Buddy Holly made history at this year's Westminster Dog Show.
No, that's not a typo.
Tuesday proved to be quite the day for the diminutive pup with perfectly-coiffed white and black fur, who earned Best in Show billing after strutting his stuff on the carpeted floors of Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
The six-year-old pooch was the pick of the litter over the course of the weekend, showcasing just the sort of elegance and composure that judges yearn for. Now, he's in the record books: the first ever breed of his kind to take the top prize in the dog's premier competition.
MORE: Who won the Westminster Dog Show in 2023?
Who is Buddy Holly?
Sharing a name with legendary rock artist Buddy Holly, the six-year-old pooch was born to be brilliant. Carrying an even-keeled demeanor and an ever-so-confident gait, Buddy was a fan favorite from the moment he took the runway.
"He's the epitome of a show dog," handler Janice Hayes said. "Nothing bothers him."
With a name like that, you better be able to represent. Buddy did that and then some throughout the tournament, scoring high marks while galavanting around the course. He held off some 3,000 doggos — belonging to 210 different breeds — before just outpacing Rummie the Pekingese, who finished in second place.
With his victory, Buddy Holly enters rarefied air. Not only is he one of the few dogs to capture the much-vaunted award. He's also the first Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PGBV) to ever take the Westminster crown.
“He’s just everything a PBGV should be – hardheaded, stubborn, happy,” Hayes said. “He moves just so easily, and we are just so proud of him.”
Buddy Holly breed
Known as "Petit" in the U.S., "Roughie" in the U.K., and "Griffon" in Denmark, PBGV's are all the rage in France. Teeming with liveliness, these canines tend to catch the eye for their unkempt hair, which is both rough and long. They tend to grow to a little more than a foot long, filling in at a solid 25-45 pounds.
They put the "friend" in man's best friend; PBGV's are lauded for their bubbly personalities, so much so that they have gained something of a reputation as a therapy dog over the years.
With muscular limbs, a tousled coat and an ever-wagging tail, PBGV's are hard to ignore. It seems all that charm dripped onto Buddy Holly, who captured the judges' hearts with his effervescent persona.