STORY: A six-year-old male from Palm Springs, California, Buddy Holly became the first of his breed to win. The dogs were bred to track hares in the Vendee department of western France.

Each breed produces a winner. Breed winners are separated into seven groups to determine the best-of-show finalists: hound, toy, non-sporting, herding, sporting, working, and terrier.

Buddy Holly won the hound group.

Judges examine the dogs up close, placing their hands on the animal, then watch the handlers lead them around the floor, grading them on breed standards for appearance, temperament, size, coat, and other characteristics.

The show, which dates to 1877 and has become a mainstay annual television event, was held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the New York City borough of Queens, the site of the U.S. Open tennis tournament.