15 of the cutest dogs we saw at the 147th Westminster Kennel Club dog show

• The 147th Westminster Kennel Club dog show kicked off on May 6, 2023.
• More than 3,000 dogs are competing at the event in Queens, New York.

More than 3,000 dogs headed to the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show, which is underway in New York, for a chance to be named top dog.

But before a new Best in Show winner is crowned on Tuesday, competitors are combed and coiffed backstage — and Insider got a behind-the-scenes look.

This year, the prestigious competition, which kicked off on Saturday, moved from Madison Square Garden to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center — the home of the US Open — in Queens. Insider attended with Playology, a dog-toy brand and one of the event's sponsors, and got to see what the show is really like for spectators and dogs alike.

Here are some of the cutest pups we saw at the show on May 8.

I attended the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show on May 8 and was able to get a peek behind the scenes — and, as such, see some of the cutest dogs in the world.

A poodle getting groomed.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

As I made my way to the competition floor at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, I only needed to look down to catch a glimpse of this little guy begging for treats.

Inside the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Every way I turned, I saw a new furry friend. This canine was practicing their competition stance.

Inside the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

As I walked towards the grooming area, I caught sight of this corgi plopped on the ground.

A corgi curled up.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I discovered it was actually time for the corgi round of the competition — heaven for any corgi lover.

Corgis waiting to be judged.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

In the grooming tent, I spotted a shiba inu smiling at its groomer.

A shiba inu.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

This Afghan hound gave me a smile while getting its fur brushed.

An Afghan hound getting groomed.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

This golden retriever looked majestic while getting its fur blown out.

A golden retriever.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Some of the pups were all ready for me to give them a pat, like this guy. He was very soft and loved giving kisses.

Giving me a huge smile.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

The beauty of the dogs stopped me in my tracks. This Australian shepherd had the bluest eyes I've ever seen.

An Australian shepherd.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

This Pomeranian was giving everyone a huge grin.

A Pomeranian.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

This canine almost looked like a little lamb to me.

They were also very soft.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

After my visit to the action-packed grooming tent, I needed a nap, like this adorable cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Taking a quick nap.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Before leaving, I passed the photo-call for winners. This guy was a dead ringer for last year's champion, Trumpet, the first-ever bloodhound to take Best in Show.

A bloodhound.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider

But there were plenty of dogs around Westminster that weren't competing. This was Perla, who was just there to slay in her sunglasses and judge the competition like the rest of us.

Perla.      Gabbi Shaw/Insider