Buddy Holly, a charming bearded petite basset griffon bundeen, including last year’s runner-up French bulldog Winston, at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Tuesday night He won the top prize ahead of other winners.
“I’ve dreamed of this since I was nine years old,” said Buddy Holly owner and trainer Janice Hayes. Her full name is CH. Her Soletrader Buddy Holly is what she called “the epitome of a show dog.” Nothing bothers him. ”
Tuesday night was Hayes’ third try at West, and Hayes said he watched it with his father when he was a child. Hayes said he was most impressed with Buddy Holly’s performance. “Because he did what I wanted.”
Now, Hayes said he’s most excited to see Buddy Holly go back to being a regular dog and playing with his “girlfriends.”
Cheerful and friendly, he is the first dog of his breed (a type of hound often acronymed as PBGV because it’s easy to say) to win Best of Show at a Westminster show. Coming in second is Rammy, a Pekingese whose breeder and handler, David Fitzpatrick, has produced two previous winners, including 2021 champion Wasabi.
“I like that because it’s a small breed and it’s not for everyone,” Hayes said, pulling away from her dog who was trying to eat nearby flowers. She added, “We’ve spent a long time getting this breed’s attention and it’s great to have this breed on the map.”
The finalists presented a wide range of choices for experienced judge Beth Swigert, whose task was to choose which dog was the best example of the breed. In addition to Toy winner Rumi and Non-sport winner Winston, other nominees include Sporting winner Cider the English Setter, with her flowing coat and gliding gait. captivated the audience.
There was also a proud American Staffordshire terrier named Trouble, who took over the group of terriers. Ribbon is a bright and enthusiastic Australian Shepherd who won the Harding Group. and working group winner Monty, the handsome bearded giant schnauzer.
Each animal was judged on how well they adhered to breed standards, rather than on their cuteness, beauty or charm. Before picking a champion, Sweigart looked over all the finalists hand and eye and took his time choosing as they built drama as they ran around the ring.
After years of dominance by terriers, Buddy Holly joins a winning team that has recently begun to expand into different breeds. Last year, a jolly bloodhound named Trumpet took first prize at the show, followed by a Pekingese Wasabi and a black Standard Poodle named Shiva.
“They’re not golden retrievers sitting there asking you what you want,” Hayes said. “Let them do their thing. But once they get it, whatever happens makes you laugh every day.”
If a show dog feels the pain of defeat, it will hurt Winston. He was last year’s runner-up (his official title is the show’s best reserve), but despite his clean, smooth coat and charming demeanor, he didn’t make it.
will he come back? He declined to comment.
