A young pug made history this Thanksgiving by becoming the first of its breed to earn the top prize at the 2024 National Dog Show since the annual canine event was first televised in 2002.
Vito, a 2-and-a-half-year-old pug from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, took home the coveted title of Best in Show, beating out about 2,000 dogs representing 205 breeds and varieties, according to the Kennel Club of Philadelphia who hosted the event.
This is not the pup’s first major win in the dog show circuit after taking part in more than 75 dog shows and racking up an impressive 25 Best in Show titles, according to The Independent. Vito is also the number one ranked pug in all show systems, and the number two toy dog in all of America.
“I’m so proud of him,” Vito’s co-owner Carolyn Koch told NBC News, adding that pugs are “her breed.”
2024 National Dog Show Best In Show Winner, Pug named Vito. The dog became the first pug to win since it started being televised in 2002.
Bill McCay/NBC via Getty Images
The pug triumphed over six other finalists from each of the seven competition categories. This included a clumber spaniel named Houston from the sporting group, The Zit, an Ibizan hound, and Verde, a top-ranked Welsh terrier who captured the second-place prize, otherwise known as Reserve Best in Show, according to NPR.
Vito’s latest win earned Koch and co-owners Joy Barbieri and Rebecca Movall of Stanfordville, New York, a $2,000 prize.
Vito’s handler, Michael Scott of Chesapeake City, Maryland, who previously won the National Dog Show in 2008 with Holly the pointer according to nj.com, had told NBC News that he was “optimistic” about Vito’s chances of securing the top spot.
“I always hope to get a really good look [from the judge]…Vito has a beautiful head and expression. Great outline,” Scott said.
Vito joins a list of trailblazing winners, earning the title one year after Stache the Sealyham terrier won Best in Show. In 2022, Winston, the French bulldog, was also the first of his breed to clinch the top spot.
The National Dog Show, presented by pet food brand Purina, is an all-breed show authorized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), meaning that any dog registered with the club can compete. The show has been held annually since 1933 after its founding in 1879. In keeping with tradition, the event was aired directly on NBC after the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
At this year’s 92nd annual canine event, Seinfeld star John O’Hurley and NBC Sports analyst and former professional tennis player Mary Carillo joined the dog show’s regular host David Frei.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
