Backstage at the Westminster Dog Show
Top dogs may have a naturally winning style, but it takes a lot primping and prep to compete at the nation's top dog competition - The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This year the 140th annual show attracted more than 2,700 dogs from 199 breeds and varieties to the prestigious event in New York City, Feb. 15, 2016.
CJ, a German shorthaired pointer, won Best in Show on the final night while a borzoi, named Lucy, was named 2016 Reserve Best in Show.
In this photo, a Yorkshire terrier gets brushed out to look her best for competition at Pier 92, one of three venues for the show that include Madison Square Garden.
Westminster Dog Show
Dogs enter the show arena at Madison Square Garden for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Feb. 15, 2016.
The Best in Breed winners move take part in the evening competition.
Standard poodle
A well-coiffed standard poodle rests in the benching area of Pier 92 during the 140th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Feb. 15, 2016.
Border collie Edgar
Stacey Carver carries Edgar, a border collie, on her shoulder in the benching area of Pier 94 at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City. The crowds made Edgar nervous.
Doberman pincher Serena
Doberman pincher Serena, whose official name is Champion Foxfires She's a Popstar, wears an I Love New York scarf at the show, Feb. 16, 2016.
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People and their dogs take part in a show at the Hotel Pennsylvania in the weekend run up to the Westminster Dog Show in New York City, Feb. 16, 2016.
Bergamsco
A bergamsco waits in line at the reception desk of the Hotel Pennsylvania where many of the Westminster Dog Show participants stay, Feb. 15, 2016.
Bermascos are competing for the first time at the show, as one of seven news breeds.
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A Great Dane awaits his turn in the ring in the benching area at Pier 94, Feb. 16, 2016.
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A pooch takes advantage of the 'facilities' in the basement of the Hotel Pennsylvania for show participants, Feb. 15, 2016. The hotel charges guests $20 or non-guests $40 for the length of the show to use the basement litter facility complete with plastic fire hydrants.
With temperatures hitting well below-zero through the weekend, it was a well-used amenity.
Great Dane El Jefe
Breeder David Beck poses with Great Dane, El Jefe, at Pier 94, Feb. 16, 2016.
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A dog gets a bath at the Hotel Pennsylvania ahead of the Westminster Dog Show, Feb. 15, 2016. The hotel caters to show participants by providing pooch facilities and a concierge service.
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A young handler with her Great Dane, Feb. 16, 2016.
Old English Sheepdog
Koda, an Old English Sheepdog, at the doggie salon at the Hotel Pennsylvania, Feb. 14, 2016. The hotel provides several amenities for its dog guests at the annual show, including a doggie concierge.
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The competition rings at Pier 94 are surrounded by spectators, Feb. 16, 2016.
Afghan hound Google
Dog handler Bobbi Kinley-Blewett poses with Google, an Afghan hound, she is showing, Feb. 15, 2015.
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Westminster Dog Show competitors perform in a ring at Pier 24 in New York City, Feb. 16, 2016.
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Not far from the competition rings people sit on the ground at a packed Pier 94, one of three arena areas used for the national show, Feb. 16, 2016.
Golden retriever Brydon
Handler Heather Bremmer with golden retriever, Brydon. Golden retrievers were among the largest field of competitors with 20 pooches vying for Best in Breed, Feb. 16, 2016.
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Miniature American shepherd, Holster, made an appearance with his prize ribbon won for the 2016 Masters Agility Championship held on Feb. 13, 2016 on the first night of competition at Madison Square Garden, Feb. 15, 2016.
The breed is one of seven new ones in this year's show.
Spanish water dog Jango
Handler Nina Fetter with Spanish water dog Jango from South Carolina.
The breed is one of seven new breeds making their debut at this year's Westminster Dog Show.
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A long haired daschund in the grooming area at the Hotel Pennsylvania before competing in one of the small shows preceding the annual Westminster Dog Show, Feb. 14, 2016.
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A dog is groomed in the benching area of Pier 92, Feb. 15, 2016.
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A woman takes a nap at the end of the second day of competition. Participants, both humans and people, start at the crack of dawn for the day long events and if successful move on to nighttime competition at Madison Square Garden.
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Handler Brendan Coleman shares an affectionate moment with Rhett - as in Rhett Butler - a papillon from Maryland at the Hotel Pennsylvania. Several smaller shows were held at the hotel over the weekend before the Westminster Dog Show held Feb. 15-16.
Rhett is one of the top papillons in the country and is a Bronze Grand Champion.
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Waiting ringside for competition to start at Pier 94 at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City, Feb. 16, 2016.
Borzoi Lucy
A borzoi, Lucy, and her handler Shota Hirai after Lucy won the hound group competition in the first night of judging at Madison Square Garden.
The four-year-old, whose registered name is Belisarius Jp My Sassy Girl, from Japan was named 2016 Reserve Best in Show on the second and final night of judging.
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A curious competitor at the show on Feb. 15, 2016.