7 Unforgettable Moments And All The Winners From The 2024 National Dog Show On Thanksgiving

The 2024 National Dog Show Presented by Purina delivered a historic and heartwarming result, solidifying its place as one of America's most cherished Thanksgiving traditions. Airing on Thursday, November 28, 2024, immediately following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the annual competition saw an estimated 1,940 dogs representing 205 breeds and varieties vying for the coveted Best in Show title.

This year’s event, which was pre-recorded a few weeks prior at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, introduced a brand-new breed to the competition and crowned a winner from a group that hadn't taken the top prize in the show's televised history: a charismatic Pug named Vito.

The Best in Show Champion: Vito the Pug's Biography and Historic Win

The biggest story of the 2024 National Dog Show was the victory of Vito the Pug, who was crowned Best in Show, marking the first time a Pug has ever won the top honor since the show began its televised broadcast in 2002.

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• Official Name: GCH CH Hill Country's Let's Get Ready To Rumble
• Call Name: Vito
• Breed: Pug (Toy Group)
• Group Win: Toy Group Winner
• Best in Show: 2024 National Dog Show
• Handler: Michael Scott
• Owner: Carolyn Koch, Joy Barbieri, and Movall
• Hometown/Kennel: Chapel Hill, North Carolina (The Andi Pugs breeding program)
• Notable Achievement: Vito’s victory caps off a stellar career, following his Best of Breed win at the 2023 National Dog Show.

Vito's win was celebrated by breed enthusiasts, as Pugs, while popular family pets, rarely reach the pinnacle of all-breed competitions. The charismatic Toy Group dog impressed the judges with his joyful demeanor, perfect gait, and breed standard conformation. His handler, Michael Scott, expressed optimism about the dog's chances, noting the Pug's consistent performance leading up to the competition.

The Elite Seven: Full List of 2024 National Dog Show Group Winners

The path to Best in Show requires a dog to first win its respective Group, defeating dozens of other champions within its classification. The seven Group Winners move on to the final ring for the ultimate judging. The competition was fierce, with seven magnificent dogs making it to the final round, and the Terrier Group winner, Verde the Miniature Schnauzer, was named Reserve Best in Show (Runner-Up).

Here are the seven Group Winners from the 2024 National Dog Show:

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

The quality of the competition was exceptionally high across all groups, showcasing the dedication of breeders and handlers to preserving the integrity of each breed standard. The judges faced difficult choices, particularly in the Sporting and Working groups, which featured powerful and elegant dogs.

A New Canine Star: The Lancashire Heeler Debut

One of the most anticipated elements of the 2024 National Dog Show was the official debut of a new breed: the Lancashire Heeler. This small, sturdy herding dog officially joined the American Kennel Club (AKC) list of recognized breeds at the beginning of 2024, making the Thanksgiving Day show its first major televised competition.

The inclusion of a new breed is a significant event in the purebred dog world, as it means the breed has met the AKC’s strict requirements for population size, geographical distribution, and a national breed club with an established breed standard.

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Understanding the Lancashire Heeler

The Lancashire Heeler is a fascinating addition to the Herding Group. Historically, this breed was used in England to herd cattle and drive livestock, a task it handled with surprising efficiency despite its small stature—often less than a foot tall at the shoulder.

• Group: Herding Group
• Origin: United Kingdom (specifically, the Lancashire region of England)
• Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, energetic, and courageous.
• Appearance: A small, short-legged dog with a black and tan coat, known for its distinctive, slightly mischievous expression.

The presence of the Lancashire Heeler brought the total number of breeds and varieties competing at the show to 205, reflecting the rich diversity and history of the world's purebred dogs.

The Enduring Tradition: Hosts, Venue, and Broadcast Details

The National Dog Show Presented by Purina continues to be a cornerstone of the American Thanksgiving experience, offering a delightful and educational counterpoint to the football games and holiday feasts.

The event’s success is also largely attributed to its familiar and beloved broadcast team:

• Hosts: The iconic duo of actor and dog enthusiast John O'Hurley and veteran dog show analyst David Frei returned to the commentary booth for their 23rd year, providing their signature blend of wit and expert insight.
• Sideline Reporter: Mary Carillo provided on-the-floor interviews and behind-the-scenes color, capturing the excitement of the handlers and owners.

The show's consistency in its presentation and its commitment to showcasing the beauty and athleticism of purebred dogs is what keeps millions tuning in every year. The 2024 show was no exception, providing a welcome moment of family viewing and lighthearted competition.

Behind the Scenes: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

While the show airs on Thanksgiving Day, the actual competition takes place earlier in November. The venue for the National Dog Show remains the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, located just outside of Philadelphia.

This venue allows the show to host a massive number of dogs and spectators, creating the vibrant atmosphere that makes the competition so unique. The show is sanctioned by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia (KCP), which has been holding dog shows since 1879, giving the event a deep historical lineage.

More Than Just a Show: The Impact of Purebred Competitions

Beyond the excitement of the Best in Show moment, the National Dog Show serves a crucial purpose: educating the public about different dog breeds and promoting responsible dog ownership. The show highlights the unique traits, temperaments, and histories of breeds that many viewers may not have encountered before, from the rare Ibizan Hound to the popular Pug.

The competition encourages the preservation of breed standards, ensuring that future generations of dogs maintain the characteristics for which they were originally developed, whether for herding, hunting, working, or companionship. The success of Vito the Pug is a reminder that every dog, regardless of size or group, has a chance to shine on the national stage. The 2024 National Dog Show will be remembered for its historic winner and its continued celebration of the human-canine bond.