The pug Vito wins the National Dog Show

CNN
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Vito the pug has been named best in exhibit at the 92nd annual National Dog Show – the first time a pug has won the title in at least two decades.

A 2.5-year-old pug with sympathetic eyes and a muscular frame, Vito beat out about 2,000 other canines to take the title at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center for this year’s show, which aired on NBC Thursday.

Vito has earned 25 best-in-shows during his short career, his co-owner Carolyn Koch of Chapel Hill, North Carolina told NBC, adding that she was “so proud” of the pug.

Vito beat a Welsh Terrier, a Giant Schnauzer, a Clumber Spaniel, a Lhasa Apso, a Berger Picard and an Ibiza Hound to claim first place. Second place went to the Welsh terrier, named Verde.

Any American Kennel Club registered dog may enter the show. The judges assess the competitors based on their appearance, temperament and structure, focusing on how well they live up to the expectations of their breed.

The owners of the winning animal take home a $2,000 prize.

Last year’s winner was a cream colored Sealyham terrier called Stache.