AKC Meet the Breeds returned to the Javits Center on January 25 and 26, 2025. Presented by Purina Pro Plan, the educational showcase allowed visitors to meet more than 100 dog breeds, speak with owners and breed specialists, watch working and sport demonstrations, and consider the practical responsibilities behind choosing and caring for a dog.
TheNakedNYC Coverage
YouTube: More Than 100 Breeds at the Javits Center
Instagram: Meet the Breeds Up Close
What to Know
Breed Booths Put Education First
More than 100 breeds were represented through staffed booths. Volunteers explained each breed's origin, historical purpose, temperament, grooming, exercise, and household needs.
The Dogs Were Not for Sale
Meet the Breeds was not an adoption or sales event. Organizers directed prospective owners toward parent clubs, responsible breeders, the AKC Marketplace, and the AKC Rescue Network.
Demonstrations Showed Dogs at Work
The demo ring included agility, disc dog, search-and-rescue, police K-9 work, and trained tricks. Those programs connected physical traits and training with the activities different dogs perform.
Children Had Their Own Program
A kids' zone offered an agility challenge, puppet shows, face painting, coloring, games, photographs, and prize-wheel activities. The format gave families ways to participate beyond walking through breed booths.
Volunteers Made the Encounter Possible
The dogs, handlers, owners, and breed specialists volunteered their time. Their direct knowledge distinguished the event from a general pet marketplace.
The AKC Has Organized Since 1884
The American Kennel Club maintains a national registry and supports canine health, sport, training, preservation, and responsible ownership. Its Meet the Breeds page provides current event information.