Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2010

Handler Rick Klinger waits backstage to show his dog during the first day of the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden
Photograph: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

A toy spaniel peeks at the goings-on as it waits in its backstage berth prior to appearing before the judges at the New York show
Photograph: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

A beagle stoically accepts the indignity as it is groomed by its handler with a hairdryer
Photograph: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

Tongues are wagging as members of the bloodhound gang line up in the ring
Photograph: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

All varieties of human and canine life are there to see and be seen in the judging rings
Photograph: Justin Lane/EPA

A breeder rewards her English sheepdog with a kiss as it stands with its fellow competitors
Photograph: Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Richard Meen, a dapper and well-groomed show judge, examines a whippet
Photograph: Justin Lane/EPA

Pugs Jeremy and Jellybean sit comfortably on an animal print blanket as they wait backstage for their chance to shine
Photograph: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

Roy, a bearded collie, looks out from under a flyblown fringe as it undergoes some heavy-duty grooming
Photograph: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

Man and beast in perfect harmony: the limbs of this handler and his saluki are a blur
Photograph: Justin Lane/EPA

A dog handler and her chihuahua rub noses while competing in the show
Photograph: Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Short legs and sensible haircuts: corgis and their handlers line up before they enter the ring
Photograph: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

Dog owners engage in some last-minute grooming of their briards prior to appearing before the judges
Photograph: Justin Lane/EPA

Whippets of all hues wait for their handlers to lead them out in front of the audience
Photograph: Justin Lane/EPA