Then there are couples such as Randy and Andrea Huelsemann of Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin, who juggle breeding and showing their own French bulldogs with their full-time jobs. He’s a 911 dispatcher, and she’s a dental hygienist.

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 31: Gerard the Poodle competes during the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Masters Agility Championship Finals the at the Jacob K.

Brushing, panting, licking and leaping: Here’s what we saw backstage, where show dogs could let their fur down before taking to the ring.