Top dogs: pooches honoured at Golden Collar awards - in pictures

Here's what they're scrapping over: a Swarovski crystal encrusted Golden Collar. Lead not included Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

Best in show … mutt of the moment Uggie woos the press Photograph: Gus Ruelas/Reuters

… before greeting Artist co-star Beth Grant Photograph: Matt Sayles/AP

And taking to the podium alongside trainer Omar von Muller. Von Muller said the Jack Russell terrier is a 'great performer, but he's also a great family member. He sleeps with us' Photograph: Matt Sayles/AP

It was left undisclosed whether room in the bed was made for Dash, Uggie's understudy, with whom he graciously shared the stage yesterday. But Dash proved uncertain in the limelight Photograph: Gus Ruelas/Reuters

And other nominees struggled to make an impact up against such a major star. Here Brigitte, who plays Stella on Modern Family, tries some fancy moves. But the crowd face the other way Photograph: Matt Sayles/AP

The strain proved too much for some, such as Hercules, pictured here with TV personality Shorty Rossi ... Photograph: Gus Ruelas/Reuters

Other pooches needed removing forcibly lest they rip their rivals to shreds. Here director Robert Vince escorts B-Dawg off the premises Photograph: Gus Ruelas/Reuters

While others – such as Tillman the skateboarding dog – were dispatched by cattle-cart Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

Giggy may look diminutive, pictured alongside Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump, but beneath that tux lie paws of venom Photograph: Gus Ruelas/Reuters

Fellow Housewife's pup Millou's icy stare tells the judges one thing: I will kill you Photograph: GUS RUELAS/REUTERS

Ginger keeps her russet tresses glossy with regular blood-baths. Likewise owner Jacqueline Emerson Photograph: Gus Ruelas/Reuters