Behind The Scenes : Masterful Canine Couture Goes to the Top Dogs

The models refused to cooperate. Some had to be dragged down the runway. Others jumped off the Astroturf ramp and ran through the audience. And most shook off their hats and wigs and gnawed at their clothes.

But what did you expect from the 50 contestants that entered Newport Dunes Resort’s “Top Dog” fashion show in Newport Beach on Saturday?

Striking a pose to the tune of “Vogue” or shaking their tails to “Atomic Dog,” the canines wore tutus, thongs, Harley-Davidson leather jackets and Killer Bee attire as they trotted in front of the judges.

Most wanted out of their outfits--even dogs have pride--but their masters called the shots.

Creative owners took the typical bandanna-around-the-neck look and expanded it to include cowboy vests and holsters. A boxer disguised as Robin Hood in a green hat sported a miniature bow and arrows; Maid Marian had a veiled steeple hat and wrist corsage.

The trophy winners in each category:

Best formal wear: Miss Bubbles, a shih-tzu owned by Maureen Greene, traversed the ramp in a blue velvet gown, rhinestoned chinchilla hat and diamond necklace.

Best casual wear: Webber, an English bulldog owned by Judy Van Winkle, bulged out of its sweaty gym tank top.

Best lingerie: Target, a golden lab owned by Nancy Kaiser, sashayed in a Frederick’s of Hollywood sequined belly dancer outfit with floating strips of flamingo pink, ocher-ish and chartreuse chiffon.

Best swimwear: Tory, an Italian greyhound owned by Lee Stein, wore goggles and a custom-made wet suit fitted by Joanne Heubner at the Frog House in Newport Beach.

Best Halloween costume: Mackenzie, a “mutt,” according to owner Wendy Fears, wore a Raggedy Ann red wig and pinafore dress.

Best master/pet matching outfits: Anne Ledford and grandson Billy Billings donned the Holstein-like markings of Teddy, a 162-pound Harlequin Great Dane.

The Top Dog award went to Otter, a toy poodle in prison stripes with a ball and chain attached to its leg. Owner Brooke Tolman, 12, accompanied the jailbird down the catwalk in a Newport Beach Police uniform.