Full Monty – giant schnauzer wins top US dog show

The dog was named best in show at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club contest in New York City.

A gigantic dog's owner gives him a kiss — Katie Bernardin kisses Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, after winning best in show in the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show (AP)

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.

Monty is put through his paces — Monty had come close to the top title before (AP)

“He always tries so hard, and we’re just proud of him,” she eventually told the crowd at Madison Square Garden.

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.

Bourbon the whippet — Bourbon, a Whippet, took second prize (AP)

The spirited schnauzer won the huge American Kennel Club championship in December, and he had appeared at Westminster twice before.

A standout because of “everything from his attitude to his structure”, Monty is bold, cocky and fun, according to co-owner Sandy Nordstrom.

A Bichon Frise runs on the carpet — Neal, a Bichon Frise, was in the running (AP)

“He’s just a really cool dog,” she said in an interview before his win, which will be his last competition before the five-year-old retires.

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.

Comet the Shih Tzu runs alongside its owner — Comet, a Shih Tzu, was also up for best in show (AP)

Also in the mix were a German shepherd named Mercedes, who came in second last year, and an English springer spaniel called Freddie.

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.

Monty, with his owner, and the trophy, on the podium — Katie Bernardin and Monty celebrated after the dog’s win – which will be his last, as the five-year-old retires (AP)

During a break between semi-final rounds, security personnel surrounded and removed someone along the sidelines of the ring.

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.