This week, the most carefully coiffed dogs in the world gathered at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show to compete for the top prize. TIME takes you behind-the-scenes at New York City’s Madison Square Garden for a look at the prized pooches — and their doting stage parents.
Pups on Parade: Behind the Scenes at the 2013 Westminster Dog Show
Finlay Mackay for TIME
Aristocrat, a 5-year-old male St. Bernard.