It's 10 a.m. in New York, the Big Red Tennis Ball. Carefully coiffed and meticulously groomed purebred dogs are hitting their marks in the rings at Madison Square Garden. Handlers dressed for boardrooms are gnawing on dog treats (the best way to inspire eye contact, or at least eye-to-mouth contact, with your dog). Already, 10 lucky canines have clinched best of breed. By the end of the day, we'll have winners in the hound, terrier, nonsporting and herding groups.

I'm a mutt lover from way back, but there's something about a dog show that still thrills. Growing up, I watched Miss America with reverence. My sister and I wrote down our choices. We were never right (which is pretty much what happens when I watch dog shows). We protested that we'd much rather win Miss Congeniality than the crown. Convenient position. Do they even give that concession prize anymore?

I'm not a dog-show aficionado; I understand how the judging works, and I attended the big dance last year, but I never know anything about the contenders other than what David Frei, the voice of Westminster, tells me. I usually root for the breeds that thread through my own dogs' DNA -- Lab, husky, German shepherd, Australian shepherd and Brittany.

But this year is different. I'll be checking the results board for a Woodinville boy named Ch. Gingerbred Celestial Thunder -- Zeus, to friends. I wrote about Zeus for The Seattle Times. (He's one of 75 dogs from Washington state entered.) At only 13 months old, he's currently the number one Lab in the country and looking to upset seasoned champs. After meeting him in a Microsoft parking lot, I'm smitten. Eighty pounds of muscle, creamy fur and a wide grin, he's got puppy bounce and show-ring control. He went best Of breed at the Big Apple Sporting Society dog show in Secaucus, N.J., a few days ago. He beat 67 Labs, which has to feel good a few days and not so many miles from the Super Bowl of dog shows.

Still, let's admit, he's a long shot -- as I explained in my story. Not only is he awfully young and competing against 51 top Labs, this breed never goes the distance at Westminster. They have never taken the sporting group, much less best in show. So much for being the most popular breed in America.

I'm also looking forward to the debut breeds: the Plott, the Tibetan Mastiff, the Beauceron and the Swedish Vallhund. I saw a Vallhund in Lucca about five years ago, he looked like the love pup of an illicit Corgi-German shepherd union, and I've been wandering around looking for another -- just for pats -- ever since.

Zeus competes for best of breed Tuesday morning. Group judging in the show is televised 8-9 p.m. Monday and 8-11 p.m. Tuesday on the USA Network. It will also be televised 9-11 p.m. Monday on CNBC. You can also check for the latest results online.

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