Thousands of perfectly-coifed canines descended upon New York City this week for a chance to take home a prize in the nation's top dog
And late Tuesday, a black affenpinscher named Banana Joe was named "Best in Show" by the judges at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog show.
The decision was reached after 2,700 contenders strutted their stuff during the two-day competition.
READ: We're Breaking Up. Who Gets the Dog?
Here's what went on behind the scenes:
(Reuters)
Arriving
A woman pulls a cart with an English Bulldog on it towards the judging area of the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York.
(AP)
Working Out
Mac, an Australian Terrier from Sarasota, Fla., works out on a treadmill in a doggie spa at the Hotel Pennsylvania. The hotel is located across the street from Madison Square Garden, home of the Westminster Dog Show.
(Reuters)
Grooming
Jasper, a two-year-old Shih Tzu, is groomed ahead of competition.
(AP)
Grooming
Phil Schafmayer prepares Rider, an Afghan Hound, before competing.
(AP)
More Grooming
Gustavo Jimenez grooms 3-year-old Clumber Spaniel Seymor.
(Reuters)
And Even More Grooming
A groomer cuts hair around the paws of a Pomeranian in the staging area.
(Reuters)
Ear Wrapping
Teddy, a four-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, has his ears wrapped.
(Reuters)
Paw Washing
Runner, a beagle, has his paws washed in the benching area prior to the first night of Group judging.
(Reuters)
Waiting
Jamie Danelson sits in the staging area with her Briard, Cumano of the Coastline, while waiting to show.
(Reuters)
Waiting
Dogs and handlers wait backstage before the Hound Group judging during competition.
(Reuters)
Waiting
Dui, an Otterhound from Chicago, stands next to his owner Kallie Gonzalez in the benching area prior to the first night of Group judging.
(AP)
And More Waiting
An Afghan Hound names Speice prepares to compete.
(AP)
Competing
Colton Johnson shows off Swagger, an Old English Sheep Dog with the hearding group.
(AP)
Competing
Banana Joe, an Affenpinscher and winner of the toy group, is shown by Ernesto Lara.
(Reuters)
Competing
A judge and handler feel the musculature of an English Bulldog.
(AP)
More Competing
Jewel, an American Foxhound, is shown with the hound group.
(AP)
Napping
French Bulldog by the name of "Babs" takes a nap.
(AP)
And Winning!
Handler Ernesto Lara poses for photographers with Banana Joe, an affenpinscher who won best in show during the 137th Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
