Over 2,500 champion dogs representing all 50 states and around the world competed at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan on February 10 & 11 in New York City. America’s most iconic dog show made its 2025 return to Manhattan with Group judging and Best in Show at Madison Square Garden on February 10 & 11, 2025.
Like other hardworking athletes, dogs at AKC shows must face several levels of competition before reaching the top, beginning with competition for Best of Breed, then moving to Group and Best in Show. Bodacious aka Heart Mountain’s Bodacious at Sapphire Mountain, a Saint Bernard whose owners live in Florence, was awarded Best of Breed – Saint Bernard among stiff competition from top Saint Bernards from around the country at the day competition held at Jacob Javits Convention Center in NYC. Bodacious then moved to the iconic Madison Square Garden, “the world’s most famous arena,” to compete in the Working Group competition the evening of Feb. 11 that was televised live on FS1.
Bodacious loved the energy of a packed crowd at Madison Square Garden. He quickly became a crowd favorite. In the end he was awarded a Working Group 3. The Working Group 1 ribbon was awarded to the Giant Schnauzer who went on to be awarded Best in Show! Bodacious was the first Saint Bernard to be awarded a Group Placement at Westminster in 22 years. The last Saint Bernard to be awarded a Group 3 was in 1996. Bodacious is a young dog, so to be awarded a group placement over more experienced Best in Show dogs was a bit of a spoiler. Many were amazed that a dog that free ranges on his property in the Bitterroot Valley in Montana could be comfortable in a loud crowded arena as well as the streets of NYC. He owned it.
Bodacious on the big screen. Photo courtesy Jann Butler.
In addition to this most recent honor, Bodacious was awarded Best of Breed – Saint Bernard at the AKC National Championship held in Orlando, Florida in December 2024. He also earned a title in FastCat (100 yard dash for dogs). He is currently ranked the #1 Saint Bernard in the country.
Bodacious is owned and loved by Jann Butler, Terri Ebert and Will Bratcher from Florence. Terri is the current President of the Five Valley Kennel Club. The Five Valley Kennel Club is a not-for-profit group of people dedicated to the betterment of all dogs. The club hosts AKC matches, conformation shows, agility, obedience, rally and FastCat trials and Dock Diving events. Breeder and rescue referrals are also available. The club routinely makes donations to local non profit organizations focused on supporting the human/canine bond as well as the health, wellness and safety of dogs.