Here’s How Vito the Pug Captured the Hearts of National Dog Show Judges

A new leader has been crowned! Pug Vito 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 in Cahoots, has been a top pup for quite some time, having earned a total of 25 Best in Show titles from approximately 75 different dog shows. Most recently, Vito was named Best of Breed at the 2024 Westminster Dog Show and the 2023 American Kennel Club National Show.

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

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

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

“I was optimistic,” Scott says. “Vito has a beautiful head and expression. A great silhouette.”

Vito is the first pug to be named Best in Show at the National Dog Show since the event was first televised in 2002 and is the first toy breed champion since 2017.

All National Dog Show Group Winners

The path to being named Best in Show at the National Dog Show It’s competitive. Before Vito finally won the coveted 2024 title, he had to beat his fellow pugs in the Best of Breed round, his fellow Toy Group dogs in the First in Group round, and the other six group winners.

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

• Toy – Vito* the pug from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
• Terrier – Green** welsh terrier from Rialto, California.
• Sports –Houston, the spaniel from Keyport, New Jersey.
• Labor –Monty the giant schnauzer from Chaplin, Connecticut.
• Hound – The Zit, a ibicenco hound from Spring Hill, Florida.
• grazing – Rupert the Berger Picard from Shingle Springs, California.
• Not sporty – JJ the Lhasa apso of 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 sweet, crinkly pastries, we’ve got you covered.

Pugs are small, compact dogs, ideal for both first-time pet owners and veteran dog lovers, thanks to their friendly and outgoing personalities. They typically weigh less than 18 pounds and can live up to 15 years. For more information about pugs, including how to care for them, see our dedicated section breed profile.