National Dog Show 2024 Winner Just Left a Huge Mark on History & People Are Thrilled
Pug-lovers unite! On November 28, the 2024 National Dog Show crowned a new winner, a 2-year-old Pug named Vito, and this cutie pie's win is the first of his breed to do so!
Vito's a total stud, beating out some fierce competition and earning all the bragging rights. Take a look at the new champ!
Out of 1,900 dogs from 205 breeds at the annual Kennel Club of Philadelphia, Purina-sponsored event, sweet Vito pranced and posed his way into the hearts of everyone watching and judging. Even before becoming an unofficial frontrunner, he'd already won the best of his breed in the Toy Group which had 24 breeds. But taking that title is something Vito's handler, Michael Scott, felt "optimistic" about going in.
In an impressive show of personality, charisma, and overall "pug-erific" perfection, Vito nailed it. Even going paw-to-paw with winners of the other show groups, Vito stood out.
Best-in-show judge, George Milutinovich, raved about the new champion noting Vito's "compact, features," and "movement," adding he's "everything a Pug should be," as "lots of dog in a small package," which is the best compliment.
“Never seen him before. Wow. Just wow," Milutinovich said. "To look at a pug is to put a smile on your face."
Winners of the other show groups included best-in-show runner-up (also called Reserve Best in Show), Verde the Welsh Terrier, as well as JJ the Lhasa Apso, Rupert the Berger Picard, Houston the Clumber Spaniel, Monty the Giant Schnauzer, Zit the Ibizan Hound. Though only one winner could be crowned, Vito's co-pet parent, Carolyn Koch couldn't be more thrilled with this historic win, saying she's just "so proud of him."
When asked if Vito knows that he's won, Scott mused that yes, he does.
"He's very smug," Scott said. "I do think he knows."
About Vito the Pug's Big Win & Last Year's Winner
As the 2024 winner of the National Dog Show, Vito should prepare himself for the limelight. But this 18-pound pup is no stranger to this kind of world stage. The Chapel Hill, North Carolina Pug has an impressive 24 Best in Show titles from other competitions. This is likely due to, as Scott says, Vito's "beautiful head and expression" which could win anyone over—and has!
Stache the Sealyham Terrier won last year's title, and was the first of his breed category in eight years to take the crown, beating out popular breeds like a Great Dane, Shih-Tzu, and German Shepherd, to name a few.
That said, Vito and Stache have something in common—they're both pioneers for winning in their breed groups, and for stealing hearts all over the world. And, while we know Stache did a great job holding the title over the last year, we're sure Vito will make the Pug community proud!
Congrats, Vito!
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