Meet The Breeds-2012

Every year John, the hound's dad, and I attend the Meet The Breeds event at the Jacob Javitts center in Manhattan and it might be my favorite day of the year.   Being surrounded by my favorite creatures, dogs and cats, is wonderful and being able to go up and meet and pet all of the breeds in person (not something you can always do at a standard dog show) makes it even better. There are tons of vendors, agility demonstrations, and the only cat fashion show I have ever seen, but the best thing about meet the breeds is the education it provides for potential pet owners.  I also love that it celebrates reputable breeders who breed for love of their breed.  

With so many mills and back yard breeders about and so much media coverage on the problems experienced by poorly bred dogs  many people erroneously believe that all breeders are disreputable.  This is simply not true, so many people really breed for the love of dogs and cats and invest countless hours and thousands of dollars in the care of their animals.  The breeders and breed representatives I have spoken with at Meet The Breeds are nearly all involved in rescue and are willing to do almost anything to help a dog or cat in need.   Good breeders are a wonderful source for owners and I have gotten great advice on my dog's health from reputable breeders over the years.  I  have had breeders suggest reason's for potential ailments that never occurred to my vet, yet when my vet looked into the ailment, the breeders where correct.  The years of experience they have with their chosen breeds makes their knowledge of indispensable value.   With Bob and Weasley I know I can call their breeder's any time I need advice on a health or temperament issue.   If everyone got their pet's from breeders like those who attend Meet The Breeds then pet and owner matches would be better for all concerned and very few dogs would wind up in shelters.

Here are some pictures from this year's event (warning prepare for photo overload and it was difficult to get good shots with the crowds).

The tables all had great breed information like this time line display at the Boston Terrier table.  I loved reading all of the information since this is a breed I want to own someday.

These cute Bassets made us think of Fred and Gloria from Basset Momma.

We met this sweet little smooth Brussels Griffon girl at last year's event she made us think fondly of our late Dr. Zira

The English Toy Spaniels are some of my favorites and not regularly seen.  I think they may be one of the most ideal, and overlooked, apartment dogs.

I had to visit the pug table of course.  I signed up to be on the Pug Club's mailing list.

This beautiful Irish Wolf Hound was so friendly.  The breed representative had 14!  Wolf Hounds.

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I've always loved English Mastiff's and this big guy was too adorable. I  had such fun petting him and getting him kisses, I had to have my picture taken with him.  If only John, would let me have a dog this big.
The Clumber Spaniel  is another one of my favorites and not very common.  I have only seen them in the fur at meet the Breeds.  They are so sweet and can definitely see myself owning one some day.  Its like a spaniel that thinks its a Mastiff!


This English Setter was sound asleep even with the noisy crowds.
 

I saw a lot of great tapestries, like this one at the Bull Mastiff table.   I would love to have a pug or bulldog one of these for our house.

 
How regal does this guy look?

The cat section was really great too.  I particularly liked the Bombay as I love black cats.   These guys are called parlor panthers and they are so sweet and affectionate.
This little guy was very popular.  He was an eight month old Toyger, a cat with tiger like markings.  My favorite cat was the black exotic short hair who I coudn't get a good picture of.  The breeder was very kind and gave me a catnip pouch for our kitties at home.

My favorite display of all belonged to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel group.  I love how sweet and affectionate these guys are and there were three beautiful dogs there and they had them on a display that looked like a bed to highlight the breed's cuddly lap dog temperament.

We had such a terrific time.  I can't wait to attend next year and if you can get to the New York area I strongly recommend that all dog and cat lovers check  out this great yearly event.