People.com Lifestyle Pets Behind the Scenes at Westminster 2011! From blowouts to time outs, see what's happening backstage at the dog world's big dance By People Staff Published on February 14, 2011 11:00 PM Share Tweet Pin Email 01 of 12 BRUSHING UP Timothy A. Clary/Getty Watch those tangles! Old English sheepdog Jordan sits patiently for a styling session with owner Gail Bodisch on Monday backstage at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 02 of 12 WAITING GAME Shannon Stapleton/Landov Is it my turn yet? Shih Tzu Austin Powers keeps curlers in his hair while waiting to show. 03 of 12 HAIR APPARENT Shannon Stapleton/Landov Gotta perfect the poof! Toy poodle Superman gets a once-over – check out that great grooming – backstage at Madison Square Garden. 04 of 12 GIMME A BREAK Shannon Stapleton/Landov The benefit of big dogs? Big cages! Irish wolfhound Willow takes five with owner Donna Smith. Since Westminster is a benched show, dogs remain at the event all day, even when they’re not up for judging. 05 of 12 EXCESS BAGGAGE Bryan Smith/Zuma All that luggage for one little dog? Tibetan terrier Maddie sits atop a suitcase – presumably belonging to her people – at the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City. The 1,700-room spot houses many of the Westminster dogs during the two-day show. 06 of 12 LIP SERVICE Timothy A. Clary/Getty Well, it is Valentine’s Day! A handler and her dog share a sweet moment backstage at Westminster on Monday. 07 of 12 STRAIGHT & NARROW Timothy A. Clary/Getty Highlights, or her natural hue? Mia the shih tzu is groomed before showing on Monday afternoon. Think she nabbed best in breed? 08 of 12 WALK THE LINE Timothy A. Clary/Getty Think dogs get butterflies in their tummies, too? Wrinkly bulldogs prepare for their turn in the ring on Monday. 09 of 12 HIGH & DRY Spencer Platt/Getty Talk about a spa day! Havanese Starlet gets a blow-dry from one multi-tasking groomer on Monday. More than 2,000 dogs will show at Westminster, including several representing six new breeds. 10 of 12 STANDING TALL Tina Fineberg/AP She doesn’t quite pass for a human, but basset hound Nicole tries to on Saturday as she checks in to the Hotel Pennsylvania with owner Sarah Broom. The pair traveled all the way from Chehalis, Wash., to be part of the event. 11 of 12 WHO NOSE Tina Fineberg/AP German wirehaired pointer Lilly makes those heartbreaking puppy dog eyes Saturday while relaxing inside her cage at the Hotel Pennsylvania. Hopefully playtime was next? 12 of 12 NUMBER ONE FAN Jeff Christensen/AP Diva alert! A cheery chow chow goes for the windblown effect backstage at Madison Square Garden on Monday.