He’s the new top dog.
Vito, a competition-squishing stud-muffin pug from North Carolina, took home Best in Show at the 23rd annual ceremony. national dog showwhich aired on Thanksgiving, making history as the first Pug to do so.
2-year-old Vito beat out more than 2,000 other puppies to take the top title at the beloved annual event hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and presented by Purina.
Vito not only won the overall kit and caboodle, but he was also ranked the No. 2 toy dog in America and the No. 1 ranked pug in all systems.
“I’ve been doing this for almost 30 years and this is my first Best in Show at the National Dog Show in Philadelphia. So thrilled to be on that Thanksgiving Day broadcast,” her owner, Caroline Koch of Chapel Hill, told The Post.
The 18-pound little bruiser, who is “happiest with his humans” but “loves attention,” received a standing ovation from the audience at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center when his handler Michael Scott walked him in November . 16 and 17.
“It was an amazing feeling,” Scott, who being a handler with his wifeFor a little more than 20 years, Mitchell told The Post. “It’s a big dog show, it’s very prestigious.”
But achieving top titles is nothing new for Vito, whose “favorite thing to do is play with his toys.”
After competing in over 75 dog shows, this is Vito’s 25th Best in Show win. Earlier this year he won Best of Breed at the Westminster Dog Show and came fourth in the Toy Group. The Pug also won Best of Breed at the American Kennel Club National Show in 2023.
“He has a great career ahead of him,” Mitchell said.
“It was his 25th best show! I am fortunate to have Michael and Michelle Scott as handlers. They love their dogs and their dogs love them. The coach shared, he has a great relationship with Vito.
“Everybody loves a dog,” said host John O’Hurley, best known as J.J. Peterman, told The Post. She said it was great to see a pug make history and beat out some of the “more obscure breeds” like the Clumber Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Berger Picard and Fijian Hound for best in show this year.
“It’s nice to know that a dog that fits the national popularity profile is a big plus for us,” he said.
Since the National Dog Show first debuted on NBC in 2002, a wide variety of dog breeds have appeared has been named best in show – But this is the first time a pug has won the title in a televised competition.
there are pugs One of the most popular dog breedsAccording to the American Kennel Club. Pugs are not only known for their gentle little faces, but also for being easy-going, affectionate, and playful., AKC said. Pugs love to be the center of attention and are devoted to their owners – they live to love and be loved.
This year’s National Dog Show featured 205 different breeds, the most ever, including a new breed, the Lancashire Heeler.
Second place, or what is called reverse best in show, went to a terrier named Verde, who took top honors in the terrier group.
It was the only “benched” show in America this year, meaning that when the dogs were not in the ring they remained on their designated benches, but were available for the public to meet. That meant the 10,000 to 15,000 people in the arena had the opportunity to meet trainers and breeders and learn about the dogs, NBC Sports executive John Miller told The Post.
“Let’s remember, dogs always face difficulties in our lives. Imagine being in a room with 2,000 dogs, how much of an impact that makes,” said O’Hurley, “It’s simple – everyone has a smile on their face. All the dogs get together, and it’s a wonderful, wonderful day.”
Now in its 23rd year, the Thanksgiving Day contest has become a beloved holiday tradition for many at home, too. An estimated 20 million viewers tune in to the annual National Dog Show when it airs on NBC right after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and before a night of football.
“Dogs have a huge impact on everyone’s life, and on Thanksgiving Day, especially right after the parade, it’s a huge family event,” Scott shared. “Everyone loves watching dogs, and they see different dogs that they don’t normally see.”
“Everyone’s favorite dog is their own dog,” Miller said. “You can’t wait for your breed to get in the judging ring.”
“Thanksgiving is the great family day of the year,” O’Hurley said. “Whether you’re 4 years old or you’re 94 years old – there’s something for you.”
For those who missed the Thanksgiving Day broadcast, NBC will air a two-hour special on Sunday, December 1 at 4 p.m. EST.
