Animal House

Westminster hasn't even officially started, but already the show-downs are in high gear.

Traditionally, the Westminster winner has made an obligatory stop on the Wednesday after the show at the Dog Fanciers Club luncheon at Sardi's. There, this year's Best in Show judge, J. Donald Jones, will talk about the dog he selected, and owner Vincent Sardi Jr. will feed him -- the dog, not the judge -- steak tartare as the roomful of photographers get their photo op.

But this year, an upstart group, the Metropolitan Dog Club, has planned a competing event -- a Best-in-Show Brunch, featuring the very same draws as the Dog Fanciers luncheon, starting at the same time: 10:30 a.m.

How will it be possible for pooch and judge to be in two places simultaneously? Layering like some huge lasagna, probably. The Metropolitan Dog Club -- whose members were visible at tonight's Dog Writers Association dinner, waving their blue MDC mini-flags -- has the tactical advantage: Its brunch is being held at Cipriani Dolci, overlooking the main terminal at Grand Central Station, where, conveniently, the Best in Show dog will be doing a live telecast.

All that will be missing is some raw meat. Then again, we wouldn't be surprised if the pooch gets slipped some carpaccio (after all, Harry Cipiriani is credited for inventing it, way back in 1950). Which will make the Dog Fanciers luncheon feel like, well, leftovers.