The Winners Of The 2017 Westminster Dog Show Are Probably More Well-Behaved Than We Are

More than 2,800 dogs wagged their way to New York City this week to compete in the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden.

The show is the second-oldest sporting event in the country behind the Kentucky Derby. It’s a really big deal. These dogs and their trainers work hard to get competition-ready—and even the Empire State Building got in on the fun, lighting its tower purple and yellow (Westminster colors) while the competition was underway.

The photos from the show are paws-itively delightful!

1. Rumor

All eyes were on this regal German shepherd named Rumor this week as she competed to add more championship ribbons to her collection—she already has 103! Her handler and co-owner Kent Boyles told the Associated Press that he was “pretty nervous.” But with a cute face like that, what’s there to worry about?

2. Chuckie

Chuckie, a Pekingese with an impressive mop of hair, won this year’s toy group. This pup, who also goes by Chuckles or Chuck, is the son of Malachy, who won Best of Show at Westminster in 2012.

“It’s just something you do every day. You have to brush him, take him for exercise, you have to take care of him every day,” Chuckie’s breeder, co-owner and handler David Fitzpatrick told reporters.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQedCIOBWg8/?taken-by=westminsterkennelclub

3. Heart

This little sweetie won the Westminster’s first-ever obedience competition. Heart, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever, beat out 33 other dogs, including a toy poodle and a Rottweiler, for the win.

“She is just amazing,” owner and handler Linda Brennan, told reporters. “We had the cute factor.”

We couldn’t agree more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQd0GBmBBbj/?taken-by=westminsterkennelclub

4.  Adrian

Adrian the Irish setter was this year’s winner in the sporting group, which is made up of hunting and retrieving dogs. Just look at his long flowing locks! We’re jealous.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQhEPHeBxLf/

5. Trick

Trick the border collie dashed through dozens of complex obstacles to win Westminster’s agility competition. Not only is Trick cute, he’s also super speedy and smart. He can jump through hoops, dash over hurdles, and walk up and down a steep ramp.

6. Mia

Speaking of agility, this little firecracker didn’t win, but she did steal the show. Mia the Beagle got a little bit distracted during her run through the agility course, stopping to stare into space and sniff the ground several times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOsY6nZ4580

7. Bogey

Bogey the Samoyed was getting all kinds of love at this year’s show, including from Anderson Cooper.  This 6-year-old won the working group last year and visited “Late Night with Seth Meyers” before the competition got underway.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQOs7gyhlTA/

We’re already excited about next year’s show!