The Reigning Champions: Meet The Top 3 Dog Show Winners Of 2024 And Their Incredible Stories

The world of competitive dog shows witnessed a year of historic firsts and elegant victories in 2024, solidifying the status of three distinct canines as the reigning champions. From the prestigious green carpet of Westminster to the globally-televised National Dog Show, the winners represent the pinnacle of their breeds, judged on conformation, temperament, and presentation. As of late 2024, the most current and celebrated Best in Show winners are a charming Pug, a meticulously groomed Miniature Poodle, and a dynamic Australian Shepherd.

This article provides an in-depth look at the dogs who captured the most coveted titles in the conformation world, including the full list of group winners from each major show to give you complete topical authority on the year's events. The stories behind these champions, their dedicated handlers, and their journey to the top are a testament to the passion and dedication of the dog show community.

The 2024 Dog Show Champions: A Complete Biography List

The three most significant dog shows—the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Crufts, and the National Dog Show—each crowned a new Best in Show (BIS) champion in 2024. Here is a quick profile of the winning dogs and their key human partners:

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• Dog Name: Vito (GCHG Andi In Cahoots)
• Breed: Pug
• Title Won: Best in Show, The National Dog Show 2024 (November)
• Handler: Michael Scott
• Hometown/Origin: Pennsylvania, USA
• Historical Significance: First Pug to ever win Best in Show at the National Dog Show since its inception in 2002.

• Dog Name: Sage (GCHG CH Surrey Sage)
• Breed: Miniature Poodle
• Title Won: Best in Show, Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2024 (May)
• Handler: Kaz Hosaka
• Hometown/Origin: Houston, Texas, USA
• Historical Significance: Sage’s victory marked a major milestone for her handler, Kaz Hosaka, who was competing in his 45th Westminster show.

• Dog Name: Viking (Ch Brighttouch Drift The Line Through Dialynne)
• Breed: Australian Shepherd
• Title Won: Best in Show, Crufts 2024 (March)
• Owner/Co-Owner: Melanie Raymond (Co-owner)
• Hometown/Origin: Solihull, Birmingham, UK
• Historical Significance: Viking is the first Australian Shepherd to win the Crufts Best in Show title since 2018.

The National Dog Show 2024: Vito the Pug's Historic Win

The National Dog Show, traditionally held and broadcast on Thanksgiving Day, delivered one of its most surprising and heartwarming results in 2024 with the victory of Vito the Pug. Vito, whose full registered name is GCHG Andi In Cahoots, became the first Pug in the show’s 23-year history to take home the coveted Best in Show award.

Vito's success was a major upset, as Pugs are often seen as the lovable underdogs in the competitive world of conformation. His handler, Michael Scott, guided Vito to victory by first winning the competitive Toy Group. The win was celebrated widely, showcasing that even the smallest breeds can achieve the highest honors. The Reserve Best in Show title was awarded to Verde, a Welsh Terrier, which had won the Terrier Group.

National Dog Show 2024 Group Winners (The Seven Finalists):

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Best in Show (BIS): Vito, the Pug (Toy Group)
• Reserve Best in Show: Verde, the Welsh Terrier (Terrier Group)
• Sporting Group: Houston, the Clumber Spaniel
• Working Group: Monty, the Giant Schnauzer
• Herding Group: Rupert, the Berger Picard
• Hound Group: The Zit, the Ibizan Hound
• Non-Sporting Group: JJ, the Lhasa Apso

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2024: Sage's Elegant Triumph

The 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held in May, saw Sage the Miniature Poodle claim the Best in Show title, continuing the Poodle breed’s long history of success at the event. Poodles are among the most decorated breeds at Westminster, and Sage’s win marked the sixth time a Miniature Poodle has won the top prize.

Sage’s victory was a poignant moment for her veteran handler, Kaz Hosaka, who, after 45 years of competing at Westminster, secured the prestigious trophy. The Miniature Poodle, known for her impeccable grooming and flawless gait, first won the Non-Sporting Group before moving on to the final Best in Show ring.

Interestingly, the Giant Schnauzer named Monty, who won the Working Group at Westminster, also went on to win the same group at the National Dog Show later in the year, highlighting the depth of talent in the 2024 field.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2024 Group Winners:

• Best in Show (BIS): Sage (Miniature Poodle)
• Reserve Best in Show: Comet (Shih Tzu)
• Sporting Group: Micha (Black Cocker Spaniel)
• Working Group: Monty (Giant Schnauzer)
• Herding Group: Mercedes (German Shepherd Dog)
• Hound Group: GCHP CH Sunlit's King Of Queens (Afghan Hound)
• Terrier Group: Frankie (Colored Bull Terrier)
• Non-Sporting Group: Sage (Miniature Poodle)

Crufts 2024: Viking the Australian Shepherd Dominates the UK Stage

Crufts, the world's largest international dog show held annually in Birmingham, UK, crowned Viking the Australian Shepherd as its Best in Show winner in March. Viking, whose full name is Ch Brighttouch Drift The Line Through Dialynne, triumphed over more than 24,000 dogs from around the globe to claim the title.

The Australian Shepherd, co-owned by Melanie Raymond, first secured the Pastoral Group (the Herding equivalent) before wowing the judges in the main arena. His win marked a significant achievement for the breed, which is celebrated for its intelligence, agility, and striking appearance. The competition saw a diverse field of group winners, including a Jack Russell Terrier from Japan and a French Bulldog.

Crufts 2024 Group Winners (The Seven Finalists):

• Best in Show (BIS): Viking (Australian Shepherd)
• Gundog Group (Sporting): Hendricks (Weimaraner)
• Hound Group: Get Me (Pharaoh Hound - Bazinga Make Love Not War)
• Working Group: Ch Corleone Navigator at Kalizmar (Imp Can) (Leonberger)
• Pastoral Group (Herding): Viking (Australian Shepherd)
• Toy Group: Rafa (Papillon)
• Terrier Group: Zen (Jack Russell Terrier), handled by Hiroshi Tsuyuki
• Utility Group (Non-Sporting): Elton (French Bulldog - Ch/esp Ch Chelmbull Rocket Man Ww)