PENNSYLVANIA – The most prominent tradition on Thanksgiving Day is watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, followed by the National Dog Show, which has been a beloved Thanksgiving tradition for millions over the past two decades.
For the first time in twenty years, a pug named Vito won Best in Show in the 92nd National Dog Show, presented by Purina and hosted by NBC—Peacock.
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He is recognized as the No. 1 pug in all show systems and the No. 2 toy dog in the U.S. NBC reports that he earned Best of Breed at this year’s Westminster Dog Show in New York City and claimed Best of Breed at the AKC National Show last year.
The event features about 190 breeds, with over 1,800 extraordinary dogs competing for the prestigious title of Best in Show.
At just 2½ years old, Vito has already achieved an impressive 25 Best in Show titles, as noted by his co-owner, Carolyn Koch, from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
“I’m so proud of him,” Koch (pronounced Cook) said in an interview. She called pugs “her breed” and said she was thrilled Vito was resonating in the show-dog world.
Dogs competing in the National Dog Show are evaluated based on their overall appearance, temperament, and how closely they adhere to their breed’s official standards.
“Compact, features, movement—everything a pug should be,” best-in-show judge George Milutinovich said in a news release. Vito was selected over a top-ranked Welsh terrier, a giant schnauzer, a Clumber Spaniel, a Lhasa apso, a Berger Picard, and an Ibizan hound.
“Never seen him before. Wow. Just wow. Lots of dogs in a small package,” Milutinovich said. “To look at a pug is to put a smile on your face.”
“I was optimistic,” Vito’s handler, Michael Scott of Chesapeake City, Maryland, said in a release.
“I always hope to get a really good look [from the judge].... Vito has a beautiful head and expression. Great outline.”
NBC said Vito earned Koch and co-owners Joy Barbieri and Rebecca Movall of Stanfordville, New York, a $2,000 prize.
In second place was Verde, a Welsh Terrier, who took Reserve Best in Show.
“I was optimistic,” Vito’s handler, Michael Scott of Chesapeake City, Maryland, said in a release. “I always hope to get a really good look [from the judge].... Vito has a beautiful head and expression. Great outline.”
NBC said Vito earned Koch and co-owners Joy Barbieri and Rebecca Movall of Stanfordville, New York, a $2,000 prize.
The winner of last year’s National Dog Show was a Sealyham terrier named Stache.
The "Thanksgiving Top Dog" contest, which took place that weekend alongside the National Dog Show, also took place.
This social contest invited dog lovers to share photos or videos using the hashtag #ThanksgivingTopDog on Instagram and TikTok.
During the show, viewers had the opportunity to vote for “Top Dog Energy.” They were encouraged to visit Purina’s website during the National Dog Show to select and submit their votes for their favorite finalists.
Top Dog Energy embodies a perfect blend of confidence, charm, and playfulness. Purina’s panelists narrowed down America’s top dogs to five finalists and selected Top Dog Energy.
According to a Purina press release, the Thanksgiving Top Dog contest winner would receive a year’s supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food and a $500 gift card for Chewy.
The Thanksgiving’s Top Dog finalists were:
- Captain, Golden Retriever
- Hoagie, Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog & Poodle)
- Leila, Chocolate Labrador Retriever
- Maple, German Shorthaired Pointer
- River, Aussalier (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Australian Shepherd)
“The Thanksgiving’s Top Dog Contest is a wonderful way to celebrate the playful spirit and personality of dogs everywhere, and we’re thrilled to see so many families sharing their dogs ‘Top Dog Energy,” said Andrea Faccio, president and chief growth officer at Purina. “This contest brings an exciting, interactive element to the National Dog Show, a beloved holiday tradition, bringing people and pets together to celebrate some of the country’s most incredible dogs.”
“NBC’s partnership with Purina to broadcast the National Dog Show over the past 23 years has been wonderful. Purina’s dedication to celebrating the unique energy and charm of dogs truly enhances the National Dog Show broadcast,” said Gary Quinn, Vice President of Programming & General Manager, Owned Properties at NBC Sports. “Together, we’re inviting families to connect with the event in an exciting new way, combining top-notch storytelling with a chance for fans to be part of the action by voting for their favorite Top Dog.”