For the first time since the annual National Dog Show began airing on Thanksgiving in 2002, a pug has been crowned Best in Show.
Vito the Pug took home the competition’s top prize in Philadelphia on Thursday, beating more than 1,900 dogs representing over 200 breeds and varieties.
“Compact, features, movement — everything a pug should be,” judge George Milutinovich told NBC, which broadcasts the canine event each year. “Lots of dog in a small package. To look at a pug is to put a smile on your face.”
Vito, from Chapel Hill, N.C., beat out second place Verde, a Welsh Terrier, to claim the title of Best in Show. The other finalists included a Berger Picard, Ibizan Hound, Lhasa Apso, Clumber Spaniel and a Giant Schnauzer.
Vito, who also won the toy group at Thursday’s event, has a history of success in major dog shows. Earlier this year, he won Best in Breed at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City, and the same honor at last year’s National Dog Show.
In all, he’s racked up 25 Best in Shows over the course of his life, despite only being 2 1/2 years old.
“I always hope to get a really good look [from the judge],” Vito’s handler, Michael Scott, told NBC News. “Vito has a beautiful head and expression. Great outline.”
The National Dog Show was not a major showcase until the early 2000s, when NBC purchased the rights to broadcast the competition and began airing it live after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
No pug had claimed the event’s Best in Show title during those past 22 years, until Vito’s victory on Thursday.
Vito’s co-owners — Carolyn Koch, Joy Barbieri and Rebecca Movall — took home a $20,000 prize.
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