Dogs Ready To Have Their Day At The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The 139th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show officially began in Manhattan on Monday.

The show is billed as the second-longest continuously running sporting event in the history of the United States, behind only the Kentucky Derby.

PHOTOS: 139th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

The show draws nearly 3,000 competitors from around the world and features 192 breeds.

Though there are plenty of popular pugs, poodles and pointers, a Portuguese water dog named Matisse was an early favorite Monday afternoon.

Listen to Dogs Ready To Have Their Day At The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

"He's a real dog. He likes to play, he likes to get dirty,'' co-owner Milan Lint said. "He just cleans up really well.''

This will be the 3 1/2-year-old Matisse's 400th event, and of those he's won best in show 238 times -- among the most in canine history.

"Spectacular dog,'' praised popular Westminster television host David Frei.

The event all wraps up Tuesday night with the selection of the "Best in Show" winner, crowned at Madison Square Garden.

There is no prize money for winning Best in Show, but there's rich breeding potential, plus a lifetime of prestige.

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