Of the 2,500 dogs entered at the 147th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, only one dog, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen CH Soletrader Buddy Holly, wagged his way to the winners podium on Tuesday, May 9. Judge Ms. Elizabeth “Beth” Sweigart of Bowmansville, Pennsylvania chose the 6-year-old male from seven group finalists at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York.
Historic Best in Show for PBGVs
This is the first time in the show’s history that a PBGV, a low-slung, shaggy-coated member of the Hound Group, has won the purple and gold top ribbon. As handler and co-owner Janice Hayes piloted the vivacious French hunting breed around the large Arthur Ashe Stadium, Buddy Holly rocked the crowd and left no doubt that the silver trophy belonged to him. Making his debut in the U.S. earlier this year, the dog has previously shown in Australia, England, and Ireland.
Bred by Gavin and Sara Robertson, and owned by Janice Hayes, Lizzie Cadmore, Cathy Oneill, and Donna Moore, this small rabbit hunter with chart-topping charisma resides in Palm Springs, California.
Reserve Best in Show
Sweigart’s runner-up, aka Reserve Best in Show honors, went to GC Pequest Rum Dum “Rummie,” the Pekingese, who represented the Toy Group.
Bred and shown by owner-handler David Fitzpatrick, the compact, 3-year-old dog of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, moves with a distinctive rolling gait and exudes royalty. Created as companions for the ruling classes of ancient China, Pekingese have won Westminster Best in Show five times. Rummie’s great-grandsire, “Malachy” GCh Palacegarden Malachy, claimed Westminster Best in Show honors in 2012. When Mrs. Cindy Vogels judged the Toy Group at Westminster, she chose Malachy as her group winner.
Purina Pro Plan, with advanced nutrition that has fueled 15 of the last 16 Best in Show winners, returns as Presenting Sponsor of the 147th WKC Dog Show, and the 10th Anniversary Masters Agility and 8th Annual Masters Obedience Championships.
