The 147th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina Pro Plan, concluded with exciting results that captivated dog enthusiasts worldwide. This year's event, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, showcased over 2,500 dogs from 210 breeds competing for the coveted Best in Show title. Let's dive into the Westminster Dog Show 2023 results and explore the highlights of this prestigious canine competition.
Best in Show: Buddy Holly the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The crowning moment of the Westminster Dog Show 2023 belonged to Buddy Holly, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) who made history as the first of his breed to win Best in Show at Westminster. Handled by Janice Hayes, Buddy Holly's victory marks a significant milestone for the PBGV breed and the Hound Group.
Key Facts About the Best in Show Winner:
- Full Name: CH Soletrader Buddy Holly
- Breed: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
- Handler: Janice Hayes
- Owners: Gavin and Sara Robertson, Lizzie Cadmore, Cathy Oneill, and Donna Moore
- Diet: Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula
Group Winners at Westminster 2023
The Westminster Dog Show 2023 results featured outstanding performances across all seven groups. Here's a breakdown of the group winners who competed for Best in Show:
| Group | Winner | Breed | Handler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hound | Buddy Holly | Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen | Janice Hayes |
| Toy | Rummie | Pekingese | David Fitzpatrick |
| Non-Sporting | Winston | French Bulldog | Perry Payson |
| Herding | Ribbon | Australian Shepherd | Jessica Plourde |
| Sporting | Cider | English Setter | - |
| Working | Monty | Giant Schnauzer | - |
| Terrier | Trouble | American Staffordshire Terrier | - |
Detailed Westminster Dog Show 2023 Results by Group
Hound Group
Buddy Holly, the PBGV, emerged victorious in the Hound Group, setting the stage for his eventual Best in Show win. The group results were:
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen - Buddy Holly
- Afghan Hound
- Borzoi
- English Foxhound
Toy Group
The Toy Group saw Rummie the Pekingese claim the top spot. The group placements were:
- Pekingese - Rummie
- Shih Tzu
- English Toy Spaniel
- Japanese Chin
Non-Sporting Group
Winston, the French Bulldog, continued his impressive show career by winning the Non-Sporting Group. The results were:
- French Bulldog - Winston
- Standard Poodle
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Herding Group
Ribbon, the Australian Shepherd, showcased her herding prowess to win the group. The placements were:
- Australian Shepherd - Ribbon
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Sporting Group
Cider, the English Setter, emerged as the top dog in the Sporting Group. The results were:
- English Setter - Cider
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Pointer
- Brittany
Working Group
Monty, the Giant Schnauzer, proved his worth in the Working Group. The placements were:
- Giant Schnauzer - Monty
- Great Pyrenees
- Rottweiler
- Doberman Pinscher
Terrier Group
Trouble, the American Staffordshire Terrier, made history by winning the Terrier Group. The results were:
- American Staffordshire Terrier - Trouble
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
Notable Moments and Records
The Westminster Dog Show 2023 results included several noteworthy achievements and moments:
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First PBGV Best in Show: Buddy Holly's win marked the first time a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has won Best in Show at Westminster.
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Terrier Group Upset: Trouble's win in the Terrier Group was historic, as American Staffordshire Terriers are not typically frontrunners in this competitive group.
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Return of a Champion: Winston, the French Bulldog, returned to claim the Non-Sporting Group after being named Reserve Best in Show in 2022.
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New Breed Debut: The Bracco Italiano made its Westminster debut in the Sporting Group, adding diversity to the competition.
Impact of the New Venue
The 2023 Westminster Dog Show took place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the first time. This change in venue from the traditional Madison Square Garden location provided a fresh atmosphere for the competition. The spacious outdoor areas allowed for better accommodations for the dogs and handlers, while the indoor facilities ensured comfort regardless of weather conditions.
Trends in Breed Popularity and Judging
The Westminster Dog Show 2023 results reflected some interesting trends in breed popularity and judging:
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Hound Group Success: The victory of a PBGV in Best in Show highlights the growing recognition of lesser-known hound breeds.
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Working Dogs in the Spotlight: The strong performance of the Giant Schnauzer in the Working Group showcases the enduring appeal of versatile working breeds.
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Terrier Group Evolution: The win by an American Staffordshire Terrier in the Terrier Group signals a potential shift in preferences within this traditionally Scottish and English terrier-dominated category.
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Continued French Bulldog Popularity: Winston's success in the Non-Sporting Group aligns with the breed's increasing popularity in the United States.
The Role of Nutrition in Show Dog Success
Purina Pro Plan, the official sponsor of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, played a crucial role in the nutrition of many top-performing dogs. In fact, 16 out of the last 17 Westminster Best in Show winners have been fueled by Purina Pro Plan. This underscores the importance of proper nutrition in maintaining the health, coat condition, and overall performance of show dogs.
Conclusion: Westminster Dog Show 2023 Results
The Westminster Dog Show 2023 results showcased the best of the canine world, with Buddy Holly the PBGV capturing hearts and the Best in Show title. From the historic wins to the debut of new breeds, this year's competition proved once again why Westminster is considered the pinnacle of dog shows in the United States.
As we look forward to future Westminster Kennel Club Dog Shows, the 2023 results will be remembered for their surprises, the quality of the competitors, and the enduring spirit of canine excellence that defines this prestigious event.