Westminster contestants: Michele & "Pep-In"

More videos: tinyurl.com One of a series of videos highlighting the contestants from the Hudson Valley competing in this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Westminster Contestants: Khalid Ahmad and "Yona"

Khalid Ahmad has judged other dog competitions for 10 years. This year he's recused himself in order to enter "Yona", a male Rottweiler who will make his debut in "the big show" this year.

Westminster Contestants: Karen and "Devon"

Owner and handler Karen Justin says this might be the last year to show "Devon", a Great Pyrenees, at Madison Square Garden. He's getting on in age (7 years old) and is ready to retire from show business.

Westminster contestants: Michele &

More videos: tinyurl.com One of a series of videos highlighting the contestants from the Hudson Valley competing in this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Westminster 2009 Hudson Valley contestants: Krista and "Surfer"

More videos: tinyurl.com "Surfer" , a two and a half year old Schipperke, is just starting out on the dog show circuit. Judging by his accomplished relatives, professional handler/breeder Krista J. Nuovo expects big things from this little guy in the future.

Westminster contestants: Lilian and "Newton"

Lilian Ostermiller will watch her daughter Michelle Scott handle her dog "Newton", a Bernese Mountain Dog at this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. "Newton's" father was called "Einstein", his grandfather: "Albert".

Westminster Contestants: Lillian and "Newton"

"Newton" comes from a line of smart-looking dogs. His grandfather, " Albert", and father, "Einstein", have both shown at Westminster.

Westminster Contestants: Patty and "Jennifer"

Handler/breeder Patty Colman has been going to Westminster since she was a little girl. "Jennifer", a 2 year-old Clumber Spaniel is carrying on a family tradition. Both her father and grandfather showed in past competiotions..