All Photos By Gail

Do you love dogs? I sure do, so when I heard about Meet the Breeds — an amazing dog show at Javits Center sponsored by the American Kennel Club (AKC), I knew I had to check it out. Because: Dogs! Let’s go!

Meet the Breeds is an annual showcase where dog enthusiasts can meet and learn about various dog Breeds. The event typically features purebred dogs recognized by the AKC, and provides an opportunity for attendees to interact with dogs, breeders, and other owners.

Barbet: The French Water Dog

The primary goal of Meet the Breeds is to educate the public about different dog breeds, their characteristics, and responsible dog ownership. It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to learn about the diversity of dog breeds and find the dog that might be the best fit for their family and lifestyle.

Meet the Breeds is Kid-Friendly!

The event is super family-friendly, with activities for both children and adults. You won’t find a better event where people of all ages can go to appreciate the beauty, diversity, and special characteristics of different dog breeds.

The Bedlington Terrier

Meet the Breeds typically involves participation from various AKC-recognized breed clubs. Each breed has its own designated booth or area where breed enthusiasts showcase their dogs and share educational information about the breed’s history, characteristics, and care requirements. This means that there will be tons of cute dogs for you to pet, interact with, and learn about.  Very cool and fun!

These Guidelines Encourage Maximum Respect for The Dogs

Events also included competitions, agility demonstrations, and obedience trials — but we missed all of that because we were too busy petting all the dogs! Please enjoy a selection of my photos  featuring some of my favorite dogs from Meet the Breeds!

I’m a sucker for a little white dog, including this adorable Bichon Frise, who was hanging out in a Barbie-themed booth. The Bichon is known for being affectionate, playful, and curious.

The Border Terrier is another kid-friendly breed known for being affectionate, happy and plucky.

This beautiful boy with a heart-shaped patch of fur on his side is a Russian Borzoi; a hunting dog that loves to run. He is affectionate, loyal and regally dignified. Also: Gorgeous.

Originating in France, the Briard is a herding dog (aka Sheep Dog). Briards are intelligent, loyal and protective, not to mention — but you see can see I am about to — extremely cute!

Can you tell from the cute soft toys above which breed we are going to meet next? That’s right: the Bull Terrier!

If you are old enough to remember Spuds McKenzie (raises hand) the canine mascot who used to shill for Bud Light back in the late 1980s, then this breed will look familiar. And yes, it’s also the Target dog!

Do you think that a Bull Terrier is the right pet for you? Check out some fun facts about this sweet and good natured breed.

Look at this sweet face and tell me you are not in love. This  adorable baby is an American Brittany. Originally from France, this breed loves the hunt! Bright, fun-loving, and upbeat, sportsmen on both sides of the Atlantic cherish the agile, energetic Brittany as a stylish and versatile hunting breed.

The Scottish Cairn Terrier, characterized as being alert, cheerful, and a good trick dog, is renown for playing the role of one of the most popular Movie dogs of all time. Can you guess which one?

That’s right, Dorothy’s loyal dog Toto in The Wizard of Oz was a Cairn Terrier!

Belonging to the Toy Group of doggies, we couldn’t resist these insanely cute Chihuahuas. Named for the Mexican state, the Chihuahua is among the smallest of all dog breeds.

Chihuahuas have feisty and independent personalities, but they’re also very loyal and affectionate towards their owners. Chihuahuas come in two varieties: smooth-haired and longhaired, both of which we saw at the show. I am dead now, from the cuteness.

Meet the Icelandic Sheep Dog: Friendly, playful, inquisitive and  — seriously — what a beautiful dog!

One of my personal favorite breeds is the Havanese. Intelligent, outgoing, and funny, Havanese are the only dog breed native to Cuba. They are cheerful little dogs with the spring in their step and a gleam in their big brown eyes. How could anyone resist?

Why Yes, Yes We Are!

Meet Maceo (named for Maceo Parker, the saxophone player in James Brown’s band) who is a Brussels Griffon. With this breed, you get a big personality in a 5-to-15-pound package. The Brussels Griffon is smart, devoted, and comically self-important. I love them!

Beverly is an English Toy Spaniel and she is so darn cute, it should be illegal. These dogs are intelligent, playful, gentle, and get along with everybody.

The French Bulldog is adaptable, playful, smart and cute as heck!

Friendly, curious and merry, Beagles make great pets! My parents owed one and, man, are they ever smart!

Dog Humor!

This sweet little Whippet was out for walk on the show floor when I snuck down for a quick snap. Related to the Greyhound, but smaller, Whippets are playful, affectionate, calm, and rarely bark unnecessarily. A neighbor of mine has two of them and they are adorable.

Ah, last but not least we just had to feature the adorable Pug: known for its qualities of being charming, mischievous and loving.  See you again next year for more cute dogs at Meet The Breeds!