‘Everything A Pug Should Be:’ Vito Named Top Dog At National Dog Show

Vito, a two-and-a-half-year-old pug, rose above 2,000 other canines in Philadelphia on Thursday, where he was declared best in show at the 92nd annual National Dog Show.

“He’s got a beautiful head and expression, he’s a very compact dog,” Vito’s handler, Michael Scott, said in an interview after the victory. “And his movement, he’s got wonderful movement.”

Vito has already had a storied career on the show dog circuit, racking up 25 best in show honors. He is also the No. 2 toy dog in the U.S., according to NBC News, after winning best in breed at the Westminster Dog Show in New York earlier this year and best of breed at the American Kennel Club National Show in 2023.

“Compact, features, movement — everything a pug should be,” judge George Milutinovich said of the pug. “Wow. Just wow. Lots of dog in a small package.”

“Compact, features, movement — everything a pug should be,” judge George Milutinovich said of the pug.
“Compact, features, movement — everything a pug should be,” judge George Milutinovich said of the pug.

Bill McCay/NBC via Getty Images

Monty, a giant schnauzer.
Monty, a giant schnauzer.

Bill McCay/NBC via Getty Images

Carolyn Koch, Vito’s co-owner, told NBC she was “so proud” of the dog. A pug hasn’t won the best in show title since the National Dog Show began its latest era in 2002.

Second place, also known as reserve best in show, was awarded to Verde, a Welsh terrier. Other dogs who won their categories to enter the final round included a clumber spaniel named Houston, The Zit, an Ibizan hound, Rupert a Berger Picard, JJ a Lhasa apso and a giant schnauzer named Monty.

Rupert, the Berger Picard, competes for best in show.
Rupert, the Berger Picard, competes for best in show.

Bill McCay/NBC via Getty Images

A clumber spaniel named Houston won the sporting group category on Thursday.
A clumber spaniel named Houston won the sporting group category on Thursday.

Bill McCay/NBC via Getty Images

Second place, also known as reserve best in show, was awarded to Verde, a Welsh terrier.
Second place, also known as reserve best in show, was awarded to Verde, a Welsh terrier.

Bill McCay/NBC via Getty Images

The National Dog Show is an all-breed show authorized by the AKC, and has taken place in various incarnations each year since 1933. Any dog registered with the kennel club can take part.

“He’s very smug,” Scott, the dog’s handler, said. “I do think he knows.”

JJ, a Lhasa apso.
JJ, a Lhasa apso.

Bill McCay/NBC via Getty Images

We Need Your Support

Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone.

Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can’t do it without you.

You’ve supported HuffPost before, and we’ll be honest — we could use your help again. We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can’t do it without you.

Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all.

You’ve supported HuffPost before, and we’ll be honest — we could use your help again. We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can’t do it without you.

Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all.

Support HuffPost

The Zit, an Ibizan hound, won its group at the show.
The Zit, an Ibizan hound, won its group at the show.

Bill McCay/NBC via Getty Images

Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *