Best dog: Giant Schnauzer receives top award in New York

By Naveena Kottoor

New York (USA) - A five-year-old giant schnauzer with a jet-black coat has won top honors at the prestigious Westminster dog show in New York.

Katie Bernardin and Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, celebrate after winning the Best Dog of the Show award at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Katie Bernardin and Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, celebrate after winning the Best Dog of the Show award at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.  © Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP/dpa

Monty from the US state of New Jersey beat off competition from more than 2500 other dogs . He is the first giant schnauzer in the history of the dog show to win the top award, according to US broadcaster CNN.

"He always tries so hard," said Katie Bernardin, the dog's owner, in tears during the awards ceremony at Madison Square Garden. "I'm so proud of him."

The giant schnauzer loves to eat steak, play with footballs and occasionally gets into mischief, she said.

The Westminster Dog Show took place for the 149th time and is considered the oldest in the world. This year, 201 dog breeds from 50 states were represented. The winning dog in the "Best in Show" category regularly becomes a starin the USA .