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A small dog has become the first pug in history to win the coveted “Best in Show” title and win big money at the annual Thanksgiving dog contest.
Vito the pug made history at this year’s National Dog Show, marking the first time in 20 years that a pug has won the title of ‘Best in Show’. NBC News.
Additionally, NBC News says Vito is the No. 1 Pug across all show systems. toy group winner category.
Contestants at the National Dog Show were judged on overall appearance, temperament and structure, according to the breed’s official standards.
And Vito came out on top despite competing against top-ranked Welsh Terriers, Giant Schnauzers, Clumber Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Berger Picards and Ibizan Hounds.
Grand jury Jorge Milutinovic commented on Vito as follows: “Compact, functional, mobile, everything a pug should be.”
Vito’s co-owner, Carolyn Koch of Chapel Hill, N.C., said she is proud of Vito and calls the pug “her breed.”
Vito’s trainer, Michael Scott of Chesapeake City, Md., said he is optimistic about the dog’s chances of winning.
“I always want to look really good [from the judge]. …Vito has a beautiful head and expression. That’s a great overview.” he said.
Vito won the coveted title, earning Koch and co-owners Joy Barbieri and Rebecca Moval of Stamfordville, New York, a $2,000 prize, according to NBC News.
Vito is used to winning. In fact, he has appeared in 25 of the best shows despite being only two and a half years old.
Vito also won Best Breed at this year’s Westminster Dog Show in New York City and won Best Breed at last year’s AKC National Show, NBC News reports.
of national dog show is an annual dog show competition sponsored by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and broadcast by NBC on Thanksgiving Day.
This year, the dog show competition was held on Saturday, November 16th and Sunday, November 17th.
Approximately 2,000 dogs, representing 205 breeds, gathered on stage at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, including the newest breed recognized by the AKC, the Lancashire Heeler.
Additionally, this year’s Best in Breed winners include:
- Pastoralism: Rupert (Berge Picard)
- work: Monty (Giant Schnauzer)
- toy: Vito (pug)
- Sports: Houston (Clumber Spaniel)
- Hound: The Jit (Ibizan Hound)
- Terrier: Verde (Welsh Terrier)
- Other than sports: JJ (Lhasa Apso)
