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A surprising breed has emerged as America’s new national dog champion. At the 92nd annual National Dog Show Presented by Purina, a pug won best in show for the first dog in at least 20 years.
According to a statement, Vito, the pug, is the top pug in all show systems and the second-best toy dog in the United States.
He won best of breed at the AKC National Show last year and at this year’s Westminster Dog Show in New York City.
Despite being just 2½ years old, Vito has won 25 best-in-shows overall, according to his co-owner Carolyn Koch of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
According to Koch (pronounced Cook), “I’m so proud of him,” she remarked during an interview. She referred to pugs as “her breed” and expressed her happiness that Vito was becoming popular among show dogs.
Contestants in the National Dog Show were evaluated according to the official criteria of their breeds based on their general look, temperament, and structure.
In a press release, best-in-show judge George Milutinovich said, “Compact, features, movement — everything a pug should be.”
A top-ranked Welsh terrier, a big schnauzer, a Clumber spaniel, a Berger Picard, a Lhasa apso, and an Ibizan hound were all passed over for Vito.
I had never seen him. Whoa. Simply amazing. In a little box, a lot of dog,” Milutinovich said. The sight of a pug is enough to make you grin.
Michael Scott, Vito’s handler from Chesapeake City, Maryland, said in a press release, “I was optimistic.”
“I always hope that the judge will give me a really good look.” Vito’s head and expression are stunning. Excellent outline.
Koch received a $2,000 award for Vito, along with co-owners Joy Barbieri and Rebecca Movall of Stanfordville, New York.
A Welsh terrier called Verde and his handler, Gabriel Rangel, from Rialto, California, took second place as reserve best in show.
This year’s event, which has been presented yearly since 1933 and dates back to 1879, brought together almost 2,000 dogs at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has approved the Kennel Club of Philadelphia to host the all-breed National Dog Show. Any dog registered with the AKC is welcome.
Stache, a Sealyham terrier, was the champion the previous year. You can view all of the National Dog Shows from 2013 until 2023 on Peacock.
The parent corporation of NBC News, NBCUniversal, owns both NBC and Peacock. CORRECTION (7:30 p.m. ET on November 28, 2024).
The prize money that Vito’s co-owners received was incorrectly mentioned in an earlier version of this story. The entire amount of prize money given out during the performance is $2,000, not $20,000.