Only one dog gets to leave the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with a silver bowl and a comically large purple-and-yellow ribbon, and it seemed pretty clear as the judging unfolded on Tuesday night that best in show would be bestowed upon Monty, a giant schnauzer. He came into the competition as the top-ranked dog in the country and walked around Madison Square Garden like he owned the place.
That the field of dogs around him was so accomplished, and so stunning, only made his victory lap more impressive. But along the way, some crowd favorites were noted — the golden retriever who could not make it out of the sporting group despite raucous cheers — and some top contenders for future years were identified.
As always, the dogs were not judged against one another, per se, but were considered for how closely they adhered to their own breed’s standards. The seven group winners all delivered in that regard. Here is a look at what made each impossible to forget.
Archer: Most Addams Family!
The Skye terrier seemed to hydroplane across the judging ring with ease on his way to winning the terrier group — even though his pin-straight silver coat hung like a fringe around his entire body, covering his legs and eyes like a dog show version of Cousin Itt.
Freddie: Most Killer Queen!
The English springer spaniel, who is named after Freddie Mercury (his full name is GCHP CH Telltale Bohemian Rhapsody), had a performance that the man he was named for could be proud of, strutting around and getting himself noticed in the sporting group, where most of the dogs were far larger (and potentially more sporting).
Bourbon: Most Always the Bridesmaid!
The whippet was on familiar turf, having won Westminster’s reserve best in show (second place) in both 2020 and 2021 before settling into a life of cushy retirement. Brought back on a whim for this show, at 9½ years old, she … took home reserve best in show yet again. Back to retirement?
Comet: Most Toupee!
The Shih Tzu won the toy group for a second straight year, frequently flashing his tongue as he pranced around the ring with his long hair billowing around him as if a hairpiece had come to life. He was the smallest dog in the final, but he held his own and could have his chance at best in show in another year.
Neal: Most Cloudlike!
The bichon frisé, whose puffy white coat made him look like a tiny cloud or a walking piece of cotton candy, was the picture of impracticality, which was perfect for capturing the non-sporting group.
Mercedes: Most Wait Until Next Year (Again)!
The German shepherd won the herding group for the second year in a row, which could lead to some ribbing at the next family reunion: Mercedes is a cousin of Rumor, the German shepherd who took home best in show in 2017 after finishing second the year before. But take heart, Mercedes fans: This year’s champion, Monty, lost twice, too, before winning the top prize.
Monty: Most Man in Black!
The giant schnauzer, who came into the competition ranked as the presumptive favorite, was the picture of Johnny Cash-like cool, capturing the working group for a third year in a row and then holding off the other six finalists — many of whom had reserve best in show finishes on their résumé — with ease.
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