The 2024 National Dog Show Recap: 7 Surprising Group Winners And The Pug That Made History

The National Dog Show Presented by Purina is a cherished Thanksgiving Day tradition, offering a delightful and competitive spectacle immediately following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 2024 event, which aired on Thursday, November 28, 2024, was a landmark competition, featuring over 1,900 canine competitors and culminating in a historic win that thrilled dog lovers across the United States. This annual benched show, held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, once again showcased the incredible diversity and dedication within the world of purebred dogs, with a Toy Group champion taking the coveted Best in Show title.

The 2024 show was the 23rd annual broadcast of the event on NBC, continuing its legacy as one of the most-watched dog shows globally. This year’s competition was particularly memorable, not only for the stunning performance of the eventual winner but also for the debut of a charming new breed and a highly competitive field across all seven recognized groups. The results, fresh from the show, provide a perfect recap of the year's best in conformation showing.

The 2024 National Dog Show: Best in Show and Reserve Champion

The top honors at the 2024 National Dog Show were a true celebration of personality and breed standard. The judging panel had the difficult task of selecting a champion from seven magnificent Group Winners, each representing the pinnacle of their respective groups.

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Best in Show Winner: Vito the Pug

Making history for his breed, the 2024 Best in Show title was awarded to Vito the Pug, a charismatic 2 1/2-year-old fawn male. Vito's victory marked the first time a Pug has ever won the top honor at the National Dog Show since the broadcast began on NBC in 2002. His handler, Michael Scott, guided Vito to the win, captivating the judges with the Pug’s lively, outgoing, and confident demeanor, which perfectly embodies the breed's standard. This win was a major achievement for the Toy Group, which has historically seen fewer Best in Show victories compared to the Terrier or Sporting Groups.

• Dog's Name: Vito
• Breed: Pug
• Group: Toy Group
• Handler: Michael Scott
• Historical Significance: First-ever Pug to win Best in Show at the National Dog Show.

Reserve Best in Show Winner: Verde the Welsh Terrier

The highly respected runner-up, or Reserve Best in Show, was awarded to the winner of the Terrier Group, Verde the Welsh Terrier. Verde, a 5 1/2-year-old male, delivered a powerful performance that demonstrated the classic "terrier fire" and impeccable conformation. The Welsh Terrier is known for its square, compact build and keen expression, and Verde's presentation was a masterclass in the breed’s characteristics. His handler, Gabriel Rangel, is a renowned figure in the dog show world, and their partnership was a highlight of the final round.

• Dog's Name: Verde
• Breed: Welsh Terrier
• Group: Terrier Group
• Handler: Gabriel Rangel
• Title: Reserve Best in Show

Unveiling All 7 Group Winners from the 2024 Competition

The journey to Best in Show begins with the selection of the seven Group Winners, each representing hundreds of dogs from breeds within their category. The 2024 National Dog Show featured a diverse and strong field of contenders in every group.

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1. Sporting Group Winner: Houston the Clumber Spaniel

The Sporting Group, traditionally a powerhouse at dog shows, was won by Houston the Clumber Spaniel. Clumber Spaniels are known for their heavy build, thoughtful expression, and powerful movement. Houston’s win highlighted the breed’s excellence in the field and its increasing presence in the conformation ring. The Sporting Group includes popular breeds like the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and various Setters.

2. Working Group Winner: Monty the Giant Schnauzer

Dominating the Working Group was Monty the Giant Schnauzer. These powerful and imposing dogs are celebrated for their intelligence, loyalty, and robust build. Monty’s victory was a testament to the breed's strong presence and commanding ring presence. The Working Group includes breeds historically used for pulling sleds, guarding, and rescue work, such as the Boxer and Doberman Pinscher.

3. Hound Group Winner: The Zit the Ibizan Hound

The elegant and swift The Zit the Ibizan Hound took the title for the Hound Group. Ibizan Hounds are sighthounds, known for their lean, graceful bodies and incredible speed. The Zit's win showcased the breed’s ancient, refined lines and its characteristic "deer-like" movement. This group also includes Beagles, Greyhounds, and Dachshunds.

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4. Terrier Group Winner: Verde the Welsh Terrier

As detailed above, Verde the Welsh Terrier was the champion of the Terrier Group. Terriers are known for their feisty and determined nature. The group is consistently one of the most competitive, with breeds like the Fox Terrier and the Sealyham Terrier often vying for the top spot. Verde’s win secured him the Reserve Best in Show title.

5. Toy Group Winner: Vito the Pug

Vito the Pug, the eventual Best in Show winner, led the Toy Group. This group is dedicated to small companion dogs, valued for their diminutive size and charming personalities. The Toy Group includes breeds such as the Pomeranian, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Maltese. Vito’s memorable victory was a highlight of the 2024 event.

6. Non-Sporting Group Winner: JJ the Lhasa Apso

The Non-Sporting Group, a diverse collection of breeds, saw JJ the Lhasa Apso claim the victory. Lhasa Apsos are known for their long, flowing coats and assertive, independent nature. JJ’s beautiful presentation demonstrated the breed’s regal bearing. This group features a wide array of dogs, from the Bulldog and Dalmatian to the Poodle.

7. Herding Group Winner: Rupert the Berger Picard

Winning the Herding Group was Rupert the Berger Picard. This lesser-known French herding breed is recognized for its shaggy, rustic appearance and loyal disposition. Rupert’s success brought much-deserved attention to this unique and hardworking breed. The Herding Group includes the German Shepherd, Border Collie, and Australian Shepherd.

Behind the Scenes: Hosts, Location, and the New Breed

The success of the National Dog Show is built on tradition, expert commentary, and a world-class venue. The 2024 event continued the long-standing partnership with the Kennel Club of Philadelphia (KCP), which has hosted the event since 1879.

The Iconic Hosts

The broadcast would not be the same without the familiar voices of its longtime hosts. For the 2024 show, John O’Hurley, known for his role on *Seinfeld* and his charismatic presence, returned as the main host. He was joined by legendary dog show analyst David Frei, who has co-hosted the event since its first NBC broadcast in 2002. Their blend of humor, expertise, and genuine love for the dogs provides the perfect commentary for viewers at home, making the complex world of dog conformation showing accessible to all.

The Venue and the Show’s Format

The show was taped live on November 16 and 17, 2024, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, PA. The broadcast, strategically placed after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, is a two-hour edited presentation of the final rounds, including the Best in Group and Best in Show judging. This benched show format allows the public to meet the dogs and their handlers before and after the judging, fostering a deeper appreciation for the breeds and the sport.

The Newest Competitor: The Lancashire Heeler

A major point of interest in the 2024 National Dog Show was the official debut of the Lancashire Heeler. This charming, small, black-and-tan herding dog was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) on January 1, 2024. The Lancashire Heeler joined the Herding Group, bringing the total number of recognized breeds competing in the show to 201. These intelligent and energetic dogs, originally bred for droving cattle in England, added a fresh and exciting element to the competition, with many enthusiasts eager to see how the breed would fare in its first year on the national stage.

The Legacy and Future of the Thanksgiving Dog Show

The National Dog Show Presented by Purina is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the human-canine bond and a showcase of responsible breeding. The 2024 event, with Vito the Pug’s historic win, cemented its reputation for delivering memorable and often surprising results. The show serves as a crucial platform for educating the public about the different AKC breeds and the distinct characteristics that make each one unique. As the show continues to grow in popularity, it ensures that the tradition of purebred dog conformation showing remains a vibrant and beloved part of the Thanksgiving holiday for generations to come. The anticipation for the next event is already building, as dog lovers await the next champion to follow in Vito's paw prints.