SEND IN THE HOUNDS

Over 2,500 dogs compete for Best in Show 2007 at the Westminster Club Dog Show.

Whether they are sporting, working, hound, terrier or toy over 2,500 pure-bred dogs are competing towards the same goal, to be awarded 2007 Best in Show at the 131st Westminster Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden.

Standard or miniature these pampered pooches are coiffed, blow-dryed and styled before their spirited walk around the judge’s circle. Dan, the standard poodle has been up since the crack of dawn sittin’ pretty.

“Well we started at about six o’clock this morning and we were in the ring at 10:15 and we got a bath last night. We got shaved last night. That was about a three and a half hour project. Then we got here and spent about two more hours scissoring and finishing him up and banding him up like you see and spraying him up with hair spray and then when we’re done at 8 o’clock tonight he’ll go back to the tub for another two hours of blow-drying.”

Every dog has his day and the top dogs were 10-month old Pete took first award of merit with the St. Bernard’s and Champion Windriff Keeshond won Best Breed for non-sporting dogs for the second year in a row.

“What other quirks does he have? He sleeps with his teddy bear in the bathtub. Congratulations. Does he bark? He drools. What do I do for him? No, it’s what he does for me. He’s got a wonderful personality. He loves to show. His conditioning is unbelievable. His coat texture, everything about him and he loves it. That’s what I think makes him win so much.”

Winning is everything for these dogs. Last year Rufus the Colored Bull Terrier took home the coveted trophy. Who will win this year? Will it be the Doberman Pinscher, French Bull Dog, Great Dane or Bernese Mountain Dog. Tune into USA Network Tuesday at 8 to root for 2007 Best In Show.