Image: US-WESTMINSTER-DOG-DAYTIME SESSION

In Focus

Pups groomed for success at Westminster dog show

King, a wire fox terrier, wins "Best in Show" at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, emerging as the top dog among nearly 3,000 barking, tail-wagging competitors.

23 PHOTOS
Image: US-WESTMINSTER-DOG

A Komondorok runs with its handler during Working group judging on Tuesday, Feb. 12. 

The 143rd rendition of the show this year included a field of 2,800 dogs from all 50 states and 14 other countries, including Russia, Mexico, Brazil, Canada and Japan.

— Timothy A. Clary / AFP - Getty Images
  • Share
Image: A Spaniel Sussex dog is pictured after it won the Sporting group at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York

A Spaniel Sussex sits on its back legs after it won the Sporting group. 

— Eduardo Munoz / Reuters
  • Share
Image: Westminster Kennel Club Hosts Its Annual Dog Show In New York

Aristo the Saint Bernard competes Tuesday during Working group judging. 

— Sarah Stier / Getty Images
  • Share
Image: Westminster Kennel Club Hosts Its Annual Dog Show In New York

A Havanese competes in "Best in Show."

— Sarah Stier / Getty Images
  • Share
Image: Westminster Dog Show, Best in Show

King, a wire hair fox terrier from Brazil, poses after winning best in show on Tuesday.

Wire fox terriers have won 15 times at the nation's most prestigious dog show, far more than any other breed (Scottish terriers, with eight). 

Wired to win: Wire fox terrier is Westminster best in show

— Timothy A. Clary / AFP - Getty Images
  • Share
Image: Final grooming takes place backstage at Madison Square Garden before the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog show at Madison Square Garden in New York

Combing a tail backstage at Madison Square Garden on Monday.

— Caitlin Ochs / Reuters
  • Share
Image: Westminster Kennel Club Hosts Its Annual Dog Show In New York

Madison the shih tzu is groomed before Breed judging at Piers 92/94 on Monday. 

— Sarah Stier / Getty Images
  • Share
Image: Westminster Kennel Club Hosts Its Annual Dog Show In New York

Lori Webster brushes her dog Ben.

— Sarah Stier / Getty Images
  • Share
Image: Couvee, an Keeshond breed, is groomed during the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York

A woman brushes Couvee, a keeshond.

— Shannon Stapleton / Reuters
  • Share
Image: US-WESTMINSTER-DOG-DAYTIME SESSION

A Welsh terrier in the benching area during the Daytime Session in the Breed Judging across the Hound, Toy, Nonsporting and Herding groups.

— Timothy A. Clary / AFP - Getty Images
  • Share
Image:

Denise Agre-gill uses a styling spray to groom her toy poodle Andre before they compete in the Best of Breed event on Monday. 

— Wong Maye-E / AP
  • Share
Image: Westminster Kennel Club Hosts Its Annual Dog Show In New York

Heather Helmer shaves her chihuahua Monty.

— Sarah Stier / Getty Images
  • Share
Image: Don Smith reacts as Cap'n Crunch the Great Dane yawns during the Meet the Breeds event ahead of the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York

Cap'n Crunch the Great Dane yawns with his front paws on Don Smith during the "Meet the Breeds" event on Saturday. 

— Andrew Kelly / Reuters
  • Share
Image: Westminster Kennel Club Hosts Meets The Breed Agility Show Ahead Its Annual Dog Show

Pugs nicknamed "The Pugdashians" attend the "Meet the Breeds" event. 

— Sarah Stier / Getty Images
  • Share
Image: US-WESTMINSTER-DOG-DAYTIME SESSION

Bichons frisés gather in the judging ring during the Daytime Session in the Breed Judging across the Hound, Toy, Nonsporting and Herding groups on Monday. 

— Timothy A. Clary / AFP - Getty Images
  • Share
Image: A Standard Poodle and trainer compete during the Herding group judging at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog show at Madison Square Garden in New York

A standard poodle competes during the Herding group judging on Monday. 

— Caitlin Ochs / Reuters
  • Share
Image:

Golden retriever Twist jumps during the masters agility championship on Saturday. 

— Noah K. Murray / AP
  • Share
Image: Westminster Kennel Club Hosts Its Annual Dog Show In New York

A toy English spaniel competes in Breed judging. 

— Sarah Stier / Getty Images
  • Share
Image: ***BESTPIX*** Westminster Kennel Club Hosts Its Annual Dog Show In New York

Yorkshire terrier, Karma's Promise Key-Per, competes in the Toy Group judging. 

— Sarah Stier / Getty Images
  • Share
Image: US-WESTMINSTER-DOG-DAYTIME SESSION

Kadence Addison with her Spanish water dog in the judging ring during the Daytime Session in the Breed Judging across the Hound, Toy, Nonsporting and Herding groups on Feb. 11.

— Timothy A. Clary / AFP - Getty Images
  • Share
Image: Westminster Kennel Club Hosts Its Annual Dog Show In New York

Judge Sharon Newcomb, right, inspects a miniature pinscher during the Toy Group judging. 

— Sarah Stier / Getty Images
  • Share
Image: Westminster Kennel Club Hosts Its Annual Dog Show In New York

The longhaired dachshund took first place in the Hound group. 

— Sarah Stier / Getty Images
  • Share
Image: Romeo, the Neapolitan Mastiff, rests during the AKC Meet the Breeds event ahead of the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York

Romeo, a Neapolitan Mastiff, rests during the "Meet the Breeds" event. 

— Andrew Kelly / Reuters
  • Share
1/23