Glory hounds; people and their pets

These dogs are the best. They bow-wow to no one.

There’s something award-winning about every dog.

And yet, the major dog shows never seem to pick the winners of the categories that really matter. Best in Show? Ha! How about Best Cuddler? Greatest with Children? Most Willing to Dress Up for an Afternoon Tea Party? Best Kisser?

So with the National Dog Show having televised the selection of its top dogs on Thanksgiving, we asked readers to tell us what honor their furry family member would easily win.

The results? Doggone good.

Dogging the competition

When you think about dog shows, many people think of the National Dog Show, which is hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, because it airs on television right after the Macy’s Day Parade on Thanksgiving. (Although the actual event takes place the weekend before that.) For more info on that, go to: nds.nationaldogshow.com.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the oldest dog show in the nation and considered to be the most prestigious, takes place in February. For more on that, go to: www.westminsterkennelclub.org.

But there are other dog competitions large and small across the country, where dogs compete to be the best surfer, ball catcher, disc catcher, long-distance diver, most agile, best herder, cutest and, yes, ugliest.

The moral here? Every dog should have his or her day. If you think your dog is the best kisser and there’s no official contest yet, start a competition and bring it on! Or don’t. Doggone it, you win.

Breed: Shetland sheepdogs

Owner: Jane Bernier, Minot

Award: “Best Dressers”

Breed: Australian shepherd

Owner: Brandy Marquis, Sabattus

Award: “Best Kisser” (practicing with Julia Lachance, 10)

Breed: German shepherd

Owner: Abby Austin, Hartford

Award: “Best Eyeliner”

Breed: Maltese

Owner: Rochelle LeBel, Litchfield

Award: “Best in Show”