More than 20 million people will tune in to NBC for the Thanksgiving Day telecast of the 2013 National Dog Show, but you don't have to wait that long to see what happened behind the scenes!
While we can't tell you which one of the 1,500 dogs won, we can give you a little taste of the grooming, playing and, yes, sleeping that went on in the benching area. Check out our photo gallery, and stay tuned for more National Dog Show news!
Behind the Scenes at the National Dog Show
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
John Dugan cuddles his playful, 2-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Mack. Mack's registered name is Celticfox Field of Dreams.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Bonnie Rubin of Bucks County, Pa., proudly sports a Golden Retriever shirt as she blow-dries her Golden Retriever, Emily.
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
Pumpkin the Otterhound, who loves having her picture taken, modeled a vest for the cameras.
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
No, that’s not a dirty mop. Those cords belong to a Bergamasco named Nemas. His owner, Donna Silverpastori, says his dreads are actually pretty low maintenance and grow on their own.
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
Katie Rude, a 13-year-old junior handler, gives her Great Dane a hug while they wait for the junior handling competition to begin.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
This adorable Bulldog from Milford, Pa., goes by Maggie, but her registered name is actually Ch. Kendee's Mysterious Flaming Star of the Angels.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Breeder Amy Green laughs as her 3-year-old Samoyed, Bogey, sleeps with his tongue out during grooming.
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
A junior handler poses her Vizsla in the ring during the junior handler competition.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Owner Gretchen Vanderford of Quakertown, Pa., holds her 1-year-old Whippet, Savannah.
Laura Cross, Vetstreet
After a long day of primping and competing, it’s playtime for Chloe, a 1-year-old Golden Retriever. “She’s goofy,” says handler Jennifer Grant.
