America has a surprising new canine champion in the dog show arena—a pug named Vito. This marks the first time in two decades that a pug has been named best in show at the esteemed National Dog Show presented by Purina.
At just 2½ years old, Vito has already distinguished himself as the top pug in all show systems and stands as the No. 2 toy dog in the country. His accolades include winning best of breed at this year’s Westminster Dog Show in New York City, as well as at the AKC National Show the previous year. Over the course of his young career, Vito has amassed an impressive 25 best-in-show titles, showcasing both his skill and charisma in the competitive dog show circuit.
Carolyn Koch, who co-owns Vito and hails from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, expressed immense pride in her canine companion. She referred to pugs as “her breed” and conveyed her excitement that Vito has made such significant strides in the dog show world, earning recognition and admiration.
Vito’s triumph is not just a personal victory but also a delightful reminder of the diverse talents within dog breeds that often go uncelebrated. His success encourages other pug owners and raises awareness about the unique qualities that pugs can bring to the competition. As the dog show community embraces this underdog story, it reinforces the notion that every breed, regardless of its history or typical status, can shine brightly on the national stage.
Overall, the victory of Vito opens a hopeful conversation about the importance of inclusivity and representation in competitive dog shows, showcasing that excellence can come from the most unexpected places.