Each finalist was chosen best in its breed before working its way to the top spot in one of several broader groups: hound, toy, sporting, non-sporting, herding, working and terrier.

Panda, a 2-year-old shih tzu, won best of the toy group on Monday, beating out the Pekingese and the Pomeranian.

'I feel like he put every foot where it should have gone,' said handler Kathy Garcia.

Lucy, the 4-year-old borzoi, traveled from her home in Chiba, Japan, to make the cut in the hound group.

Mai Ozeki said she was shocked when her dog, with its characteristically narrow head and silky coat, advanced to the finals.

'I'm almost having a heart attack,' Ozeki said.

Lucy beat out the Whippet, the Saluki and last years winner, the Beagle, to take home win in her category.

Lindsay Fetters gives her Vizsla a high five after it won best of breed in the first round of competition on the second day of the dog show

Saint Bernard is seen in the grooming area on Tuesday steeling a smooch from its owner on day two of the competition in New York

A Golden Retriever dries out in the grooming area on the second day of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show