A Westminster win is considered the most prestigious award in the US dog show world. Each dog is judged according to how closely it matches the ideal for its breed.

After coming close in the last two years, Monty the giant schnauzer won the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday night, leaving handler and co-owner Katie Bernardin almost too emotional to speak. “He always tries so hard, and we’re just proud of him,” she told the crowd at Madison Square Garden.