The Westminster Kennel Club Dog in New York is one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world, and this year, history was made when Buddy Buddy Holly, the PBGV, short for Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, won Best in Show. With his wagging tail and charming personality, Buddy stole the hearts of everyone in attendance. Dog lovers can’t get enough of this lovable breed! Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a small to medium-sized breed, typically weighing 25-40 pounds (11-18 kg) and standing about 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) tall at the shoulder. Despite their small size, they are a sturdy and athletic breed known for their energy and endurance.
The press release issued by the Westminster Kennel Club Dog states, The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen “Buddy” won Best in Show at the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan under judge Ms. Elizabeth “Beth” Sweigart at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Tuesday, May 9. Buddy, a 6-year-old Palm Springs, California male, officially known as CH Soletrader Buddy Holly, is handled by Janice Hayes, co-owned by Janice Hayes, Lizzie Cadmore, Cathy O’Neill and Donna Moore, and bred by Gavin and Sara Robertson. Buddy bested a field of 2,500 entered dogs to win Best in Show on Tuesday night after two days of Best of Breed, Group and Best in Show competition.
It is hard to tell what exactly made Buddy Holly a winner of the Grand Prize this year, but PBGVs are a breed that are known for their excellent tracking abilities and their playful, outgoing personalities. They are a breed that is both intelligent and athletic, making them a well-rounded and impressive competitor in the show ring. Additionally, the breed has a unique and distinctive appearance, with shaggy coats and droopy ears that will catch the judges’ eyes. These combined factors could have contributed to a PBGV winning Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show.
The 2023 Reserve Best In Show was awarded to “GCH CH Pequest Rum Dum,” a Pekingese full of spunk.
Twenty-five hundred dogs from 210 different breeds and varieties signed up this year to compete for the best-in-show trophy award in a competition that is taken extremely seriously by its fans and participants. Wins can result in commercial endorsements and significant monetary wins.
The list of all the four-legged winners by group is here.
While the show has been traditionally held for decades, all or partly at Madison Square Garden, the pandemic changed everything. It was moved to outdoor locations at a suburban Tarrytown, New York estate. But this year’s organizers were determined to return to New York City; organizers partnered with the U.S. Open tennis tournament’s team in Flushing Meadows. “An iconic dog show event in an iconic venue,” said Westminster President Donald Sturz enthuses.
