(CNN) Buddy Holly, the petit basset griffon Vendéen, was named best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show — the first of his breed to win the prestigious top prize contest.
PBGV, who on Tuesday won the hound group, impressed the judges with his confidence and calm demeanor.
“He’s just everything a PBGV should be — hardheaded, stubborn, happy,” said Janice Hayes, Buddy Holly’s handler, after the puppy was named best in show. “He’s just so quick to act, and we’re so proud of him.”
He is the “epitome of a show dog,” she said.
This year’s result is something of a disappointment: Winston the French bulldog is the crowd favorite heading into the final round of judging and looking to claim the top spot after being named best in show reserve at Westminster in 2022.
This year’s runner-up title went to Rummie the Pekingesethe super furry, pocket-sized winner of the toy group.
The Westminster is one of the oldest sporting events in the US, second only to the Kentucky Derby. Since 1877 — before the American Kennel Club — canines from the ever-winning wire fox terrier and prissy poodle to the bug-eyed boxer and devoted Doberman have competed for best in show.
More than 3,000 dogs from 210 breeds are expected to compete this week, according to the Westminster Kennel Club. Dog competitors first face off against other dogs of their breed, where they are judged against the breed standards of the American Kennel Club, and the best of the breed goes on to group judging. The dogs are divided into seven groups: Terrier, toy, herding, hound, working, sporting and non-sporting. The best dog within each group moves on to the final round, when best in show is awarded.
Last year’s best performance was given by Trumpet the bloodhound, the first of his breed to take the top spot at Westminster.
