Here’s how Vito the Pug won the hearts of judges at national dog shows

A new top dog has been crowned! Vito the Pug was named Best in Show at the 2024 National Dog Show presented by Purina, which aired on Thanksgiving Day.

Learn more about Vito and what catapulted this little guy into the winner’s circle.

Vito the pug claims victory

Vito, registered as GCHG Andi at Cahoots, has been an exceptional puppy for some time, collecting a total of 25 Best in Show titles from approximately 75 different dog shows. Most recently, Vito was named Best Dog at the 2024 Westminster Dog Show and the 2023 American Kennel Club National Show.

Vito is the definition of small but mighty, making 2024 National Dog Show Best in Show judge George Milutinovic of Fresno, California almost speechless, who called Vito “everything a pug should be” after he named Vito Best in Show .

“Wow. Just wow,” adds Milutinović. “A lot of dogs in a small package. To look at a pug is to put a smile on your face.”

Vito’s trainer, Michael Scott of Chesapeake City, Maryland, knew Vito would make a lasting impression on the judges this year.

“I was optimistic,” says Scott. “Vito has a beautiful head and expression. Great outline.”

Vito is the first pug to be named Best in Show at a national dog show since the event was first televised in 2002 and is the first toy breed champion since 2017.

All group winners at national dog shows

The road to Best in Show at the National Dog Show is competitive. Before Vito finally won the coveted title in 2024, he had to beat his pug peers in the Best of Breed round, fellow Toy Group dogs in the first round of the group and six other group winners.

Here’s who took first place in the group in the seven recognized groups.

• Toy – Vito* a pug from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
• terrier – Verde** the Welsh terrier from Rialto, California.
• Sporting – Houston, Clamber Spaniel from Keyport, New Jersey.
• Working – Monty the giant schnauzer from Chaplin, Connecticut.
• Hound – Zit, an Ibizan hound from Spring Hill, Florida.
• Herding – Rupert the Berger Picard from Shingle Springs, California.
• Non-Sporting – JJ the Lhasa Apso from Sabot, Virginia.

*Denotes Best in Show

**Denotes reserve Best in Show (second place)

About the pug breed

Pug owners already know that pugs are special, but if you’re interested in learning more about these wrinkly cuties, we’ve got you covered.

Pugs are small and compact dogs that are great for first-time pet owners and dog lovers alike, thanks to their friendly and outgoing personalities. They usually weigh under 18 pounds and can live up to 15 years. To learn more about pugs, including how to care for them, see our dedicated breed profile.