“A young pug made history this Thanksgiving by becoming the first of its breed to earn the top prize the 2024 National Dog Show since the annual canine event was first televised in 2002,” expressed Newsweek. Vito is a very intelligent and cute 2-year-old puppy who won the prize on Thanksgiving. 

The title, “Best in Show,” judges the dogs based on which breed seems most like their breed. The judges have a mental image of the breed of dog that is entered in the contest and looks at each dog and judges them based on which one is most fit for the breed they are. Judges use factors like body shape, face shape, the way they walk, etc to assess the things that make a certain breed of dog that breed. 

When describing Vito, A judge from the show said, “He has a beautiful head and expressions.” Vito is the perfect pug; his tail is curled right, he has the perfect face, and if anyone thinks of a quintessential “pug” they would definitely think of exactly what Vito looks like. 

Vito is a pug from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He is around 18 pounds and is a small breed of dog. His owner, Carolyn Koch, is the one who took Vito to the show. “I am so proud of him” Koch stated after Vito’s win.

Along with Carolyn Koch, Vito has two more owners, Joy Barbieri and Movall. Although he has three owners, Koch has bred many best in show winners and has been in love with pugs for almost 30 years. 

Pugs, in general, are intelligent and sensitive dogs. Most pugs that “fit” the pug look have a tightly curled tail, flat face, a muscular build, larger head, mostly dark eyes, and small floppy or drooping ears. Pugs do not normally shine with obedience training, although they tend to have really great personalities and can learn tricks with patience and repetitive training.  

Overall, Vito won based on fitting his breed best. He was the perfect pug. He had the perfect walk, perfect build, and attitude when it came to being a pug. The judges saw that and felt like Vito deserved the win. Congratulations to Vito on his Victory. He has inspired pugs across the nation to reach for the stars!