One can never be too prepared for the 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held at New York's Madison Square Garden. Standard poodle Desert Turquise Elijah gets a double dose of attention prior to taking the floor for the judges. See what else went on behind the scenes in February.

Gogo, a chihuahua, doesn't look ready for the big lights. But with a helping, steady hand, she took her turn before the judges.

Grooming and primping Eragon, a bouvier, cannot be an easy task. But nothing is easy when it comes to the Westminster Dog Show.

Jane Hammett preps both of her shetland sheep dogs Reggie, left, and Bucky, before hitting the stage at Madison Square Garden.

Forget the cotton-ball look. Parker, this standard poodle, sported dreadlocks for the judges at the Westminster Dog Show.

Parfait, a 3-year-old Chinese crested, may sport the Christina Aguilera 'do, but hoped to outshine the singer's Super Bowl performance when facing the judges in New York.

Gadget got a well-earned meal backstage after showing off for judges during Monday's opening day.

Nothing could keep a giant smile off this Bernese mountain dog's mug as it readies for its moment in the spotlight Tuesday during Day 2 of the Westminster Dog Show.

The Westminster Dog Show is filled with pooches looking to be the next big thing. Maxxim, a beagle, draws his inspiration from his breed's brightest star.

. . . but it is clear rottweiler Capone is a big softie, seen here playing backstage with his handler Tuesday during the Westminster Dog Show.

A great pyrenees gets one last touch-up before judging during Day 2 of the show.

Potter, an English springer spaniel, gets groomed backstage before its big moment.

With all that hair, west highland white terrier Danny could spend all day under the blow dryer.

Capone may be a rottweiler, but he got a nice bear hug behind the scenes during Tuesday's competition at Madison Square Garden.

Prudence may not speak, but those eyes tell the story — she wants a championship.

Penny from Heaven, a lhasa apso, waits to be judged during Day 1 of the Westminster Dog Show on Monday at Madison Square Garden in New York.

If collars were judged, Leo, an Afghan, would certainly be among the favorites.

Bear, a 7-year-old Puli from Kalamazoo, Mich., waits backstage after competing on Monday.

Manny, an Afghan hound, waits backstage during the Westminster Dog Show's first day on Monday.

A poodle relaxes during grooming backstage in first-day "action" at Madison Square Garden.

Diane Engelking gets a kiss from Ansel, a Rhodesian ridgeback, backstage during the first day of the Westminster Dog Show.

A chow chow named Cody is prepped Monday for his big moment in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.