He is the new top dog.
Vito, a brownie from North Carolina, took home best in show at the 23rd annual National Dog Show, which aired on Thanksgiving Day, making history as the first to do so.
2-year-old Vito walked away with the top title, beating out nearly 2,000 other puppies in the beloved annual event hosted by the Philadelphia Kennel Club and presented by Purina.
Not only did Vito win the entire kit and caboodle, but he was also ranked as the No. 1 toy dog. 2 in America and clay no. 1 ranked in all systems.
“I’ve been doing this for almost 30 years and this is my first best showing at the National Dog Show in Philadelphia. Just excited to be on that Thanksgiving broadcast,” his owner, Carolyn Koch of Chapel Hill, told The Post.
The 18-pound pooch, who is “happiest when he’s with his people” but “loves the attention,” drew cheers from the audience at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center as his handler, Michael Scott, paraded around his in November. 16 and 17.
“It was a great feeling,” Scott, who has been a caregiver with his wife, Michelle, for just over 20 years, told The Post. “It’s a big dog show, it’s very prestigious.”
But Vito, whose “favorite thing to do is play with his toys,” is no stranger to taking the headlines.
After competing in over 75 dog shows, this marks Vito’s 25th Best in Show win. Earlier this year he won Best of Breed at the Westminster Dog Show and came fourth in the Toy Group. The Pug also captured the Best of Breed title at the 2023 American Kennel Club national show.
“He has a great career ahead of him,” added Michelle.
“That was his best 25 on the show! I am blessed to have Michael and Michelle Scott as my retainers. They love their dogs and their dogs love them. They have a great connection with Vito,” Koch said.
“Everybody loves the dog,” host John O’Hurley, best known as J. Peterman on “Seinfeld,” told The Post. He said it was good to see a clay make history and beat some of the “more obscure breeds” such as the Clumber Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Berger Picard and Ibizan Hound competing for Best in Show this year.
“It’s good to know that a dog that fits the national popularity profile is a big plus for us,” he added.
Since the national dog show first debuted on NBC in 2002, a wide variety of dog breeds have been named best in show — but this is the first time a dog has snagged the title in the televised competition.
Pugs are one of the most popular dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club. Pugs are not only known for their scratchy little faces, but also for being calm, loving and playful., said the AKC. Pugs love to be the center of attention and are devoted to their owners – they live to love and be loved.
This year’s National Dog Show had 205 different breeds, the most ever, including a new breed, the Lancashire Heeler.
Second place, or what is called Reverse Best in Show, went to a Terrier named Verde, who scored the highest honor in the Terrier Group.
It was also the only “Benched” show in America this year, meaning the dogs stayed on their assigned benches when not in the ring, but were available to meet the public. That means the 10,000 to 15,000 people in the arena got a chance to meet the trainers and breeders and learn about the dogs, NBC Sports executive Jon Miller explained to The Post.
“Let’s remember, dogs always round up the rough edges in our lives. Imagine being in a room with 2,000 dogs, the effect that has, O’Hurley added, “It’s simple – everyone has a smile. All the dogs get along and it’s just a wonderful, wonderful day.”
Now in its 23rd year, the Thanksgiving pageant has become a beloved holiday tradition for many back home as well. About 20 million viewers are estimated at the annual National Dog Show when it airs on NBC right after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and before a night of football.
“Dogs have such a big impact on everyone’s lives, and having it on Thanksgiving, especially right after the parade, is a great family-oriented event,” Scott said. “Everybody likes to see the dogs, and they see different dogs that they don’t normally see.”
“Everybody’s favorite dog is their own dog,” Miller added. “You can’t wait for your race to appear in the ring of judgment.”
“Thanksgiving is the big family day of the year,” O’Hurley said. “Whether you’re 4 or 94 – there’s something for you.”
For those who missed the Thanksgiving broadcast, NBC will air a two-hour presentation of the special on Sunday, December 1 at 4:00 PM EST.
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