However, Mai Ozeki, the dog's owner, opted for her husband, Shota Hirai to handle Lucy at the show.

Four of the canine finalists, Rumor the German Shepherd, Lucy the borzoi hound, Annabelle the bulldog and Panda the shih tzu, were selected on Monday night.

The pooches out shined 2,748 other dogs to reach the 'Best in Show' round of the prestigious competition at Madison Square Garden.

On Tuesday, CJ along with Bogie the Samoyed and Charlie the Skye terrier joined the four other dogs in competition for the top prize.

'He just has that something extra special. We're gonna have a good time tonight,' Valerie said after the win.

Rumor, the three-year-old German Shepherd, enjoyed celebratory meaty treats backstage after winning an earlier round on Monday on her way to being named best herder of the bunch.

'She's definitely in the big-time now,' Co-owner of Kent Boyles said.

Bogie the Samoyed won Best of Breed for the working breed category on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden

The Skye terrier named Charlie won Best of Breed in the terrier category but ultimately lost to CJ for the best in show prize

Annabelle the bulldog, who turns four years old on February 27, won the Best of Breed in the non-sporting division on Monday night