***  HANDSOME FELLER!  ***  GIANT SCHNAUZER WINS WESTMINSTER’S BEST IN SHOW

Above: Photo of Monty and handler/owner Katherine Bernardine, courtesy of WKC/ HN edits… Westminster Kennel Club media statement: 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.