Calling all dog lovers: It’s that time of the year again. Pups of many different sizes and breeds competed for the top prize in the 147th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. But in the end, there’s only one dog who can be crowned the winner.
Buddy Holly the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (who also goes by the stage name CH Soletrader Buddy Holly) was awarded the grand prize for the Best in Show category (Jennifer Coolidge must be thrilled).
Toward the end of the show, the victorious canine was given the first-place trophy and ribbon alongside his owner/handler, Janice Hayes. (Congrats, you two!)
Beth Sweigart, who was one of the judges, took a moment to say a few words to all the competing pups. “I want to thank the dogs themselves, who give so much to our lives,” Sweigart said, according to People.
Hayes also expressed her excitement for Buddy Holly winning first place, saying, “I never thought a PBGV would do this. I’ve been dreaming about this since I was 9 years old.”
So, who won second place? This year, that award goes to…Rummie, the Pekingese! The runner-up took home the prize for Reserve Best in Show. The dog’s handler happened to be David Fitzpatrick, who also won the top prize with his Pekingese dogs, Wasabi and Malachy, in past competitions.
For the first time ever, the 2023 Westminster Dog Show was held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center located in Queens, New York.
At the 2022 Westminster Dog Show, Trumpet the Bloodhound was crowned the winner and was given the Best in Show title. And not only that—Trumpet made history as the first Bloodhound to win the dog competition.
Congratulations on your big win, Buddy Holly!
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