Thousands of dogs, hundreds of breeds, and just one top dog will be crowned at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday night in New York City.

The coveted Best in Show trophy will be awarded around 11 p.m. to one of seven finalists. Four finalists were chosen on Monday: Neal, a bichon frisé; Bourbon, a whippet and repeat runner-up; Comet, a shih tzu who has been a finalist before; and Mercedes, a German shepherd who came in second last year. Three more finalists will be selected Tuesday evening at Madison Square Garden.

Among the semifinalists is Penny, a Doberman who was chosen as the best of her breed. Despite her dignified and focused appearance, Penny can be “a mush,” said breeder and co-owner Theresa Connors-Chan from Ontario, Canada. “She’s bossy, but she’s lovely.”

Winning at Westminster is considered the most prestigious achievement in the U.S. dog show world. Each dog is judged based on how closely it matches the ideal standard for its breed. While winners receive a trophy, ribbons, and bragging rights, there is no cash prize.

Every dog competing at Westminster is a titled champion, but they are also beloved family pets. Many of them take on additional roles, such as therapy work, search-and-rescue, or other canine jobs.

“A good German shepherd is an all-purpose dog,” said co-breeder and co-owner Sheree Moses Combs of Wardensville, West Virginia. Some of her puppies have gone on to become service dogs for wounded veterans, she explained. “Dog shows are fun, but that is what our breed is all about.”

Big dogs had their moment in the spotlight at Westminster on Tuesday when “working” breeds took their turns in the ring. One standout was Brina, a 158-pound Neapolitan mastiff. “I’ve been struck by this breed since I was 12… They’re so unique,” said her owner, Yves Belmont, Ph.D., as Brina napped in her crate, complete with a two-gallon water bucket. Despite their imposing appearance, these mastiffs are also known for their intelligence, according to Belmont.

Westminster highlights the remarkable variety within purebred dogs. On the same day Brina competed, Tyra, a miniature bull terrier, also strutted her stuff in the ring. Formally known as GCH CH Rnr’s Top Model, Tyra is named after fashion model Tyra Banks. “They’re a big dog in a small package, but they always keep you smiling,” said her owner, Jessica Harrison of Austin, Texas. Asked about Tyra’s mischievous behavior, Harrison smiled, “Like a nine, for sure.”

“You can’t be upset with them because they’re just so cute,” she added as Tyra rolled over for a belly rub at the Javits Center, where the first-round judging took place.

Regardless of which dog takes home the trophy at Westminster, the event has captivated the crowd. During Monday’s semifinals, spectators cheered for their favorite competitors as though they were rooting for professional sports teams, such as the NBA’s New York Knicks or NHL’s New York Rangers.

“Love you, Lumpy!” one fan shouted to a Pekingese named Lumpy, who earned laughs with his slow and comical gait. Calaco, a Xoloitzcuintli, received loud cheers for his confident performance, earning recognition from the judge. Xoloitzcuintlis, a hairless breed with deep roots in Mexico, are always a crowd favorite.

Westminster also features agility and obedience championships. The agility prize went to Vanish, a border collie, while Willie, an Australian shepherd, triumphed in obedience.

As the competition nears its climax, dog lovers are eagerly waiting to see which canine will be crowned Best in Show at this iconic event.