HotelChatter

This year’s show will feature 3,200 dogs (187 breeds) the largest to date. During the two-day event on February 11 and 12 at Madison Square Garden, purebred dogs from around the world will compete for the Best in Show title.

Many of the entrants will be staying at Affinia Manhattan, located across the street from Madison Square Garden, a good thing because the hotel doesn't need to do a scattered prep to accommodate these pooches—they actually have year-round pet facilities. Now, they're taking this chance to debut a special “Happy Tails” program, so these fabulous four-legged friends are assured to be comfortable with amenities like a Jax & Bones plush dog bed and chew toys, customized treats, puppy stairs and a dog bowl.

This is no ordinary suite either. It’s a den for doggie champions! They’ll be able to work on their fitness via a puppy obstacle course and run like the wind on treadmills provided by DogTread, a manufacturer of motorized pet treadmills and supplies. And when they’re not involved in showtime or resting, the animals can even have photo sessions, with a step and repeat, and filled with entertaining props.

We swear we’re trying so hard not to giggle. We know pet shows, like pagents, are big business!

As usual, it seems some animals eat better than humans do, and the Affinia has a “Doggie Delights” menu at Niles New York City, the hotel’s restaurant. What’s on offer? Sautéed beef tips, a six-ounce sliced steak, and three-ounce simply grilled steak (for dieting dogs?).

Hotel rates for humans start at $169 per night through February 28, 2013. The pet fee is $75 per dog. Book via www.affinia.com/westminster or call 866-246-2203.

[Photos: Affinia Hotels/Westminster Kennel Club]