Lepshi, who is six years old and co-owned by country and TV series 1883 star Tim McGraw, beat eight rival poachers. "It's a wonderful specimen of this hunting breed," said Ryan Wolfe who brought him on the catwalk to New York.
The Westminster first prize went to Buddy Holly, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, a breed known as an excellent rabbit hunter. The Bracchi entered this year's competition in Westminster after being recognised by the American Kennel Club.