BIRCH RUN -- It was a big weekend for man's best friend at the Birch Run Expo Center, where about 1,300 dogs of all breeds from across Mid-Michigan competed in the Saginaw Valley Kennel Club dog show competition Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There were long-haired, short-haired, big and little dogs strutting their stuff to please the judges.

A regal, black standard poodle won the coveted “Best in Show” title Sunday.    

Show organizers were determined to stay impartial, when asked about their personal favorites.

"My favorite dog?  That's a loaded question,” responded William Bills, chairman of the Saginaw Valley Kennel Club.  “All of them are my favorite dogs, they're all in my show."