Pug named Vito makes history winning Best in Show at National Dog Show 2024: ‘Everybody loves him’ (2024)

He’s the new top dog.

Vito, a competition-squishing stud-muffin pug from North Carolina, took home the Best in Show title at the 23rd annual National Dog Show, which aired on Thanksgiving, making history as the first pug to do so.

The 2-year-old Vito sashayed away with the top title, beating out as many as 2,000 other pups at the beloved annual event hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and presented by Purina.

Not only did Vito win the whole kit and caboodle, but he was also ranked as 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.Just thrilled to be on that Thanksgiving Day broadcast,” his owner, Carolyn Koch of Chapel Hill, told The Post.

The 18-pound little bruiser, who is “happiest when he’s with his humans” but “loves the attention,” drew plenty of cheers from the audience at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center as his handler, Michael Scott, paraded him around on Nov. 16 and 17.

“It was a wonderful feeling,” Scott, who has been a handler with his wife, Michelle, for a little over 20 years, told The Post. “It’s a big dog show, it’s very prestigious.”

But Vito, whose “favorite thing to do is playing with his toys,” is no stranger to fetching the top title.

After competing in over 75 dog shows, this marks Vito’s 25th Best in Show win. Earlier this year he won Best of Breed at the Westminster Dog Show and placed fourth in the Toy Group. The pug also snagged the Best of Breed title at the American Kennel Club National Show in 2023.

“He’s got a great career ahead of him,” Michelle added.

“That was his 25thBest in Show! I am blessed to have Michael and Michelle Scott as handlers. They love their dogs and their dogs love them. They have a great bond with Vito,” Koch shared.

“Everybody loves the dog,” host John O’Hurley, best known as J. Peterman on “Seinfeld,” told The Post. He said it was good to see a pug make history and beat out some of the “more obscure breeds” like the Clumber Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Berger Picard and Ibizan Hound vying 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 added.

Since the National Dog Show first debuted on NBC in 2002, a wide variety of dog breeds have been named best in show — but this is the first time a pug has snagged the title on the televised competition.

Pugs are one of the most popular dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club. Pugs are not only known for their squishy little faces, but also for being easygoing, affectionate and playful, the 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 had 205 different breeds, the most they’ve ever had, including a new breed, the Lancashire Heeler.

Second place, or what’s called Reverse Best in Show, went to a Terrier named Verde, who scored the top honor in the Terrier Group.

It was also the only “Benched” show in America this year, meaning that the dogs remained at their assigned benches when not in the ring, but were available to meet the public. That means the 10,000 to 15,000 people in the arena had the opportunity to meet the trainers and breeders and learn about the dogs, NBC Sports executive Jon Miller explained to The Post.

“Let’s remember, dogs always round off the rough edges in our lives. Imagine being in a room with 2,000 dogs, the effect that it has,” O’Hurley added, “It’s simple — everybody has a smile. The dogs all get along, and it’s just a wonderful, wonderful day.”

Now in its 23rd year, the Thanksgiving Day competition has become a beloved holiday tradition for many at home, too. An estimated 20 million viewers tune into 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 such a big impact on everyone’s lives, and to have it on Thanksgiving Day, especially right after the parade, it’s a huge family-oriented event,” Scott shared. “Everyone loves to see the dogs, and they see different dogs that they don’t normally see.”

“Everybody’s favorite dog is their own dog,” Miller added. “You can’t wait for your breed to show up in the judging ring.”

“Thanksgiving is the great family day of the year,” O’Hurley said. “Whether you’re 4 or you’re 94 — there’s something there for you.”

For those who missed the Thanksgiving Day broadcast, NBC will air an encore presentation of the two-hour special on Sunday, December 1 at 4 p.m. EST.