Do you follow The National Dog Show? This year it was conducted at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, and longtime hosts John O’Hurley and David Frei offered their expert insight on NBC and Peacock.
A New Breed is Added to the Show
The Lancashire Heeler has been recently accepted by the AKC this year and appeared in the Herding Group. The origins of this breed of small dogs, born in the UK, added some fun to the list of 204 breeds shown at the competition.
How Does the Competition Work
It is like a competition where the dogs compete against each other within the breed. The dog with the highest-ranking wins Best in Breed. They then proceed to one of seven groups: Herding, Working, Toy, Sporting, Hound, Terrier, and Non-Sporting.
2024 Best in Breed Winners
The following are the winners of the seven groups of the 2024 National Dog Show:
- Herding Group: Rupert, a Berger Picard
- Working Group: Monty, a Giant Schnauzer
- Toy Group: Vito, a Pug
- Sporting Group: Houston, a Clumber Spaniel
- Hound Group: The Zit, an Ibizan Hound
- Terrier Group: Verde, a Welsh Terrier
- Non-Sporting Group: JJ, a Lhasa Apso
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Best in Show Champion
Vito, a representative of the Toy Group, took home the Best in Show title at this year’s competition. This was after he was presented before the judges by Michael Scott. Vito’s win will be enjoyed nationwide. He is scheduled to appear on NBC’s Today show the following morning to narrate his journey to the top.
A History of Champions
The National Dog Show had its fair share of winners over the years.
- 2023: Stache, Sealyham Terrier
- 2022: Winston, French Bulldog
- 2021 and 2020: Claire, Scottish Deerhound
- 2019: Thor, Bulldog
Each has been a winner with different qualities that made them stand out for the judges and the audience.
A Thanksgiving Tradition
Alongside Turkey and football, the National Dog Show has become a Thanksgiving tradition. The event is one of the few times where many breeds can be seen performing their talents, beauty, and charm.
What Makes the Show Special
The National Dog Show is not about winning. It speaks of the bond between dogs and humans. It is one of those events where we celebrate the diversity of breeds and have a prime focus on their heritage.
This year, with the addition of the Lancashire Heeler, the show speaks of its changing nature. It reflects the growing recognition of lesser-known breeds while maintaining its commitment to excellence.
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Looking forward to 2025
As the 2024 National Dog Show wraps up, excitement is already building for next year’s competition. The event continues to grow in popularity, attracting viewers, breeders, and dog enthusiasts worldwide.
Final Thoughts
From Vito the Pug’s historic win to the debut of the Lancashire Heeler, it has been an exciting year. As fans celebrate this year’s champions, the legacy of the National Dog Show continues to inspire love for dogs everywhere. All in all, the National Dog Show has received a lot of appreciation and support from the fans.
