Vito, a two-and-a-half-year-old pug, won the prestigious title of best in show at the 92nd annual National Dog Show in Philadelphia. Besting over 2,000 other canines, Vito’s handler, Michael Scott, praised his beautiful head, expression, and compact build, as well as his impressive movement.
With 25 best in show honors under his belt, Vito is ranked as the No. 2 toy dog in the U.S. His recent victories at the Westminster Dog Show and the American Kennel Club National Show have solidified his reputation as an exceptional show dog.
Judge George Milutinovich commended Vito, stating, “Compact, features, movement — everything a pug should be. Wow. Just wow. Lots of dog in a small package.” Vito’s co-owner, Carolyn Koch, expressed her pride in his achievement, noting that a pug hasn’t claimed the best in show title since 2002.
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Second place went to Verde, a Welsh terrier, while other category winners included dogs like Houston the clumber spaniel, The Zit the Ibizan hound, Rupert the Berger Picard, JJ the Lhasa apso, and Monty the giant schnauzer.
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The National Dog Show, authorized by the AKC, has been a staple since 1933, welcoming all registered dogs to participate. Vito’s handler, Scott, jokingly remarked on Vito’s “smug” demeanor, hinting that the pug might be aware of his triumph.
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