Buddy Holly, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, winner of the Hound Group competes at the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Arthur Ashe Stadium on May 8, 2023 in New York City. SARAH STIER/GETTY IMAGES FOR WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB
Buddy Holly, a petit basset griffon Vendéen, was awarded the prestigious best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Tuesday night, beating out the other six canine finalists and their handlers.
PBGVs, as they’re known for short, are the 154th most prevalent purebreds in the country, according to recent American Kennel Club rankings.
“I never thought a PBGV would do this,” handler and co-owner Janice Hayes said. “Buddy Holly is the epitome of a show dog.”
Buddy Holly — so named because “he’s a buddy,” breeder Gavin Robertson explained — has also lived and competed in his native United Kingdom, and in Ireland and Australia.
If Buddy Holly was feeling the pressure, he didn’t let it show. Instead, he seemed more concerned late Tuesday afternoon with playing with his people and rejecting the notion of a nap in his crate.
About 2,500 dogs of 210 breeds and varieties vied for the trophy. Hundreds more competed in agility, obedience and other events.
“He just screams PBGV,” Hayes said. “They’re just very independent but very charming and just silly. Their goal is to make you laugh every day.”
Originally from France, the small hounds were traditionally rabbit-hunters.
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