Watch The Emotional Moment The First Giant Schnauzer Ever Wins Best In Show at the Westminster Dog Show
Monty, a five-year-old Giant Schnauzer, made history this year by being the first Giant Schnauzer ever to win Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! As the results were announced, Monty’s owner and handler Katherine Bernardin’s free hand flew to her face, and she instantly doubled over in tears to kiss him. Though Monty might not know how huge the moment was for him, his breed, and his owners/handlers, he worked hard for that glorious moment.
@foxsports The moment Monty the Giant Schnauzer won Best in Show at Westminster 🥹❤️ #dogsoftiktok #dog #dogs #giantschnauzer #bestinshow ♬ snowfall – Øneheart & reidenshi
“Lots of hard work and preparation goes into a dog show like this,” said Katherine Bernardine, Monty’s handler and co-owner in an interview with Good Morning America. “It’s not just one day we wake up and go to a dog show; it’s months of preparing, and getting him ready, and getting him in shape…there’s a process to the madness, you know, it’s a lot!”
Officially registered under the name “Hearthmore’s Wintergreen Mountain,” friends and family simply call this beautiful solid-black Giant Schnauzer “Monty.” Born on Halloween of 2019, Monty was bred by one of his co-owners, Cherlann Ambrose, and belongs to the Hearthmore Giant Schnauzers kennel. Monty’s award-winning good looks come from his parents, both of whom are beautiful all-black Giant Schnauzers; his dad (named Ingebar’s Tynan Dances With Wildflowers) is even an award-winner himself!
Despite being a natural in the show ring, Monty does need some encouragement. His treat of choice for high-pressure shows is carne asada (steak), but he’s a food-motivated boy who rarely turns his nose up at anything. Congratulations, Monty!
Flip’s Farm Dog Valentina is a Giant Schnauzer
Monty’s win is especially exciting for us at Flip’s Farm because we recently welcomed Valentina, a rescue dog who looks nearly identical to a Giant Schnauzer—and her DNA test confirms it! While we originally guessed she might be a mix, her results show she’s almost purebred. Just like Monty, Valentina is full of energy, incredibly smart, and absolutely loves to play. While she won’t be competing for Best in Show anytime soon, she’s already won our hearts!
What is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?
2025 marked the 149th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a breed conformation event watched by millions of dog lovers worldwide. A breed conformation dog show judges dogs based on how closely they exemplify the desired qualities of their breed. The top award of this prestigious show (or any dog show in the US) is Best In Show, awarded to the dog that best represents its breed.
While any breed can theoretically win, some breeds rack up the awards while others struggle to reach the gold. For instance, Wire Fox Terriers have won Best In Show fifteen times, while breeds like the Golden Retriever have never earned this top spot.
So, it’s a big deal when a new dog breed wins, and Monty just clinched the first-ever Best In Show for the Giant Schnauzer!
Giant Schnauzers Available for Adoption
1. Jaycee
Meet Jaycee, a 3-year-old Giant Schnauzer with a heart full of quiet sweetness. Weighing in at 50 pounds, she may be a big girl, but her gentle nature makes her a perfect fit for a loving home. Jaycee is a little shy at first, but each day, she grows braver—and now, she’s looking for the right family to help her continue her journey.
2. Baker
Baker, a 4-year-old, 90-pound Giant Schnauzer is a loving, snuggly, and loyal dog who thrives on companionship. However, he also comes with some reactive tendencies that require an experienced, patient adopter. His current family is heartbroken over the decision to rehome him, but they want to ensure he finds a home that meets his needs.
3. Valentina
Valentina is a 2 year old old Giant Schnauzer that was found by Animal Control in the yard of a vacant home alone with severe injuries. She appears to have either serious road rash from being hit by a car, or she was burned by heat/fire.
