I went to the 'Super Bowl of dog shows,' and it felt like an exclusive festival for animal lovers

I went to the Westminster Dog Show for the first time in 2021.Joey Hadden, Nyke Harewood/Insider

• I went to the Westminster Dog Show held outside the Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, New York, and it was a paradise for pet lovers.
• The "Super Bowl of dog shows" is usually held at Madison Square Garden, but this year was different.
• The event was closed to the public, but the famed competition still felt magical to me.

The Westminster Dog Show is the "Super Bowl of dog shows," Westminster Kennel Club President Chat Reynders told Insider.

The dog show takes place on the Lyndhurst Mansion grounds.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Chat Reynders/Westminster Kennel Club

Usually, the show takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York City, but this year was different.

A past show at Madison Square Garden.      Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

The 2021 Westminster Dog Show took place Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, New York.

The show was held on the grounds surrounding Lyndhurst Mansion.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Tarrytown is a village north of New York City on the Hudson River.

Lyndhurst Mansion is in Tarrytown, New York.      Google Maps

The Hudson River - visible from Lyndhurst Mansion - was a unique backdrop for the dog show, which was first held 145 years ago, Reynders said.

The show was held on the grounds surrounding Lyndhurst Mansion.      Joey Hadden/Insider

While the event was closed to the public this year, I got the chance to attend on Saturday as a member of the press.

I got to attend the show as a press member.      Nyke Harewood/Insider

I've never been to a dog show before, but I was surprised at how closely I could observe the dogs at such a renowned event.

A dog looks directly into the camera while competing in the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

On the grounds, there were eight dog rings where canines of various sizes competed for best-in-breed.

Dogs compete for best of breed at the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Each ring was fenced off, and people could watch each competition from directly behind it.

Rings where dogs compete at the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I was impressed at how well-behaved the competing dogs seemed.

French bulldogs compete in the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

The four-legged competitors had to strut their stuff without getting distracted by spectators.

A Schipperkee competes at the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

And when it wasn't their turn to show off, the pups were required to stand still.

Yorkshire terriers compete at the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Some breeds seemed to have an easier time than others in the show.

A Corgi competes at the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

The corgis, for example, seemed to get distracted more frequently during competition than other breeds.

Corgis compete at the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

The handlers used treats and hand gestures to keep their dogs' attention.

A Schipperkee behaving at the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

While competing, each dog's look, movement, and temperament are important parts of being judged, according to the Westminster Kennel Club.

A dog stands during the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Westminster Kennel Club

Dog handlers adjusted their pups' feet to hold the perfect stance while judges inspected them.

A Schipperke gets judged at the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Each dog had a chance to trot with their handler around each ring.

A French bulldog struts at the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

The dogs who win all have some sort of "star quality," Reynders said, adding that when they win, it looks like "the dog feels like it belongs there."

A best-in-breed winner poses for a photo in front of the mansion.      Nyke Harewood/Insider

As they were photographed, dog handlers adjusted their pets' coats and accessories for the perfect picture.

A woman fixes her dog's bow for a photo.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Meanwhile, photographers used toys and other trinkets to grab each dog's attention.

Photographers and dog owners attempt to get a pup's attention.      Joey Hadden/Insider

The most fun part of the dog show was seeing the dogs playing and relaxing when they weren't competing.

A dog and handler pose for a picture at the Westminster Dog Show.      Nyke Harewood/Insider

All the dogs I approached were friendly and well-behaved.

Dogs and their handler walk around the grounds.      Nyke Harewood/Insider

I also got a behind-the-scenes look at how handlers prepared their pups for the ring.

A poodle gets a grooming outside of the rings.      Nyke Harewood/Insider

Many brought large rolling carts filled with accessories for their animals.

Pugs in hats rest on a cart.      Nyke Harewood/Insider

While the setting wasn't traditional, the magic of the show seemed to still be there.

Schipperkes compete at the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Reynders said he looks into the dog's eyes - not the handler's - during competitions, and I did the same thing.

Dogs prepare to compete in the Westminster Dog Show.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Looking into the eyes of the hundreds of dogs this weekend, I got a feel for what makes the show so special.

Dogs and their owners pose for a group photo.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Seeing dogs present themselves and their skills would warm the heart of any dog lover - especially me.

A dog competes at Westminster Dog Show.      Nyke Harewood/Insider