Backstage at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, Mike Suess brushes Leo, an eight-year-old Afghan Hound.

The Yorkshire Terrier is known for having a long, silky coat. This Yorkie gets its hair styled before the competition.

A dog owner hugs her Bichon Frise backstage at Madison Square Garden. The breed is outgoing and friendly, making them good companion dogs.

A dog lover snaps a backstage photo of a fluffy Chow Chow. Since Westminster began, in 1877, more than 300,000 dogs have vied for Best in Show.

White fur; triangular-shaped ears; and black eyes, nose and lips characterize the American Eskimo Dog. Just 10 of the breed competed in this year’s show.

This Shetland Sheepdog looks to be in a good mood before entering the show ring. Originally raised as farm dogs, the breed has come a long way from herding sheep.   

Macenzie Zeitz, 11, gets her dog Puddin’ to pose by holding out a piece of chicken. After the photographer snaps the photo, the Whippet gets to eat the tasty treat.

Before Tucker entered the show ring, Emma Grayson Echols of Athens, Georgia, misted her three-year-old Yorkshire Terrier with hairspray.

Ten-year-old Carly McNellie of Medina, Ohio, shows off her dog, a Whippet with an unusual name:  Bo-Bett’s Speed Bump.

A Westminster judge examines Stella, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The dog belongs to 10-year-old Andrew Mueller of Molalla, Oregon.