Before any canine contenders can strut through the show ring at Madison Square Garden, they have to prep and perform at the Piers.
This is the first year that any part of the Westminster Dog Show has taken place outside the Garden, and in addition to the adorable show dogs, we're loving the venue's Hudson River views.
Check out our gallery to see some great moments — both funny and sweet — that you won't catch on TV.
Our Favorite Westminster Moments
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
With monikers like Chaos and Turbo, do you think these two terriers live up to their names?
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
WuzzyBear the Sussex Spaniel wears a head wrap around his ears as he prepares to enter the show ring. The dog's father was named Fuzzy, so they called his pup WuzzyBear. Get it? "Fuzzy-Wuzzy was a bear."
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Golden Retrievers prepare to enter the ring at Pier 94. They are the most represented breed at Westminster this year, with 61 Goldens competing.
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
After winning Best in Breed, how does a dog prepare for the big show at Madison Square Garden? Well, Cole the Komondor plans to relax, take a nap and watch some of his other canine friends compete.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Jaime Scott, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog handler from Pennsylvania, shows off her paw print tattoos.
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
Yaaawn. We can't tell if Spot the Lakeland Terrier finds bath time boring or really relaxing.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Can you guess this dog's breed? Here's a hint: He's a setter who's prized for his exceptional nose and good memory.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Olivia the Shih Tzu gets her prep work done in the benching area at Pier 92. She traveled to New York City all the way from Oakland, Calif.
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
Whitney the Chinese Crested warms up before going in the ring — though she seems more comfortable on two legs than on four.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Quixote the Chow Chow won his breed at Westminster 2010. Sadly, he didn't have the same success this year.
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
After a long day of breed judging at the Piers, Red Wine Spritzer, a Boston Terrier, scans the crowd for his owner.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Nineteen-month-old Ray Wood laughs at an Icelandic Sheepdog named Puck. Ray and his 4-year-old sister, Marlow, came to Westminster to play with the dogs.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
We know Westminster is serious business, but Journey the American Eskimo Dog always has time for a little clownin' around.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Ever wonder what a Corgi's eye view looks like? Little Sara here will show you!
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
A Chinese Crested strikes a pose in the show ring during the breed judging at the Piers.
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
Now this is the life: With her Best in Variety ribbon by her side, Angel the Toy Poodle takes a well-deserved nap.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Norwegian Buhunds Cash (left) and Pink sleep in their handlers' laps after winning Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex, respectively.
