The dog won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday night, a first for his rabbit-hunting breed.
Buddy Holly, a petit basset griffon Vendéen (PBGV), made history at the 2023 Westminster Kennel Club dog show by winning Best in Show, marking the first time the breed has claimed the prestigious title. Known for their rabbit-hunting background, Buddy Holly triumphed over six other finalists to take home the coveted award.
The PBGV breed, ranked as the 154th most common purebred in the U.S. according to the American Kennel Club, gained newfound attention thanks to Buddy Holly’s victory. His handler and co-owner, Janice Hayes, expressed her surprise, saying, “I never thought a PBGV would do this,” adding that Buddy embodies what it means to be a show dog.
Buddy Holly’s competitors included familiar names such as Rummie, a Pekingese aiming for a third win in 11 years for the breed, and Winston the French bulldog, who narrowly missed out on the title the previous year. Other contenders were Ribbon, an Australian shepherd; Cider, an English setter; Monty, a giant schnauzer; and Trouble, an American Staffordshire terrier.
Despite the competition, Buddy Holly remained unfazed by the pressure of the finals. Instead of focusing on a nap or resting in his crate, he was more interested in playing and enjoying time with his handlers. Hayes described him as “very independent but very charming and just silly,” reflecting the PBGV’s playful and affectionate nature.
Originating from France, the PBGV breed was traditionally used for rabbit hunting, with the name meaning “low-lying, wire-haired dog from the Vendée region.” Buddy Holly, who was named after the iconic rock ‘n’ roll star because “he’s a buddy,” has had an international career, competing in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and now the United States.
Buddy Holly’s victory was a historic moment for the breed and a proud achievement for his owner and handler, showcasing the unique charm and personality that make him stand out as a champion.
