Buddy Holly Wins Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

More than 3,000 dogs representing 210 breeds competed at the 147th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Amid the excitement, six‑year‑old Buddy Holly stood out, delivering a calm, confident performance that earned him the coveted Best in Show award.

Breed of the Best‑in‑Show Winner

Buddy Holly is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV), a French scent‑hound originally bred for rabbit hunting in bramble‑filled terrain. In the United States the breed is simply called a “Petit,” while in the United Kingdom they’re known as “Roughies.” His victory marked a historic first: no PBGV had ever captured the Best in Show title, breaking a streak dominated by wire fox terriers, Scottish terriers and English springer spaniels.

Judges evaluate appearance, temperament, and structure against the breed standard. Buddy impressed with his poised carriage, joyful demeanor, and unmistakable breed characteristics, proving he was the top PBGV in the ring.

Owners and Handler

The dog was handled by co‑owner Janice Hayes of Palm Springs, who shares ownership with Donna Moore, Eric Cadmore, and Cathy Neill. Hayes told Good Morning America that she recognized Buddy’s champion potential as early as age nine. “I knew it was going to happen. I fell in love with the sport and knew exactly what I wanted to do,” she said during her interview with anchor Michael Strahan.

Buddy’s name pays homage to the legendary American singer‑songwriter Buddy Holly, adding a touch of pop‑culture flair to his Westminster debut.

Other Group Winners at Westminster 2023

• Best in Toy Group: Rummie the Pekingese
• Best in Non‑Sporting Group: Winston the French Bulldog
• Best in Herding Group: Ribbon the Australian Shepherd

Winston, who was runner‑up for Best in Show in 2022, repeated his group victory for the second consecutive year and had previously won the National Dog Show in November 2022. Had he taken the top prize this year, he would have become the first French Bulldog to do so.

Sources:

• Press Release: The 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
• ABC News: “Owner speaks out after dog makes history with Westminster win”
• CNN: “Buddy Holly, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, wins best in show at Westminster Dog Show”
• Bleacher Report: “Westminster Dog Show 2023 Results: Best of Breed Winners and Monday Recap”