To meet and pat celebrity shows dogs, the best place to hang out is undoubtedly the Hotel Pennsylvania, across the street from Madison Square Garden. Once again the hotel will play host to more than 1,000 VIPs (Very Important Pooches) participating in the show. More than 70,000 Westminster show dogs have walked across the hotel’s portals during building’s 87-year history.

This year, four new breeds will be joining the list of canine doggerati, bringing the total number of breeds and varieties competing to 169. The newcomers are the Plott, a noted hunting dog that will compete in the hound group, the Tibetan Mastiff that will feature in the working group and the French Beauceron and Swedish Vallhund, both of which will be competing in the herding group.

In the next couple of days, America’s current top dog, an English Springer Spaniel named James, will end his reign as and hand over his doggie crown. Previous Best in Show winners include a Colored Bull Terrier named Rufus, 2006, a German Shorthaired Pointer named Carlee, 2005 a Newfoundland named Josh, 2004, a Kerry Blue Terrier named Mick, 2003, a Miniature Poodle named Spice Girl, 2002, a Bichon Frise named JR, 2001 and an English Springer Spaniel named Samantha in 2000.

There are 2,500 dogs taking part in this year’s show, with California leading the field with 283 entries. International competitors include dogs from Canada, Germany, Brazil, Columbia, Spain, Thailand, and Uruguay.

The ultimate doggie treat reserved for winning dog is a meal of fillet mignon served on a silver platter at New York’s famous Sardi’s restaurant the day after the show. Who will be this year’s chow hound still is anybody’s guess.

Currently, the field is wide open.