You’ve seen the images from the floor of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, but have you seen what happens backstage? That’s where all the action really is, and we got an exclusive look at what goes on behind the curtains of the world’s most famous dog show.
We were also able to capture a candid photo of the Best in Show winner, German shorthaired pointer C.J., before he took home the grand prize. Check out C.J.’s preshow photo and lots of other gorgeous pups as they geared up for one of the biggest days in their career.
Komondor haircut
The Komondor does a good job of sitting still while someone tends to her corded coat.
Newfoundland trim
The person in charge of cutting all the hair on this Newfoundland has a tough job!
Terrier spa day
This Bedlington terrier is obviously enjoying its pampering.
Golden blow-dry
This golden retriever may not be a fan of the blow-dryer.
Golden queue
These goldens don’t look too thrilled with this long styling process.
Airdale trim time
This Airdale terrier has a lot of hair to tame, but this guy seems to have it under control.
Cocker perfection
Pretty cocker spaniel — you’re gorgeous!
Kerry blue beard
It’s tough to tame the muzzle of a Kerry blue terrier.
Westminster haircuts
Trims like these are par for the course at the world-famous dog show.
Accessorizing
Why are this English springer spaniel’s ears all wrapped up? It’s common practice at dog shows to keep their perfectly coifed hairdos from getting dirty.
Spaniel trim
This sweet little cocker has to stay perfectly still for this cut to be a success.
Solo space
This spaniel got some alone time for her blow-dry, which was probably much needed.
Getting sudsy
Soap in the eyes is never fun, right?
Good dog
This schnauzer has perfected the art of waiting patiently.
Sneaking in a nap
This pup looks like it may be sleeping on the job.
Hair’s the thing
Cairn terriers are always fluffy, but this guy takes it the extreme.
Sitting pretty
This wire fox terrier sure knows how to pose for the camera.
Waiting their turn
The dogs are used to standing quietly until it’s their time to be groomed.
Pretty takes work
This soft-coated wheaton terrier dries off after a bath.
Matching pairs
These owners have their hands full!
Last-minute checks
This cocker spaniel gets a last minute once-over before taking the stage.
Perfect poise
These dogs — and their handlers — need a show of patience to get through these events.
Break time
This Briard is taking advantage of a quiet moment to rest in the crowd.
Snipping away
Every nip and tuck must be perfect to tame these perfect wire fox terrier coats.
Gentle giant
This big St. Bernard looks like he could use a nap.
Huggable companion
This Great Pyrenees looks so soft and cuddly.
Samoyeds in a line
Imagine the time it would take to style all that hair.
Looking good
This akita stands at attention while getting groomed.
Groomin’
This Irish setter has gorgeous chocolate eyes that perfectly match his coat.
Boxer shave
Even short-haired dogs need a trim to be stage ready.
Mastiff on call
This big guy probably needs his own room in the crowded backstage area.
Listen closely
This Great Dane looks like he’s waiting for instructions — or gossip.
Dane attraction
This group of Great Danes is waiting for their moment to shine.
Doppelgangers
These curious boys have found their double backstage.
Patience
These golden retrievers know it takes time to look gorgeous.
Time-out
These pretty cocker spaniels are getting in some rest before hitting the stage.
Beautifully blow-dried
This little lady looks like she’s enjoying her pampering.
Peekaboo
We think this Irish water spaniel has eyes in there somewhere… can you see them?
Wonderful wrinkles
You can’t help but fall in love with all that skin on the Dogue de Bordeaux.
Spa day
This samoyed is more than happy to lie there while being primped.
Hitching a ride
This tiny terrier gets a lift to save his energy for the stage.
Curlicue
The groomer achieved a perfectly round ‘do for this barbet, aka French water dog.
Eyeing you
This field spaniel is daydreaming about stealing the show.
Groom time
This St. Bernard is almost too big for the table holding him.
Don’t forget the nails
This schnauzer is even getting a manicure for her big day.
Ready to shine
The distinctive coats of Komondors make them hard to miss.
Line up
Handlers use treats to keep their pups in line while waiting.
Fetch
This Nova Scotia duck-trolling retriever looks a little taken aback by all the fuss.
Two-on-one
This Kuvasz is so big and hairy, it takes two groomers to make him look great.
Freshly groomed
This beautiful English cocker spaniel loves to pose for the camera.
Strike a pose
This poodle sure knows how to show off its puffy coat.
New look
This Welsh terrier has the modeling gig down, with quite the innocent look on its face.
What a face
This handsome dog is ready for his close-up.
Shakin’
A friendly shake from the barbet before the competition.
True colors
The groomer doesn’t seem to be much of a distraction for this pit bull.
Smile for me
This Tibetan mastiff sure knows how to smile for the camera.
Scene stealer
This beautiful Bernese mountain dog walks the runway with pride.
Ready for action
This Siberian husky is ready to get this show on the road.
Happy dog
This Irish water spaniel’s eyes may be covered in fur, but that doesn’t make him any less cuter.
Jumping for joy
True love really shines in the eyes of this minature bull terrier.
Pure perfection
This eager Jack Russell terrier is sure to win over the crowd.
Coating it
This Welsh springer spaniel enjoys its time under the blow-dryer.
Fresh coat
This English setter gets a little trim before hitting the stage.
True relaxation
This long-haired Irish setter gets brushed up.
Clean coat
This boxer waits patiently as its owner readies his tools.
Hair goddess
This Portuguese water dog is sure to be a hit with his wavy hair.
Whew!
Maybe this guy is trying to hide from the crowd.
Chilling
Looks like this dog is living the life.
Talented grooming
Combing a soft-coated wheaten terrier is not an easy job, but this dog seems to be enjoying it.
Assembly line
Even dogs love a good blowout!
Total cuteness!
With this adorable face, this Bichon Frise is surely medal worthy.
Soulful
This English setter, with it’s pretty spotted coat, is ready to go.
Fashion statement
This American water spaniel wears its hat and tie with pride.
Smile
This German shepherd knows there’s a lot of waiting around at dog shows.
Paw’s up
The groomer is definitely in the zone as she trims this English setter’s fur.
New perspective
Look at those cute paw prints. They use baby powder to keep the dogs’ coats shiny.
Nap time
Looking this adorable can be exhausting.
Elegance
This Irish setter is cool, calm and collected before the big show.
Bushy face
It takes a lot of time and preparation to keep this Portuguese water dog picture perfect.
Show time
This West Highland terrier is enjoying its moments backstage.
Loving it
This soft-coated wheaton terrier is loving the attention.
Brush me
The groomer runs a quick comb through this black cocker spaniel.
Wet dog
Fresh out of the bath for this Affenpinscher.
Raring to go
This golden retriever enjoys the spotlight a little too much.
Time for a trim
A good cut will do wonders for this Afghan.
Ears up
It’s not as scary as it seems, little Corgi. Don’t worry, you’ll do fine.
Too excited
All the hubbub seems to be a good thing for this St. Bernard.
Waves of wonder
Look at the wavy hair on this Glen of Imaal terrier.
Game face
This border terrier is poised and ready.
Spot on
This English pointer shows off his beautiful mottled fur.
Smile
This German shepherd knows there’s a lot of waiting around at dog shows.
Cuteness overload
It’s all in the eyes for this border terrier.
Backstage
An overarching glimpse at the staging area for the Westminster Dog Show.
Up close and personal
Look at the cute little wrinkles on this Dogue de Bordeaux.
Almost there
This saint bernard at the Westminster Dog Show prepares for the spotlight.
The excitement continues
This Greater Swiss Mountain dog surely loves to express its happiness.
Just arrived
An owner preps her dog for grooming after arrival to the show.
Can we go already
This Cane Corso’s collar finally gets to come off.
Walking to the stage
This German short haired pointer is named C.J. and he won the coveted title of best in show! We snagged this picture before he took the stage and won over the judges’ hearts.
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