Monty, a giant schnauzer, has been crowned Best in Show at the prestigious 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, triumphing over 2,500 competing dogs in New York. Monty’s victory marks a historic moment for the Working Group, as it is their first win since 2004. Bourbon the Whippet, a former champion, made a strong comeback from retirement to claim Reserve Best in Show as the runner-up.
Monty, officially registered as GCHG CH Hearthmore’s Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB, is owned by Sandra Nordstrom, Katherine Bernardin, and Cherlann Ambrose. Born on October 31, 2019, Monty was bred by Cherlann Ambrose and is the son of GCHG CH Ingebar’s Tynan Dances With Wildflowers and GCH Nightline Heart Of Delarive CGC.
The giant schnauzer is a large, intelligent, and powerful breed originally developed in Germany for herding cattle and guarding property. Known for their loyalty, high energy, and strong protective instincts, they have since become popular as working dogs in police and military forces, as well as affectionate family companions. Their distinctive wiry coat, bushy eyebrows, and beard give them a bold and commanding appearance, while their keen intelligence makes them highly trainable and adaptable.