The Unstoppable Rise: 5 Shocking Facts About Monty, The First Giant Schnauzer To Win Westminster’s Best In Show
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the second-oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States, once again crowned a champion that shocked the world of purebred dog competition. As of today, December 23, 2025, the most recent and history-making champion is a majestic Giant Schnauzer named Monty. This incredible win at the 149th annual show solidified a new era in the sport, with the Giant Schnauzer breed finally capturing the coveted Best in Show title for the very first time.
The 2025 competition, held in February at the Jacob K. Javits Center and Madison Square Garden in New York, saw Monty triumph over more than 2,500 elite canines from around the globe. His victory is not just a personal achievement but a landmark moment for the entire Giant Schnauzer community, highlighting the breed's intelligence, power, and elegant presentation on the world stage. The journey of this five-year-old powerhouse from Connecticut, and his dedicated handler, is a story of persistence, perfection, and a well-deserved, history-making retirement.
Monty: The History-Making Giant Schnauzer Champion
The 2025 Best in Show winner, officially known as GCHG CH Hearthmore's Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB, is a dog of immense presence and a string of impressive titles. His full biography is a testament to his consistent excellence in the ring.
- Registered Name: GCHG CH Hearthmore's Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB
- Call Name: Monty
- Breed: Giant Schnauzer (Working Group)
- Age: 5 Years Old (Male)
- Hometown: Chaplin, Connecticut
- Owner/Handler: Katie Bernardin (also cited as Katherine Bernardin and Kate Bernadin)
- Major Titles: Best in Show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (2025), 2024 AKC National Championship Winner
- Historical Feat: First Giant Schnauzer in the 149-year history of the Westminster Dog Show to win Best in Show.
- Retirement Status: Retired immediately after his Westminster win.
5 Shocking Facts About Monty’s Historic Westminster Win
Monty’s 2025 Best in Show victory was not just another title; it was a powerful statement that broke a nearly 150-year-old barrier and cemented his place as a legend in the world of dog shows. These facts highlight the unique circumstances and the sheer magnitude of his accomplishment.
1. Monty Ended a 149-Year Breed Drought
The most significant fact of Monty’s win is that he is the very first Giant Schnauzer to ever win the Best in Show title at Westminster. The Giant Schnauzer breed, known for its rugged elegance and commanding appearance, has competed in the Working Group for decades, but never before has one taken the ultimate prize. This historical win places the breed on a new level of recognition and prestige, proving that the Working Group continues to be a formidable source of champions at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
2. He Beat a Former Reserve Best in Show Champion
The dog that Monty defeated for the prestigious Reserve Best in Show (RBIS) title was Bourbon, the elegant Whippet. Bourbon (GCHP CH Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon) is a well-known champion and a previous winner of the Hound Group. Bourbon’s handler, Chelsie Pickett Smithey, guided her to the RBIS honor, demonstrating the immense quality of the final seven dogs. Monty's ability to stand out against such a decorated competitor underscores the flawless performance he delivered under BIS Judge Paula Nykiel.
3. The Win Was His Grand Finale and Immediate Retirement
In a move that tugged at the heartstrings of dog lovers, Monty’s handler, Katie Bernardin, announced his immediate retirement following the Best in Show win. This victory was a perfect, storybook ending to a spectacular career. Monty’s decision to retire as the reigning Westminster champion means he will not compete in the ring again, leaving his legacy as the first of his breed to achieve the sport’s highest honor. This focus on the dog's well-being and a dignified exit resonated deeply with fans of the Westminster Kennel Club.
4. He Was a Back-to-Back Major Championship Winner
Monty's 2025 Westminster win was not a fluke; it was the culmination of a dominant run in the show circuit. Just months before his Westminster triumph, he had already secured one of the other most significant titles in the US dog world: the 2024 AKC National Championship. This rare feat of winning both the AKC National Championship and the Westminster Best in Show in successive years establishes him as one of the most successful show dogs in modern history, showcasing his consistent quality and the skill of his owner/handler, Katie Bernardin.
5. The Full Lineup of 2025 Group Winners Was Stacked with Talent
To win Best in Show, Monty had to first win the Working Group and then defeat six other Group Winners, a field that was exceptionally talented at the 149th show. The lineup of 2025 Group Winners represents the pinnacle of their respective breeds, providing excellent topical authority for the event:
- Working Group Winner: Monty (Giant Schnauzer)
- Hound Group Winner (RBIS): Bourbon (Whippet, GCHP CH Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon)
- Terrier Group Winner: Archer (Skye Terrier, GCHS CH Gleanntan's Sure Shot Greyjoy), handled by Antoinelle Vulpis.
- Non-Sporting Group Winner: Neal (Bichon Frise, GCHS CH Top Speed Neal), handled by Lisa Bettis.
- Toy Group Winner: Comet (Shih Tzu)
- Sporting Group Winner: Freddie (English Springer Spaniel, GCHP CH Telltale Bohemian Rhapsody).
- Herding Group Winner: Mercedes (German Shepherd Dog, GCHP CH Kaleef's Mercedes), handled by Kent Boyles.
The Previous Champion: Sage the Miniature Poodle (2024)
Before Monty’s historic victory, the 148th Westminster Dog Show in 2024 crowned a Miniature Poodle named Sage as the Best in Show winner. Sage (GCHG CH Surrey Sage) was a crowd favorite, known for her powerful movement and perfectly coiffed black coat. Her win was a testament to the enduring quality of the Poodle breed, which has a long and successful history at the show. Sage was expertly handled by the renowned Kaz Hosaka, adding another major title to his decorated career.
The transition from a Miniature Poodle (Non-Sporting Group) to a Giant Schnauzer (Working Group) as the champion highlights the incredible diversity and unpredictable nature of the Westminster Dog Show. The competition truly rewards the dog that is judged to be the most perfect example of its breed standard on that specific night.
Westminster: A Legacy of Canine Excellence and Tradition
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the human-canine bond and the dedication to preserving purebred dog standards. The show, which first began in 1877, attracts the world's finest purebreds, judged on their conformation, temperament, and movement. The seven groups—Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding—each represent a distinct function and history of dog breeds, making the final Best in Show ring a spectacular display of canine heritage. Monty’s win as the first Giant Schnauzer champion adds a new, powerful chapter to this storied tradition, ensuring that the 149th annual show will be remembered for decades to come.
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