Westminster Dog Show Winner Banana Joe's V.I.P. Tour of NYC

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH 

The magical journey starts with the big win, of course. Banana Joe stood tall as Ernesto Lara showed him off to the judges during the Best In Show round. While the judge doesn't look that impressed, he clearly was, since BJ trotted off with the win! 

CROWD FAVORITE

With a name like Banana Joe, what's not to love? The Affenpinscher and his handler Ernesto Lara quickly became the fan favorite after nabbing the Toy Group. As a result, Banana Joe's big win was met with a thunder of applause and cheers from the crowd. Many folks like to call this breed "Monkey Face," which Banana Joe doesn't mind. However, BJ prefers Lara's nickname "Changito," which means "little monkey." 

VICTORY LAP

Banana Joe had a little more pep in his step after he was announced Best in Show. Who wouldn't? After a long and tiresome two day competition, he deserves to smile a whole lot! 

WINNING AGENDA

Aside from earning the title of "Top Dog," Banana Joe was also treated to several gorgeous trophies and ribbons, and his own Westminster after-party. But Banana Joe's bash was only the beginning of the celebrations and publicity this little champion received. Every "Best in Show" winner knows the days after the show are when things really start to get fun. 

PUT YOUR FUR IN PLACE

The 6-pound winner and his handler had to wake up bright and early to make sure they looked suave and sophisticated for the talk show circuit. After two days of primping and grooming, Banana Joe had his beauty regime down pat. 

LIVE ON TODAY

As tradition has it, every Westminster "Best in Show" winner makes an appearance on NBC's TODAY show. Banana Joe was looking cute as ever during his segment yesterday morning. 

BANANA JOE'S FRIENDS 

"Today" wasn't the only stop Mr. Joe made —everybody was eager to kiss his paws. Banana Joe, Ernesto Lara and Westminster host David Frei stopped by Fox And Friends at FOX Studios to say hello to their dog-loving viewers. 

SILVER FOX STEPS IN

Banana Joe also made a visit to Anderson Live, where PawNation was live tweeting the show. This top dog got to hob-knob with Anderson Cooper and Molly Sims. So much fame in such a small space! 

CAN I HAVE A PAWTOGRPAH?

You can't call yourself a celeb until you've yapped it up on The View, so BJ made sure to stop by. Luckily, his groomer Carlos was on hand to make quick touch-ups for Joe's up-close encounters with celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg. 

ANY DISH YOU WISH

After all those interviews, Banana Joe worked up an appetite. Good thing New York's landmark restaurant Sardi's was willing to feed him any meal off their menu as a perk for winning Westminster. 

FIDO MIGNON

Banana Joe went the red meat route opting for the steak and was hand-fed by Sardi's President V. Max Klimavicius. Sardi's has been celebrating Westminster's winners for over 30 years, and Klimavicius says feeding the canine champion is a day he looks forward to every winter, even if it means getting a little steak sauce on his hands. 

GO BANANAS!

Banana Joe doesn't stay his optimal weight of 6 pounds by feasting on filets. This was just a special treat. The dog is on a nutrionally balanced diet to make sure he is ready for the ring. But once on the floor, Banana loves getting bacon and liver for performing well. 

LITTLE BANANA, BIG APPLE

Hope you're not afraid of heights, Banana Joe! After Sardi's, Joe pawed over to the Empire State building to take in the views from above. BJ donned an adorable shirt for his trip to the iconic New York tower to ensure he stayed stylish and warm. 

KING KONG LOVES BANANAS

The infamous movie monkey made a quick stop to visit the pooch named after his favorite food. Banana Joe was a good sport and allowed Kong to jump into a few of his shots.