The National Dog Show 2024 surprised audiences across the nation when a small but mighty competitor stole the spotlight. For the first time in the show’s history, a Pug named Vito took home the prestigious Best in Show title, breaking barriers and setting hearts aflutter across America. Hosted on Thanksgiving Day at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, the event drew over 2,000 canine competitors from more than 200 breeds and varieties, all competing for top honors.
Meet Vito: The Pug Who Made History
At just two and a half years old, Vito the Pug from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, wowed judges with his compact frame, excellent movement, and unmistakable breed standard. Handled by the seasoned professional Michael Scott and owned by Carolyn Koch, Vito wasn’t just another cute face in the Toy Group—he was a powerhouse competitor.
Vito already had a decorated resume before the National Dog Show 2024. With over 25 Best in Show titles to his name, including wins at Westminster and the AKC National Championship, Vito had already proven he could compete with the best. But this win made him a household name and the first Pug to ever claim the Best in Show prize at this event.
The Winning Moment
Judge George Milutinovich, who had the honor of selecting the Best in Show winner, said Vito “represents the best qualities of the pug breed—balanced, confident, and full of personality.” As he strutted around the ring, tail curled tightly over his back and eyes bright with curiosity, the crowd knew they were witnessing something special.
When the announcement was made, the crowd erupted in applause. Vito’s small stature did nothing to contain the big impact he had on the judges and audience alike.
Meet the Group Winners
The National Dog Show 2024 featured intense competition across all seven AKC-recognized groups. Here’s a breakdown of this year’s standout stars:
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Toy Group: Vito the Pug (Best in Show)
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Terrier Group: Verde the Welsh Terrier (Reserve Best in Show)
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Sporting Group: Houston the Clumber Spaniel
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Hound Group: The Zit the Ibizan Hound
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Working Group: Monty the Giant Schnauzer
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Non-Sporting Group: JJ the Lhasa Apso
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Herding Group: Rupert the Berger Picard
Each group winner displayed the very best of their breed, from physical conformation to temperament and showmanship.
A Newcomer to Watch
This year also welcomed the Lancashire Heeler as a newly recognized AKC breed. These energetic, small dogs are known for their herding skills and boundless enthusiasm. While no Lancashire Heeler made it to the final judging, their debut at the National Dog Show 2024 was a highlight for dog breed enthusiasts.
Behind the Scenes: A Look at the Event
With more than 20 million viewers tuning in annually, the National Dog Show continues to be a Thanksgiving staple for dog lovers across the U.S. Hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and broadcast by NBC, the event provides a perfect mix of charm, excitement, and education about dog breeds.
Beyond the glitz of the show ring, the event features booths on pet health, breed rescue groups, and even meet-and-greet opportunities with the stars—both canine and human.
Why Vito’s Win Matters
Historically, Toy Group dogs like Pugs don’t often win Best in Show at high-profile events. The breeds that typically dominate are from the Working, Sporting, or Herding groups. Vito’s victory is important because it breaks those expectations and highlights that excellence can come in any size.
His win also brings positive attention to Pugs, a breed sometimes criticized for health issues. Vito’s breeder and handler emphasized the importance of breeding for health and form—an encouraging step in the right direction for breed preservation.
Audience Reactions
Fans took to social media to express their love for Vito, many calling him “the king of Thanksgiving” and “a deserving champion.” Dog lovers praised the decision for honoring a breed known for companionship, joy, and spirit.
Even celebrities chimed in, with several sharing Vito’s winning moment and congratulating his team on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
What’s Next for Vito?
With this major win, Vito is expected to retire from competition soon and transition into a full-time ambassador for the breed. According to handler Michael Scott, Vito will continue to attend breed events and support responsible dog breeding and health initiatives.
He may also make media appearances and could even become a “spokes-dog” for a pet brand. Regardless of where he goes next, the world will be watching.
Watch the Full Show
Missed the live broadcast? You can catch a replay of the National Dog Show 2024 and Vito’s Best in Show moment on NBC Sports.
The National Dog Show 2024 was a celebration of diversity, training, and canine charisma—but it was Vito’s big win that stole the show. From his precise movement to his irresistible charm, Vito proved that greatness comes in small, wrinkled packages.
Whether you’re a dog show enthusiast or just a casual viewer, this year’s competition was a feel-good highlight worth remembering. As the crowd cheered and Vito basked in the spotlight, one thing was clear—this little pug left a big mark on the world of dog shows.
