The Pug Life Chooses You: Vito Makes National Dog Show History
In a jaw-dropping moment of cuteness overload, a pug named Vito claimed the prestigious “Best in Show” title at the 2024 National Dog Show. Held in Philadelphia on Thanksgiving Day, the event saw Vito beat nearly 2,000 canine competitors, making history as the first pug to take the top honor since the show began in 2002.
Why This Win Is Big News for Pug Lovers Everywhere
Terriers have ruled the roost for the past two decades, winning seven “Best in Show” titles. But Vito, a charismatic pug hailing from Chapel Hill, NC, changed everything. Judge George Milutinovich said Vito’s “compact features, effortless movement, and undeniable charm” embodied the ideal pug. “To look at a pug is to put a smile on your face,” he added.
Reserve Best in Show: A Terrific Terrier
Although terriers didn’t take the crown this year, a Welsh terrier named Verde, handled by a trainer from Rialto, CA, earned second place as the “Reserve Best in Show.” Terriers might not have taken the spotlight, but they didn’t stray far from it either.
Group Winners Round-Up 🏆
Here’s how the top dogs in each category stacked up:
- Sporting Group: Houston, a Clumber spaniel from Keyport, NJ.
- Working Group: Monty, a giant schnauzer from Chaplin, CT (go Nutmeg State!).
- Hound Group: The Zit, an Ibizan hound from Spring Hill, FL.
- Herding Group: Rupert, a Berger Picard from Shingle Springs, CA.
- Non-Sporting Group: JJ, a Lhasa Apso from Sabot, VA.
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