The German wirehaired pointer, English Springer spaniel and Doberman pinscher were the top three dogs by breed points through December not that it will matter much come Tuesday evening, when Best in Show at Westminster is determined.
Among the top contenders are a prime Doberman named Veni Vidi Vici that reached the best-of-seven final ring last year, a big-winning wire fox terrier, a German wirehaired pointer ranks as the nation's No. 1 show dog and a prized American foxhound.
Lady Thatcher's performance at European summits could sometimes inspire the sort of awe you feel when an enraged terrier mounts a hopeless attack on a doberman.
Jewel, plus a Doberman playfully called Fifi and a big-winning wire fox terrier called Sky were among the favorites to walk off with prized silver bowl.