AKC “Meet the Breeds” in New York City

By Linda Cole

Looking for a fun October outing for the entire family? Head to New York City October 17 and 18 for the AKC Meet the Breeds event which will be held at the Javits Center. The American Kennel Club® and Cat Fanciers' Association® have joined together to host this one of a kind event, which is the world's largest showcase of dogs and cats.

You will meet 160 breeds of dogs and 41 cat breeds. This is a perfect opportunity to interact with specific breeds and have your questions answered by the breeders who know these pets best. If you've ever wondered how a certain breed would be as a pet and how it could fit into your family, you will have ample opportunity to see them, pet them, and chat with the experts.

Each breed will be highlighted in their own uniquely decorated space where you will be able to learn about the pet's heritage and specific attributes. If you are a pet lover, this is one event to put on your calendar for the entire family. Each booth will be manned by representatives from the national breed club for dogs (e.g., the Siberian Husky Club of America) or the council for cats (e.g., the Maine Coon Council) who can tell you everything there is to know about a specific dog or cat.

Be sure to stop by the CANIDAE booth (no. 419) for free product samples and $3 off coupons good toward any size bag of CANIDAE or FELIDAE All Natural Pet Food. While you’re there, enter the raffle for a chance to win an awesome Felt X-City 5 bicycle, valued at $500. All of the money raised in this charity raffle will be donated to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation to fund cancer research in pets. (See the CANIDAE News story for more information.)

In addition to being able to meet hundreds of breeds at this two-day event, you can enjoy shopping and ongoing demonstrations such as law enforcement K9s, grooming, agility, rally and obedience. Also on the agenda will be an educational cat show and fun children’s activities.

A variety of booths will be set up where you can meet and talk one-on-one with trainers, vets, groomers and pet experts who are happy to answer your questions. They love their pets as much as you do and want to ensure the best care possible for all pets. If you have a Cub Scout or Girl Scout in the family, visit the respective booths to learn how they can earn their Responsible Pet Ownership patch at Meet the Breeds.

Be there Saturday to receive a ballot and vote for your favorite “Best Dog Booth in Show” or “Best Cat Booth in Show.” The winning booth in each category will be presented with a check for $500.00 in a special ceremony on Sunday.

You can see a display of art work by school children ages 6 to 17 from New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, who entered a contest to help celebrate this event. Come see almost 150 beautiful drawings, paintings and computer generated artwork of purebred cats and dogs. Many of these young artists will receive recognition for their work during the Meet the Breeds two day event.

The AKC Meet the Breeds event is presented by PetPartners, Inc., a pet healthcare provider. Buy your tickets now to ensure a special pre-event price of just $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Use your AKC Rewards Visa® Card and get one ticket free. To order tickets, click here. For directions, more information and details, click here. Tickets bought at the door will be $12 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under.

Join the fun, and bring the entire family. After all, kids, puppies and kittens were made for one another!

Read more articles by Linda Cole