As every owner will know all too well, all dogs are good dogs.
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But the aim this weekend in Canberra is all about finding out which good dog will be crowned top dog.
From the smallest of pugs to the largest of German shepherds, and almost every breed in between, more than 2500 dogs - and their owners - converged on Exhibition Park for the International Dog Show and Trial Extravaganza.
This is the second year the event has been staged in Canberra, with judges flying in from as far as Brazil, Canada and New Zealand to assess Australia's best dogs.
The three-day event, which finishes on Sunday, includes events such as agility, obedience, fly-ball, as well as dancing with dogs.
Conformation shows were also held on the first day of competition for all dog breeds, with the dogs assessed on both their appearance and their manner.
Queanbeyan resident Gonzalo Donoso was taking part in the competition with his five-year-old Afghan hound Conrad.
"It's a little bit like a beauty pageant. Each breed has a certain standard and the judges come in and pick the dog that's the closest to the [international] standard," he said.
"It's why we love these shows because it's all subjective. Each judge has a different idea as to what's the perfect dog."
Conrad is already an old hand at dog shows, previously taking out two best in shows at other events around Australia as well as the title of supreme champion, the highest award title for dogs.
With the rare breed being renowned for its long, silky coats, Mr Donoso said he was often stopped when he took Conrad for walks.
"He's pretty much one of the only ones around Canberra, and people are always stopping to take photos of him," he said.
"He does require three hours of grooming a week though."
Canberra dog owner and fellow competitor Berverley Barr knows all too well about the grooming aspect for her two-year-old Keeshond named Snoop.
She said the dog's coat was a key part of the judging criteria during the conformation shows.
"It's a larger degree of grooming if you have a dog like this. He gets groomed every few days as well and an hour-long brush," Mrs Barr said.
"The list of requirements [for conformation shows] is quite long, and it involves lots of different things from the eyes, the teeth and the feet."
The event runs from 9am to 6pm at Exhibition Park, Mitchell.
