On Saturday we got a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of The National Dog Show, which brought together 1,612 pedigreed dogs from 175 breeds and varieties to vie for the coveted title of Best in Show.
The telecast of the competition doesn't air until Thanksgiving Day on NBC, but here's a taste of the backstage excitement in the benching area — plus some scenes you may not see on TV.
National Dog Show 2014 Benching

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Fernando Salas of Oakland, New Jersey, gives a smooch to his 7-month-old Airedale Terrier, Reina. Her name means "queen" in Spanish.

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Nukaq is a 2-year-old Belgian Tervuren whose name means "little sister" in Inuit. She and her sister, Valor, are both therapy dogs.

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Chauncy the Komondor drew plenty of admiring fans who asked to touch his corded white coat.

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Darby the Poodle gets pampered — er, groomed — before her turn in the ring.

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Mark Goodwein of California holds his "50-pound lapdog," a Wirehaired Vizsla named Izzy.

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Is there a more perfect name for this gorgeous Bedlington Terrier than Vogue? We don't think so!

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
What's so funny, Lucy? This 2-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi loved goofing off for the camera.

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Thanks to her friendly personality and adorable bat ears, Maddie the 5-year-old French Bulldog made lots of friends in the benching area.

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Can you tell which shaggy breed this nose belongs to? The answer is here.

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
A handler leans down to kiss her Bullmastiff in the ring as a judge looks on.

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Is it just us or is this Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier winning Movember?

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Rudi the Spanish Water Dog shows off the breed's signature curls.

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Co-owner and handler Michelle Birchard grooms Sam, a 7-month-old Poodle.

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Boo the Border Collie's owner says she's the calmest example of a breed not exactly known for being calm!

Shayna Meliker, vetstreet.com
Frannie the Bulldog slept like this for a while — unwittingly posing for more than a few pictures.