Everyone Loves an Underdog: Meet Buddy Holly, the Surprise Winner of the Westminster Dog Show

Congratulations are in order for Buddy Holly, the adorable pup who just won Best in Show at the 147th annual Westminster Dog Show. A Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV), the canine is the first of his breed to win the competition's most noteworthy prize.

On Tuesday, Buddy Holly was crowned the winner of the hound group. Following his victory, the PBGV went on to compete against six other Best in Show finalists: Rummie the Pekingese, Ribbon the Australian Shepherd, Cider the English Setter, Winston the French Bulldog, Monty the Giant Achnauzer, and Trouble the American Staffordshire.

Although CNN reports that Winston was the crowd favorite heading into the event, Buddy Holly ultimately took the top prize. "He's just everything a PBGV should be—hardheaded, stubborn, happy," said Janice Hayes, Buddy Holly's handler. "He moves just so easily, and we are just so proud of him." Coming in second place was Rummie the Pekingese, who won Reserve Best in Show—the Westminster Dog Show's runner-up title.

Buddy Holly beat out over 2,500 dogs across more than 200 breeds to win 2023's Best in Show title. He took the top spot from Trumpet the Bloodhound, who was the first bloodhound to win the Westminster Dog Show in 2022.

The annual contest is the second-longest continuous sporting event in the United States. This year's dog show took place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, N.Y. It was the first time the show was held at that venue.