The American Kennel Club (AKC) is set to host its annual Meet the Breeds event in New York City, offering dog lovers a chance to interact with hundreds of canine breeds and learn about responsible dog ownership. This educational extravaganza, touted as “America’s largest educational dog event,” will take place on January 25 and 26, 2025, at the Jacob K. Javits Center and is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan.
Gina DiNardo, AKC executive secretary, expressed excitement about the upcoming event. “Last year, more than 30,000 people came out to enjoy all that AKC Meet the Breeds has to offer,” she stated in a news release. “We are thrilled to return to the Javits Center and again provide tri-state area dog lovers with the one-of-a-kind experience of meeting and playing with hundreds of dogs, learning directly from breed experts, and experiencing exciting demonstrations of canine training and athleticism.”
Event Highlights:
Meet Over 100 Dog Breeds: From Affenpinschers to Yorkshire Terriers, attendees can meet and play with a wide variety of breeds.
Breed Expert Consultations: Visitors can discover new breeds and consult with experts to find the best match for their lifestyle.
Educational Sessions: Learn about responsible pet ownership through informative sessions.
Demonstrations: Witness demonstrations of dog sports and working dogs showcasing their skills in a demo ring featuring K-9 activities and canine sports.
Family-Friendly Activities: Participate in games and photo opportunities, including a Kid’s Zone with crafts and games.
Requirements for Participating Dogs:
Proof of current vaccinations is mandatory.
Prohibited items include dog restraint collars or training equipment such as prong collars, e-collars, and gentle leaders.
Puppies older than 4 months and adult dogs are encouraged to participate, with the AKC recommending at least 4 adults and 2 puppies.
Dog Ownership Facts:
A recent Forbes Advisor survey of 10,000 dog owners across the U.S. aimed to identify the states with the most responsible pet owners. The survey found that:
- 45% of dog owners take their pets to the veterinarian more than once a year for check-ups.
- 43% visit the vet at least once a year.
- 84% of dogs are up to date on their vaccinations.
Top 10 States with Responsible Dog Owners:
- Washington
- New York
- Maryland
- Florida
- Georgia
- Vermont
- Texas
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Alaska
Conversely, the state with the least responsible dog owners was Arizona, followed by Idaho, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and New Mexico.
For more information on the AKC Meet the Breeds event and how to participate, visit the American Kennel Club’s official website.
