Comet the Shih Tzu is top Toy at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

A glamorous Shih Tzu called Comet was the top dog among the Toy group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Monday night.

Comet, whose full name is Hallmark Jolei Out Of This World, is no stranger to the top tier of the sport, having won the 2023 AKC National Championship in Orlando in December. Monday Comet, who is from Monclova, Ohio, sported a tiny blue bow as he made his victory lap among the fellow Toy competitors.

Group judging was held Monday night for the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups. Tuesday night’s competition continues with the Sporting, Working and Terrier groups and Best in Show.

In the Hounds, an Afghan hound called Louis was the first group winner of the night. According to the Westminster Kennel Club web site, the Afghan hound was first entered in the contest in 1927 and has won Best In Show twice in history, the most recent title coming in 1983.

In the Non-Sporting group, a miniature poodle called Sage advanced to Tuesday night's competition.

A German Shepherd named Mercedes won the Herding group to close out Monday night's competition.

Last year Buddy Holly the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen won Best in Show honors. He was the first PBGV to ever win Best in Show in Westminster's 147-year history.

More than 2,500 dogs are competing in the 148^th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. It’s the second consecutive year the event is being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York.