In a delightful turn of events, America has a new national dog champion—an adorable pug named Vito. Marking a significant milestone, Vito has become the first pug to secure the title of best in show at the prestigious National Dog Show Presented by Purina in over two decades.
At just 2½ years old, Vito has already garnered impressive accolades, including being recognized as the No. 1 pug across all show systems and the No. 2 toy dog in the United States. His impressive resume includes claiming best of breed at both the renowned Westminster Dog Show in New York City and the AKC National Show the previous year.
Vito’s co-owner, Carolyn Koch from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, expressed immense pride in her champion dog. In an interview, she referred to pugs as “her breed” and shared her joy in seeing Vito succeed and make a notable impact in the competitive show-dog community.
This victory not only highlights the charm of pugs but also showcases the competitive spirit and dedication exhibited by both Vito and his owner. Vito’s achievements can inspire many dog lovers and show competitors, emphasizing that success in the dog show world can come from unexpected breeds.
In summary, Vito’s victory at the National Dog Show is a heartwarming reminder of the joy and companionship dogs bring, as well as the potential for lesser-known breeds to shine brightly in a highly competitive arena.