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.

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

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

Chauncy the Komondor drew plenty of admiring fans who asked to touch his corded white coat.

Darby the Poodle gets pampered — er, groomed — before her turn in the ring.

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

Is there a more perfect name for this gorgeous Bedlington Terrier than Vogue? We don't think so!

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

A handler adjusts her Great Dane in the show ring.

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

Ziva the Siberian Husky waits for her turn in the ring.

Can you tell which shaggy breed this nose belongs to? The answer is here.

A handler leans down to kiss her Bullmastiff in the ring as a judge looks on.

Is it just us or is this Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier winning Movember?

Rudi the Spanish Water Dog shows off the breed's signature curls.

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

Boo the Border Collie's owner says she's the calmest example of a breed not exactly known for being calm!

Two Shiba Inu dogs wait attentively outside the show ring.

Frannie the Bulldog slept like this for a while — unwittingly posing for more than a few pictures.