Best in Show, other winners from Philadelphia

On November 29, 2024By Littum

In addition to parades, food and football, another Thanksgiving Day tradition is the National Dog Show in Philadelphia.

For the 92nd year in a row, racers of all stripes come together to compete for the coveted title of Best in Show and the grand prize of $20,000 that comes with it. Before they can achieve this title, however, they must first compete with dogs of their own breed for Best of Breed.

Longtime hosts John O’Hurley and David Frei reprise their roles on NBC’s television coverage of the event from the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. (The contest is also available on NBC’s Peacock streaming service.)

Stream the National Dog Show with Peacock

What new breed is joining the 2024 National Dog Show?

In 2023, there were 199 breeds represented at the Thanksgiving Day Dog Show. In 2024, a new race will make its debut along with 204 others.

Recognized as an official breed in the United Kingdom since 1981, the Lancashire Heeler joined the AKC’s Official List of Dog Breeds in early 2024, and the breed will make its National Dog Show debut this Thursday, as part of the Herding Group.

2024 National Dog Show results

The results of this year’s Best in Breed and overall Best in Show competitions, which come from these seven groups:

Crew: Rupert (Berger Picard)
Working: Monty (Giant Schnauzer)
Toy: Vito (pug)
Sport: Houston (Clumber Spaniel)
Dog: Zit (Ibiza dog)
terrier: Verde (Welsh Terrier)
Non-sporting: JJ (Lhasa Apso)

National Dog Show 2024 Best in Show champion

The pug Vito, the winner of the Toy Group, has been awarded Best in Show at the National Dog Show 2024.

Handler Michael Scott called Vito “a very compact dog” when accepting the trophy.

Vito will begin his reign with an appearance Friday morning on NBC’s “Today” show.

Previous Best in Show winners at the National Dog Show

2024: Vito (pug)
2023: Stache (Sealyham Terrier)
2022: Winston (French Bulldog)
2021: Claire (Scottish Deerhound)
2020: Claire (Scottish Deerhound)
2019: Thor (Bulldog)
2018: Whiskey (Whippet)
2017: Newton (Brussels Griffon)
2016: Gia (Greyhound)
2015: Charlie (Skye Terrier)
2014: Nathan (Bloodhound)

Cast: Jon Hoefling