, backstage during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club )
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin (L) and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin (C) and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club )
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club )
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club )
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin (C) and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club )
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin (L) and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Katherine Bernardin (C) and her dog Monty the Giant Schnauzer, winner of Best in Show, during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
LINK TO IMAGES: HERE
Courtesy of Getty Images for The Westminster Kennel Club
LINK TO VIDEO: HERE
Courtesy of FOX Sports
On Tuesday evening, Best in Show was televised live on FS1 from New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, the original home of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The Empire State Building illuminated the New York City skyline in Westminster’s iconic purple and gold to celebrate the 149th annual event.
For full results and video, visit westminsterkennelclub.org.
