A 'PBGV' wins Westminster dog show, a first for the breed

A petit basset griffon Vendeen named for a late rock 'n' roll legend won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday night, a first for the rabbit-hunting breed. Buddy Holly bested six other finallists to garner the most prestigious dog show award in the United States.

This Buddy Holly no longer has to sigh, "That'll be the day."

A petit basset griffon Vendeen named for the late rock 'n' roll legend won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday night, a first for the rabbit-hunting breed. Buddy Holly bested six other finalists to garner the most prestigious dog show award in the United States.

"I never thought a PBGV would do this," handler and co-owner Janice Hayes said. "Buddy Holly is the epitome of a show dog. Nothing bothers him."

Indeed, his white-tipped tail didn't stop wagging while he competed in the stadium where the U.S. Open tennis tournament's top matches are played. Not even while he posed for countless pictures after a win that Hayes called "so surreal."

"We're so proud of him," she said.

His competitors included Rummie, a Pekingese that came in second after aiming to bring home the third trophy in 11 years for his small-but-regal breed -- and for handler, owner and breeder David Fitzpatrick. He guided Pekes Malachy and Wasabi to Westminster wins in 2012 and 2021, respectively.

Rummie is "true to Pekingese type, lots of carriage, presence -- everything in one, here," he said Monday.