They gave the hounds and the herders the once over at the Westminster Dog Show on Sunday. The bassets and the beagles, the collies and the corgis. Monday was showtime for the toy and nonworking groups. The Havanese and the Maltese, the Finnish Spitz and the French Bulldogs.

Each one will be groomed and pampered, allowed a few snacks and even a nap or two, and then poked and prodded and allowed to preen. On Tuesday night, the judges will have culled a field of more than 2,600 to a final seven for the finale at Madison Square Garden. Only one will be left then, for best in show. For now, take a moment to celebrate them all.