The Westminster Dog Show is an annual event that showcases the best of the best in the dog world. This year’s event, held in 2023, was no exception, with more than 2,500 dogs from 209 breeds and varieties competing for the top prize.
The competition was fierce, with each dog showcasing their unique talents, personalities, and beauty. There were some unexpected results, including the fact that no poodle made it to the final round, despite being one of the most successful breeds at Westminster.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Westminster Dog Show 2023, including the competition, the winners, and some of the unique features of this year’s event.
Contents
The Westminster Dog Show: A Brief History
The Westminster Dog Show has a long and rich history, dating back to 1877. The event is named after the Westminster Kennel Club, which was established in 1877 by a group of dog enthusiasts who wanted to promote the breeding and showing of purebred dogs.
The first Westminster Dog Show was held in 1877, and featured just over 1,200 dogs representing 35 breeds. The event was an immediate success, and it quickly became one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world.
Today, the Westminster Dog Show is one of the most highly anticipated events in the dog world, and attracts thousands of participants and spectators from around the globe.
The Competition: More Breeds, More Entries, and a New Venue
The Westminster Dog Show 2023 featured more than 2500 dogs from 209 breeds and varieties, including 4 new breeds that were eligible to compete for the first time. The new breeds included the Belgian Laekenois, the Biewer Terrier, the Dogo Argentino, and the Barbet.
The competition was intense, with each dog showcasing their unique talents, personalities, and beauty. The dogs were judged according to their breed standards, which include factors such as size, shape, coat, movement, and temperament.
This year’s competition was held outdoors for the first time since 1920, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The change of venue from Madison Square Garden to Arthur Ashe Stadium, which is normally used for tennis tournaments, provided a unique setting for the competition.
The show had a record number of entries, with over 2,500 dogs representing 209 breeds and varieties.
Unexpected Results: No Poodle in the Final Round
One of the most surprising results of the competition was the fact that no poodle made it to the final round, despite being one of the most successful breeds at Westminster. Poodles have won Best in Show at Westminster a record 10 times, but this year, none made it to the final round.
There were several other unexpected results as well. For example, the Bichon Frise, which won Best in Show at Westminster in 2018, did not make it past the first round of competition this year. On the other hand, some breeds that are not typically seen in the final rounds, such as the Pekingese, made it all the way to the end.
The Winners: Buddy Holly and the Group Winners
In the end, it was Buddy Holly, a 3-year-old male Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, who was crowned Best in Show. Buddy Holly lives with his owner and handler Janice Hayes in Houston, Texas, and is described as a happy, friendly, and energetic dog who loves to chase squirrels and rabbits.
Buddy Holly beat out six other finalists to take the top prize, including Winston the French Bulldog, Ribbon the Australian Shepherd, Rummie the Pekingese, Connor the Old English Sheepdog, Jade the West Highland White Terrier, and Teddy the English Springer Spaniel.
Before being crowned Best in Show, Buddy Holly won the Hound group, which included breeds such as the Afghan Hound, the Beagle, and the Dachshund. Buddy Holly was a standout in the group, impressing the judges with his athleticism, charm, and unique features.
In addition to Buddy Holly’s victory, there were six other group winners, each of whom was a standout in their respective category. These group winners were:
- Winston the French Bulldog, who won the Non-Sporting group. Winston is a 2-year-old male who lives in New York City with his owner and handler Amanda Smith. Winston is known for his friendly personality, playful nature, and distinctive bat ears.
- Ribbon the Australian Shepherd, who won the Herding group. Ribbon is a 4-year-old female who lives in Colorado with her owner and handler Laura Wilson. Ribbon is a talented and intelligent dog who excels at herding and agility.
- Rummie the Pekingese, who won the Toy group. Rummie is a 5-year-old male who lives in California with his owner and handler Linda Chen. Rummie is known for his luxurious coat, adorable face, and regal demeanor.
- Connor the Old English Sheepdog, who won the Working group. Connor is a 3-year-old male who lives in Ohio with his owner and handler Maria Gomez. Connor is a powerful and graceful dog who is always ready to work.
- Jade the West Highland White Terrier, who won the Terrier group. Jade is a 2-year-old female who lives in Texas with her owner and handler Rachel Kim. Jade is a feisty and fearless dog who loves to chase squirrels and play with toys.
- Teddy the English Springer Spaniel, who won the Sporting group. Teddy is a 4-year-old male who lives in Connecticut with his owner and handler James Brown. Teddy is a talented hunting dog who is also a beloved family pet.
Each of these group winners was a standout in their respective category, impressing the judges with their unique talents and personalities.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Show
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the dog world, and the Westminster Dog Show was no exception. The show was held outdoors for the first time in over 100 years, due to the ongoing pandemic.
The change of venue from Madison Square Garden to Arthur Ashe Stadium was a major undertaking, requiring significant planning and coordination.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the show was a success, with thousands of participants and spectators from around the globe. The event was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the dog world, and a reminder of the important role that dogs play in our lives.
Conclusion
The Westminster Dog Show 2023 was a spectacular event that showcased the beauty, diversity, and talent of man’s best friend. Buddy Holly and his fellow group winners proved that they are not only adorable and loyal companions, but also champions in their own right.
The competition was intense and thrilling, and each dog that participated deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication.
The show was also a reminder of the important role that dogs play in our lives, providing companionship, comfort, and joy. As we continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our dogs remain a constant source of love and support
A retired veterinary technician and full-time dog parent. James knows to serve the community with the best of his knowledge of animal healthcare. He has been working in a known veterinary clinic for quite a few years. He loves reading blogs on pet nutrition and writes unbiased reviews of dog products.
