If you were looking for the typical Manhattan skyline backdrop for the Westminster Dog Show 2023, you were probably a little confused. For the first time ever, the world’s most prestigious canine competition moved its paws over to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. Yeah, where the US Open happens. It was weird seeing the iconic purple and gold carpet rolled out on a tennis court, but honestly, the energy was electric.
Dogs are unpredictable. You can train a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen—that’s a mouthful, we just call them PBGVs—for years, and they might still decide to sniff a random blade of grass right when the judge is looking. But in May 2023, a six-year-old PBGV named Buddy Holly didn’t miss a beat. He became the first of his breed to ever win Best in Show at Westminster.
It wasn’t just a win for his handler, Janice Hayes; it was a win for every dog owner who loves a "scruffy" look.
The Big Shift to Queens
People keep asking why the show wasn't at Madison Square Garden. COVID-19 changed the rhythm of everything, and after a stint at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, the organizers landed at the USTA. It changed the vibe. Instead of the cramped, vertical chaos of the Garden, we had sprawling outdoor spaces and massive stadiums. It felt more like a festival and less like a formal gala.
The heat was a factor. Even in May, New York can get swampy. You’d see handlers frantically misting their Afghan Hounds or fanning their Bulldogs to keep them from overheating before they hit the ring.
Why Buddy Holly Stole the Show
So, let’s talk about the winner. Buddy Holly isn't your typical primped Poodle. He looks like he just woke up from a nap in a briar patch, and that’s exactly what the breed standard calls for. PBGVs are rabbit hunters from France. They’re supposed to be sturdy and "tout ensemble," which basically means the whole package.
When judge Beth Sweigart looked at the final seven, she had some heavy hitters. There was Rummie the Pekingese, who looked like a literal cloud, and Winston the French Bulldog. Everyone thought Winston would take it. He’s owned by NFL star Von Miller and was the top-ranked dog in the country at the time. But Buddy Holly had this bounce. He moved with a level of joy that you just can't fake.
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He didn't care about the cameras or the thousands of people screaming in Arthur Ashe Stadium. He just wanted to trot.
The Group Winners You Might Have Missed
Westminster is a marathon, not a sprint. Before the big finale, 2,500 dogs from 210 breeds had to be whittled down.
The Hound Group
Buddy Holly didn't just walk into the final; he had to beat out some incredible Beagles and Whippets first. The Hound group is notoriously difficult because you’re comparing sighthounds, who run like the wind, to scenthounds, who live with their noses on the floor. Buddy’s win here was the first signal that 2023 was going to be an underdog year.
The Toy Group
Rummie the Pekingese took this one. If you’ve never seen a Peke move, it’s a "rolling gait." It looks like they’re floating on a hoverboard made of fur. It’s incredibly difficult to keep that coat floor-length and pristine, especially in a tennis center where the wind is kicking up dust.
The Non-Sporting Group
This is where Winston the Frenchie dominated. French Bulldogs are currently the most popular breed in America according to AKC registrations, so the crowd was 100% behind him. He has this massive, blocky head and a chest like a bodybuilder. He won the group easily, but in the final, the judge seemed to prefer the functional, rustic look of the PBGV.
The Herding and Working Groups
Ribbon, the Australian Shepherd, was a standout in Herding. She had these piercing eyes and moved with so much precision it looked like she was actually herding the judge. In the Working group, a Giant Schnauzer named Monty took the top spot. He was imposing—stark black, perfectly groomed, and standing nearly 30 inches at the shoulder.
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The Controversy of "Doggie Beauty Pageants"
Let’s get real for a second. Every year, people argue that Westminster is just a beauty pageant and that it’s bad for dog health. It’s a valid conversation.
Critics point to brachycephalic breeds (the flat-faced ones like Frenchies or Pugs) and worry that the show rewards traits that make it hard for dogs to breathe. However, if you talk to the breeders at the Westminster Dog Show 2023, they’ll tell you the opposite. They argue that the show is about "form following function." A PBGV needs that rough coat to protect it from thorns. A Greyhound needs that deep chest for lung capacity.
The 2023 judges seemed to lean into this. By picking Buddy Holly, they rewarded a dog that looked like it could actually go out and do its job in a field for six hours.
New Kids on the Block
Two new breeds made their debut in 2023: the Bracco Italiano and the Mudi.
The Bracco is an Italian pointer that looks like a cross between a Bloodhound and a Lab. They have these incredibly long ears and a soulful expression that makes you want to give them your entire sandwich.
The Mudi is a curly-haired herding dog from Hungary. They’re smart. Like, "probably-knows-your-Wi-Fi-password" smart. Watching them in the agility trials—which happen alongside the main conformation show—is a trip. They turn on a dime.
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The Unsung Heroes: The Groomers
You haven't seen stress until you’ve seen a professional groomer trying to hairspray an Old English Sheepdog in 80% humidity.
Backstage (or "on the benches," as they call it), it’s a sea of blow dryers, chalk, and combs. They use specific powders to make white coats whiter and scissors that cost more than my first car to shape the curves of a Kerry Blue Terrier.
The dogs, for the most part, love it. Most of these show dogs have been groomed since they were puppies. They fall asleep on the tables while people are literally vacuuming their fur.
What the 2023 Results Mean for You
If you're thinking about getting a dog because you saw a cute one on TV, slow down. Buddy Holly is adorable, but PBGVs are high-energy, loud, and stubborn. They are "independent thinkers," which is code for "they won't listen to you if they find a good smell."
The Westminster Dog Show 2023 showed us that the "perfect" dog isn't always the sleekest or the most popular breed. It’s the one that best represents its historical roots.
Actionable Takeaways for Dog Lovers
- Research the "Parent Club": If you fell in love with a breed at the show, don't just Google breeders. Find the official AKC Parent Club for that breed. They have the strictest health testing requirements.
- Check the Agility Results: If you want a pet, the Agility and Obedience trials at Westminster are often more indicative of a dog's personality than the "beauty" side of the show.
- Volunteer: Local dog shows happen every weekend across the country. They are almost always free to attend and are a great way to meet different breeds in person before you commit to a 15-year relationship.
- Watch the Replays: Look at the way Buddy Holly moves compared to the other hounds. Notice the "reach and drive." That’s what a healthy, structural build looks like in a canine athlete.
Westminster 2023 wasn't just another year of ribbons. It was a transition. Moving to Queens proved the show could survive outside of its "home" at the Garden. It proved that a scruffy little French hunting dog could take down the giants of the sport. Most importantly, it reminded everyone watching that at the end of the day, even the "Best in Show" just wants a belly rub and a nap.
Buddy Holly retired shortly after his win. He went back to being a dog—chasing things, lounging on couches, and probably not caring one bit that he’s the most famous PBGV in history.