America has an unlikely breed as its new national dog champion.
For the first time in at least two decades, a pug has been crowned best in show at the 92nd annual National Dog Show Presented by Purina.
The pug, named Vito, is the No. 1 pug in all show systems, and the No. 2 toy dog in the U.S, according to a release. He claimed best of breed at this year’s Westminster Dog Show in New York City, and best of breed at the AKC National Show in 2023.
In total, Vito has racked up 25 best-in-shows over his lifetime, though his co-owner, Carolyn Koch of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, said he is only 2-and-a-half years old.
“I’m so proud of him,” Koch (pronounced Cook) said in an interview with NBC News.
She called pugs “her breed” and said she was thrilled Vito was resonating in the show-dog world.