Westminster Dog Show: Behind the Scenes

Sculpting a Bedlington Terrier. Bling gets a 2-hour trimming at a grooming station in the lower level of the Hotel Pennsylvania, which was transformed into a spa for the dogs. Bling, from Vancouver, WA, was last year's Best of Breed winner.

Michael, a 6-year-old Boston Terrier, gets his exercise on the treadmill in the lower level of the Hotel Pennsylvania. Michael traveled from Michigan for his second trip to the Westminster Show.

Owner Carol Rose gets a lick from her 18-month-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Reckless. They traveled from upstate New York.

Handlers push a load of 9 crates holding 10 Chinese Cresteds through a Manhattan intersection near Madison Square Garden. This year, 179 breeds from 49 states will be competing.

In the lower level of the Hotel Pennsylvania, one area of the dog spa has been set aside as separate gender-specific bathroom areas.

A standard poodle named Gem stands with its owner at a news conference for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 10, 2011.

Gatsby, a Giant Schnauzer, is eager for a treat from his handler, Janine Starink in their hotel room. This is 3-year-old Gatsby's first visit to the dog show. Gatsby and Janine arrived from Canada.

An English Setter named Hottie is exhausted after taking the red-eye from California. Hottie and Pat Canino, a friend of Hottie's owner, wait in the lobby of their hotel while their room is readied. This is Hottie's fourth time at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Maddie, a 7-year-old Tibetan Terrier, hangs out in the lobby of the Hotel Pennsylvania, across from Madison Square Garden. Maddie and her owner arrived from Green Bay, WI. This is Maddie's fourth visit to the Westminster show.

"Beren", a 4-year-old Great Pyrenees from Missouri is surrounded by his handlers as he gets a precision blow-dry after his bath. This is Beren's first time to Westminster.

"Prissy", a 2-year-old Bloodhound from North Carolina, cringes as the dryer is aimed under his ears.

Six-year-old English Springer Spaniel named "Gleason" gets his nails trimmed. Gleason, from Seattle, is making his fourth visit to Westminster.

Making his fourth appearance at Westminster, an Old English Sheepdog named "Nick" suddenly shakes off his shampoo while being bathed by his owner/breeder Chris Pesche.

Apple, a 20-month-old Norwich Terrier from Wisconsin, gets a final grooming while waiting in the benching area.

Just moments before walking into the ring, owner Rick Douglas, from Pennsylvania, gives a final touchup to Jazz, his Old English Sheepdog.

Tobie Shapiro gets a little nose kiss from Eli, a Standard Poodle, while the wait in the benching area in Madison Square Garden.

Visitors passing through the benching area take snapshots of their favorite breeds, in this case, an obliging Basset Hound.

At Madison Square Garden, the crowds watch as the judges begin to narrow the field of this year's 2,597 dogs from 179 breeds.

Owner/breeder Cathy Clayton, from Missouri, waits on the floor of the benching area with her French Bulldog named Casey. This was the first visit to Westminster for 2-year-old Casey.

A Scottish Deerhound, Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, was awarded "Best in Show." It was the breed's first "Best in Show" win.