Westminster Kennel Club agility contest

Wendy Lu of San Jose hugs her Pomeranian Daisy while competing in the Westminster Kennel Club Masters Agility Championship in New York. Daisy made it to the 50-dog final round.   (Mary Altaffer / Associated Press)

Agility competitors spanned 74 breeds and varieties and included 15 mixed-breed hopefuls.  (Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images)

A golden retriever competes in the agility ring.  (Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images)

In the agility contest’s second year, the number of competitors grew more than 45%, though the club raised the bar for qualifying.   (Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images)

The agility ring is a fast-growing element of the nation’s premiere canine show.   (Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images)

Sadie, a cocker spaniel, competes in the agility ring.  (Mary Altaffer / Associated Press)

A dog competes in the agility ring.  (Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images)