A Standard Poodle stands next to a dog-grooming blow dryer in the staging area of the Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show on February 13, 2012. The show, which has taken place annually since 1877, is the second-longest running American sporting event, behind the Kentucky Derby.
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gets its coat brushed in the staging area on February 13, 2012. In this year's competition, 2,000 dogs were judged.
Rudee, a Briard, waits with wet hair before being groomed in the staging area on February 13, 2012, the first day of the event.
Sugar Baby, a Miniature Poodle, is groomed before competing on the first day of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 13, 2012.
Beagle pair Dutch, left, and Daltry, right, play backstage on February 13, 2012 during the first day of the event.
Martha Stewart stops to look at a Bichon Frise backstage on February 13, 2012, the first day of the Westminster Dog Show.
Clara, a Chinese Crested, is dressed similarly to her owner as she waits in the staging area on February 13, 2012.
A handler in a pair of Ugg boots waits with a Standard Poodle in the staging area of on February 13, 2012, the first day of the event.
A dog poses as fans cycle backstage to take pictures during the first day of the Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show on February 13, 2012.
Caleb, a Bulldog from New York City, cools off in the breeze of a ringside fan as he waits to compete on February 13, 2012.
Michael Rhoads, of Maryland, reaches for the paw of "Oakhurst Crusin' in Chrome," an Australian Shepard. The competition continues through February 14, and the famed "Best in Show" title will be revealed at the conclusion of the event.
Porter, a French Bulldog, stands on a grooming table at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on the first day of the event.
Martha Stewart sits her with her dog GK, a Chow Chow breed, before competing in the Best of Group category on the first day of the event. GK went on to win the "Best in Breed" category.
An Old English Sheepdog is seen during the first day Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show at Madison Square Garden.
Bentley, a Cocker Spaniel, waits in the backstage area of the Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show on February 14, 2012.
Raaza, a Komondorok, waits to walk into the competition ring on the second day of the event.
CJ, a Newfoundland, wears a bandana in the backstage area during the second day of the Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show.
A Dogue de Bordeaux peeks its head out from a curtain outside the judging ring on the second day of the event.
Jacques, a Golden Retriever, looks up after winning the "Best in Breed" category at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012.
