Vito, a pug from Chapel Hill, N.C., made history by winning the annual National Dog Show’s Best in Show title for the first time since the event began airing on Thanksgiving in 2002. Vito beat over 1,900 dogs to claim the top prize, impressing judge George Milutinovich with his compact features and movement. Second place went to Verde, a Welsh Terrier, with other finalists including a Berger Picard and a Clumber Spaniel. Vito, who also won the toy group, has a successful show career, winning 25 Best in Shows at just 2 1/2 years old. The National Dog Show, which gained popularity after airing live on NBC following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, had never seen a pug win Best in Show until Vito’s victory. Vito’s co-owners, Carolyn Koch, Joy Barbieri, and Rebecca Movall, received a $20,000 prize for their dog’s impressive win. The event, which features dogs from over 200 breeds and varieties, continues to captivate audiences as dogs like Vito captivate judges with their beauty and talent.
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