The mirth-makers at Fireside21 have once again thrust political pooches into the spotlight, rounding up some 30-odd photogenic pups for the 2014 “Top Dog” competition.  

Winston, the English lab belonging to Jon Corley, then-press assistant to Texas Republican Mac Thornberry, bested some six dozen pets with ties to Capitol Hill during last year’s inaugural roundup .  

Other fan favorites included:

• Most Competitive = Milton; House Press Gallery.  Breed: chow chow.
• Best Hair = Lucy; Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky.  Breed: mini goldendoodle.
• Most Likely to Succeed = Conan; Congressional Research Service.  Breed: hound/beagle.
• Best Smile = Balto; Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Texas.  Breed: German shepherd.
• Most Athletic = Banjo; Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III, D-Mass.  Breed: border collie mix.
• Biggest Flirt = Harley; Agriculture Committee.  Breed: worthless.
• Most Regal = Lucy; Abled Americans.  Breed: dachshund.
• Biggest Party Animal = Tanner; Rep. Bobby L. Rush, D-Ill. Breed: Yorkipoo.
• Best Advisor = Pepper; Rep. Michael M. Honda, D-Calif.  Breed: Norwegian elk hound mix.

Although this year’s crop of dog-testants has only begun winning over the hearts and minds of the Internet-enabled public (the winner won’t be crowned until Oct. 15), certain prejudices appear to be steering early balloting.  

People seem to prefer sparingly-used props — as in the case of the stress toy-chomping shih poo belonging to Wisconsin Democrat Gwen Moore.  

That seems to be besting overly-produced moments, a la the flag-draped westie put on parade by California Republican Ed Royce.    

Dressing all the way up is apparently cool (such as the tuxedo-clad beagle Ollie who calls Michigan Republican Candice S. Miller “Mom”).  

Whereas going country — sorry, bandana-wearing border collie Minnie, who hangs with Florida Republican Dennis A. Ross — not so much.  

Folks seem to identify with those who want out (well done, pointy-eared Alaskan klee klai who kicks it live with Illinois Democrat Bill Foster).  

But no one gets why anyone wants in to #ThisTown. (Stand down, Yorkshire terriers Ryder and Juliet Davis, who hang with Illinois Republican Rodney Davis from afar.)  

Finally, everyone appears to have soured on pets that just so happen to be named for foodstuffs — such as Pepper Jane, Chilango and Cheeseburger.  

For now, though, it’s still very much anybody’s ballgame. (See the ball? You want the ball? Go get it!)  

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