America has a new champion in the canine competition realm, marking an exciting change in the dog show landscape. For the first time in two decades, a pug has taken the coveted title of best in show at the 92nd National Dog Show presented by Purina.
The star of the event, a remarkable pug named Vito, has emerged as the top pug in all show systems and holds the title of the second-best toy dog in the United States. Vito’s impressive track record includes winning best of breed at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in New York City and also at the AKC National Show last year.
Despite being just 2½ years old, Vito boasts a staggering achievement of 25 best-in-show awards. His co-owner, Carolyn Koch from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, expressed immense pride in her champion dog. “I’m so proud of him,” she shared in an interview, emphasizing her deep connection to the breed and her joy in seeing Vito thrive in the competitive dog show circuit.
The success of Vito represents not only a personal triumph for his owner but also a celebration of pugs within the dog show community. This win inspires enthusiasm for the breed and showcases their versatility and charm in the show ring.
Overall, Vito’s achievement brightens the narrative around dog shows by highlighting the uniqueness and appeal of pugs, encouraging dog lovers to appreciate different breeds and their strengths.