NEW YORK • Allie, a beagle from Belleville, was honored at the annual Westminster Dog Show, earning a "best of opposite sex" commendation.

Allie is the half sister of Uno, the spunky little male beagle who was the first of the breed to win top honors at the Westminster event in 2008. Both are owned by Kathy Weichert, who owns K-Run Beagles.

The "best of opposite sex" award goes to the dog selected as the best in competition that is the opposite sex of the best of breed winner. This year the beagle winner was a male, Flags A' Flyin.

Another of Weichert's beagles, Jazzy, competed but did not advance. In the Dalmatian competition, Indy, owned by Kathryn Ryan-Hogan and Sue Crist of St. Charles, did not advance.

More than 2,000 dogs in 185 breeds and varieties are at the Garden. The top hound, toy, nonsporting and herding champions were to be picked Monday night, and the best in show will be chosen tonight.

Earlier, Banana Joe, a prize affenpinscher, easily won his breed.