25 behind-the-scenes photos show the over-the-top grooming routines at the Westminster Dog Show

A black standard poodle named Siba — not pictured — took home last year's best in show, becoming the fifth standard poodle to win the top prize at Westminster. She took home a trophy and the honor, but Westminster actually doesn't award any prize money.

Poodles must have one of two specific cuts to compete: the "Continental Clip" or the "English Saddle Clip."

No one wakes up looking perfect, and the miniature poodle is no different. Perhaps the most intensely groomed breed, poodles large and small have to comply with the two show clips.

According to Pedigree, the name "poodle" comes from the German pudel, which means "water dog."

The poodle's unique clip comes from its history as a water dog. Since their thick coats could sink them when wet, they were shorn to help them float, while leaving hair on the back and head to help keep them warm.

Often called the "runway models" of the canine world, Afghan hounds are prized for their long, luxurious coats and thin, delicate bodies.

Philip Schafmayer and his Afghan hound, Cardi B, competed at Westminster last year. He told the New York Post, "Her hair products are more expensive than mine, and I'm real high-maintenance." He added, "she knows she's beautiful."

In Westminster's 144 years, a golden retriever has never won best in show, even though the dogs are consistently in the top three of America's most beloved breeds.

Goldens have two-part coats: a long and smooth outer coat, and a soft and fuzzy undercoat. They require regular brushing to keep them looking smooth.

A bichon frise named Flynn was 2018's best in show. The breed is known for its cloud-like white coat. They require professional grooming to keep their fur with the ideal level of fluffiness.

Bichon frises are typically groomed in what's called a "lion style" in which the fur around the face is left to grow out like a lion's mane and the tail has a ball of fur at the end.

A professional dog groomer at Westminster, Lulu Rodriguez, told Quartz, "Different dog breeds have different hair textures, like humans."

The British Briard Club describes the ideal texture for their coat to be like a "goat's coat" with a somewhat coarse texture but an overall smooth appearance.

The only collie to have ever won best in show was Laund Loyalty of Bellhaven. He took home the title in 1929.

Collies have long, thick coats and require long baths and blow drys to get ready for Westminster.

Keeping an English sheepdog show-ready is a full-time job, with their large stature, long coat, and white fur.

Clifford Steele, an English sheepdog handler, told the New York Post in 2020, "All four feet are white, so just keeping those white is a job unto itself."

The Westminster Kennel Club describes the Keeshond as "a handsome, medium-sized dog with a luxurious silver-gray and black coat, dramatic markings, elegant carriage, and a richly plumed tail carried over its back."

Shetland sheepdogs, also called Shelties, are very similar in appearance to their larger cousin, the collie.

Small, agile herding dogs, they have large two-layer coats, with a thick undercoat. They typically stand between 13 and 16 inches tall.

The American Kennel Club describes English bulldogs as "kind but courageous, friendly but dignified, [they are] a thick-set, low-slung, well-muscled bruiser whose 'sourmug' face is the universal symbol of courage and tenacity."

Beagles were bred as hunting dogs and are known to be fiercely loyal. A beagle, Uno, won best in show for the first time in 2008.

Though their coats are shorter than other dogs', they are known to shed quite a bit, so regular grooming is necessary to keep them show-ready.

When it comes to differentiating poodles, toys are up to 10 inches high, miniatures are between 10 and 15 inches, and standards over 15 inches, according to Westminster Kennel Club.

The Cesky terrier is the national dog of the Czech Republic. They are rare in America, with a population of about 600.

They are short-legged, muscular dogs with coats that come in a range of grey colors. They also have soft, wavy hair, as seen on Bo above.

Shih Tzus are known for their long, dramatic coats that flow long below their short bodies.

Though many owners outside the show rings give their dogs a shorter haircut for easier grooming, Westminster requires the dogs have long, flowing hair for the ring.

Lhasa Apsos are a Tibetan breed and are known for their straight, floor-length coats with hair that often partially covers their eyes and face.

The Lhasa Apso is a thousand-year-old breed, and they served as sentinels at palaces and monasteries in the Himalayas.

Petite Yorkshire terriers are known for their fine hair. Since their hair is so similar to human hair, it tangles in the same way and requires daily brushing, but on the plus side, they only shed as much as humans do.

Most owners keep their Yorkies with a short puppy cut, rather than the long, flowing hair required for the show ring.

The tiny Pomeranian is a popular dog breed for its thick fluffy coat and cute fox-like face.

Their large double-coat comes in about 24 different shades and requires extensive care to get show-ready.

According to Westminster Kennel Club, the Shih Tzu is "a sturdy, lively, alert Toy dog that is a happy companion."

These English toy spaniels have their ears wrapped to keep their long and silky ear hair in perfect position.

Their fur presents in four distinct colors: "Blenheim (red and white), Prince Charles (tricolor, consisting of white, black, and tan), King Charles (black and tan), and Ruby (a rich mahogany)."

Cocker spaniels have large, sweet eyes and long, fluffy ears that hang long below their small faces.

The dog's characteristic fluffy ears require a high level of care and owners must be careful to avoid infection.

The great Pyrenees has been bred in the US for 90 years, and they are considered great guardian dogs.

Though most attention is paid to the pampered pups attending Westminster each year, we can't imagine what the clean-up crews have to go through to get rid of all that fur.