New Zealand's hairiest supermodels are going head-to-head in Christchurch this weekend - with 1300 dogs being put through their paces as they chase the coveted honour of 2016 Best in Show.
Behind the primping and preening, the fluff and the fur - this is a serious business.
"Best in Show at your national dog show - that's the ultimate for your exhibitors," New Zealand Kennel Club Secretary-General Peter Dunne said.
And before they hit the ring, there's a lot of preparation.
"Probably about four hours by the time you've got him bathed and dried, then you've got an hour or so clipping, more hours scissoring then more when you get to the show," competitor Lee Maynard said.
"For the bathing, with her it takes about an hour and half, then we've got to brush and groom and all that."
Savannah Gwatkin was putting some last minute touches to standard poodle Primo - and feeling a little nervous
"I only got him last year when his owner passed away with liver cancer, he was left to me and I've had a year to learn how to do this," she explained.
"In that time we've managed three Best in Show All Breeds, 50 dog challenges, and he's now a grand champion."
Italian Elena Agafonova has judged dog shows all over the world, and is impressed with the Kiwi canines she has seen so far.
"There was very nice quality of dog - I was surprised because New Zealand is a long way away, making it difficult to breed, in my opinion," she said.
Agafavona and her fellow judges will put the dogs through their paces over the weekend before we find out who will be crowned the Best in Show.
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