Tim McGraw's Prized Bracco Italiano Wins Best of Breed at Westminster Dog Show

Country artist Tim McGraw had a surprising connection to this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. A six-year-old bracco Italiano named Lepshi that McGraw co-owns was named Best of Breed at this year's annual event on Tuesday, May 9.

It was the first year the breed became eligible to compete after being officially recognized by the American Kennel Club last July. Lepshi was one of eight braccos, an Italian breed of hunting dog, featured in the show for the first time.

Although Lepshi was ultimately eliminated in the semifinal round, McGraw took to Instagram to express pride in the achievement.

'So proud of Lepshi!! He’s always been a winner in our eyes!" the 56-year-old singer captioned a pair of photos of the pup. "Lepshi won Best of Breed today for the Bracco Italiano, the first year for the breed at Westminster."

McGraw co-owns Lepshi along with breed enthusiasts Kristi Libertore, Tony Libertore, and Jenell Tonini-Zanotto. The dog's handler Ryan Wolfe said after the win that it was "an honor to be first."

"He’s a wonderful ambassador for the breed, Wolfe added. "Lepshi aces the breed’s trademark ground-covering trot, and he loves everybody."

McGraw and his country singer wife Faith Hill, who stars alongside the "Just to See You Smile" singer in the Yellowstone prequel 1883, have owned a number of bracchi over the years which have made occasional appearances on their social media accounts.

"Caesar and Stromboli... Lovin life!!!" McGraw captioned a November 2020 post of two of the family's dogs fighting over a stick.

As for Westminster, a petit basset griffon Vendéen named Buddy Holly ended up taking home the top prize. Buddy Holly beat out six other finalists to win the prestigious award, including a French bulldog named Winston and a Pekingese named Rummie.