Santa has said his last jolly “Ho, Ho, Ho!” at the end of another successful and entertaining Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Between bites of turkey, nearly 20 million Americans tuned in after the parade to watch the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s 2024 National Dog Show presented by Purina held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, a storied tradition in its 92nd year featuring 1,940 dogs representing 205 dog breeds out of the American Kennel Club’s 213 recognized breeds.
David Frei and John O’Hurley have been at the helm co-hosting the event since it began airing on NBC in 2002. Other hosts who provide behind-the-scenes analysis and commentary are Britney Eurton and Mary Carillo, who instructed a Border Collie along an agility course to provide a glimpse into the other fun events held in conjunction with the main event.
Last year’s winner was Sealy the Sealyham Terrier, wowing the judges and the crowd with his happy attitude and beautiful conformation. The Sealyham Terrier is a rare dog breed originating in Southwestern Wales that helped protect the local fish supply from otters. Today, Sealyham Terriers make their owners laugh with their bold, silly antics and spirited personalities.
Meet the Winner, Vito the Pug
Only one lucky dog trotted away with the Grand Prize – $20,000 and the coveted title of Best in Show, a lifelong goal for every handler, breeder, and owner. This year, Vito the Pug won the 2024 National Dog Show with much fanfare. Vito made history as the first Pug to ever win Best in Show after almost a century of the annual competition. Vito is no stranger to the winner’s circle. Last year, he won Best of Breed at the 2023 AKC National Show and has won 25 other previous Best in Show titles in addition to Best in Breed this year. At just 2.5 years old, Vito is the No. 11 all-breed dog in the country, the No. 2 Toy dog, and the No. 1 Pug in all systems – quite the accomplishments!
Not only is Vito a handsome Pug, but he is as close to perfection as possible according to Best in Show judge George Milutinovich who said, “He exemplifies everything a Pug should be.” Vito’s handler, Michael Scott said, “He has a beautiful head and expression and wonderful movement.” His breeder, Joy Barbieri, told Purina Pro Club, “Vito is the best Pug we have bred. He has beautiful structure, a pretty face, the breed’s iconic curly tail, a square body, level topline, good bone and depth of chest.”
Vito the Pug. Photo courtesy of Bill McCay/NBC/Getty Images
All About Pugs
When you see a Pug puppy, you can’t help but laugh. With their stout little bodies, round, protruding eyes, underbites, and squished faces, a Pug looks more like a little alien than a dog sometimes! Pug owners swear they understand human emotions and are devoted companions.
The Pug is thought to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world originating in China. Chinese royalty and nobility cherished and favored Pugs, even giving them dedicated servants and guards as symbols of good fortune. Over time, Pugs were bred to retain their unique look. While they may be small weighing 14-18 pounds and standing 10-13 inches tall, Pugs have muscular, stout bodies with the breed standard favoring black or fawn coat colors with or without a black mask. Pugs are known for their comical personalities, playful nature, and affectionate devotion.
National Dog Show Judges
Handlers, breeders, and stud-dog owners are able to apply to be National Dog Show judges with strict criteria requiring at least a decade or more of experience showing, breeding, or judging dogs in other shows. Judges go through a thorough selection process that includes interviews, training, and a probationary period.
Once approved, a judge is an unbiased evaluator unswayed by past titles won, owners, handlers, or anything else detracting from focusing on the dog’s qualities. A good judge looks for the dog upholding the best breed standard regarding physical appearance, temperament, and other characteristics that make a dog a standout.
Other Coveted National Dog Show Titles
While the ultimate top prize is Best in Show, owners and handlers also aim for other coveted titles. Each one carries prestige and bragging rights, and several go on to win other major titles at next year’s show. These other competitions allow dogs to shine in their own ways.
Reserve Best in Show
The Reserve Best in Show is the runner-up to Best in Show. While not a first-place win, receiving this award is still an incredible honor. Introduced in 2012, Reserve Best in Show is announced before the Best in Show presentation as a separate part of the ceremony. This year’s Reserve Best in Show title went to Verde the Welsh Terrier, winner of the Terrier Group. Verde has participated in 50 competitions and has won 21 Best in Shows just since joining his handler.
First in Group
The AKC divides dogs into seven groups according to characteristics, origins, and other distinguishing characteristics. With Vito winning the Toy Group and Verde sweeping the Terrier Group, the remaining 5 National Dog Show 2024 group winners are:
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Herding Group: Rupert the Berger Picard represents a shaggy dog breed introduced to the world in the endearing movie Because of Winn Dixie. Berger Picards are lanky yet sturdy dogs with ancient roots who have been herding sheep in France for centuries.
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Hound Group: An Ibizan Hound named “The Zit” from Abbaio Ibizans is no stranger to accolades, winning her first award at just 7 months old and earning 4 major titles by 11 months. With an ancient background that is thought to go back to the beginning of civilization, this hare and rabbit-hunting dog breed has fed the people of the Balearic Islands off Spain's Mediterranean coast for centuries thanks to its swift, graceful hunting abilities.
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Non-Sporting Group: JJ the Lhasa Apso hails from Sabot Virginia, but his ancestors were prized for guarding ancient Tibetan royalty. Small and mighty, Lhasa Apsos have long, luxurious hair with an impressive mane and an independent spirit. Some people may mistake them for Shih Tzus although Lhasa Apsos are larger and more reserved.
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Sporting Group: Houston the Clumber Spaniel represents the Sporting Group, a breed you may not have heard of. Clumber Spaniels are white, heavy dogs with long, low bodies built to push through brush and sport a dignified, mellow personality.
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Working Group: Monty the Giant Schnauzer was called “a beautiful representation of his breed” and fed off the crowd’s energy. It was easy to see why Monty has won 42 other Best in Shows in his career! While Mini Schnauzers belong under the Terrier Group, it may surprise you to learn that a Giant Schnauzer is a completely different dog breed originally bred to drive cattle to market in the Alps.
Best in Breed
Before dogs can move to First in Group, they must win Best in Breed first. Dogs must accumulate a certain number of points competing in eligible dog shows across the country to participate in Best in Breed. Each breed is judged against the ideal breed standard instead of one another with the winner capturing the essence of the dog breed. Here are some fun facts about some of this year’s Best in Breed winners:
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Xavier “X-Man” the Beagle not only looks good in the ring, but he is also a therapy dog for one of his owners with ALS.
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Finn the French Bulldog is the half-brother to Winston, the winner of the 2022 Best in Show.
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The Dachshund winner featured long hair and enjoys life with 9 other Doxies, 14 horses, and lots of kids to play with.
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Boujee the Golden Retriever beat out almost 60 others to win Best in Breed.
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Kanji the Lancashire Heeler made the breed debut in the ring as the most recent AKC dog breed addition.
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Agera the Neopolitan Mastiff was judged on its “wrinkle, head, and mass.”
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Rumor the Vizsla has both beauty and brains, appearing in the most recent Fall J. Crew online ad campaign and holds several field titles.
Take Home Your Own Pawrade Champion
When searching for puppies for sale, you want to find the pup that will win over your heart. However, it can be frustrating finding “competitors” for that #1 spot in your life due to long waitlists, sketchy social media posts, or backyard breeders. During this busy season, you don’t have time to slog through research on your own to find a winner.
Turn to Pawrade to help you choose your champion among our puppies from reputable breeders who have passed a rigorous screening process to join our network. You’ll find puppies with champion bloodlines and impressive pedigrees if you’d like to show dogs yourself or just enjoy as a pet. We can’t wait to help you decide which puppy will be victorious as your #1 Best Friend!
*Cover photo: Vito the Pug at the 2024 National Dog Show Courtesy of Purina
