Monday Mischief-Meet The Breeds 2013

For the past several years the Javits center in Manhattan has hosted an event that for me is better then my birthday, Christmas, and Halloween all rolled into one.   The event is Meet The Breeds and its a gathering of breed fanciers and their dogs and cats that allows the public to learn more about the unique breeds in the AKC and CFA and to hopefully determine which pet might be a good match for them.   I love this event because it is a gathering of responsible breeders and rather then being a sales pitch, all of the individuals there truly love their chosen breeds and are committed to educating the public thoroughly.   I firmly believe that a major reason so many dogs and cats wind up in the shelter system is that people do not do their research.  They choose their pet based on appearance or rumored traits and wind up with a dog or cat that is a terrible match for them.  Other people turn to disreputable sources and wind up with an animal companion with significant health problems.  At best this causes discomfort for the pet and signficant financial expenditure for the owner, at worst it causes serious discomfort for the pet and heart break for the owner.  

Since first attending Meet The Breeds three years ago my husband and I have learned more about many of the breeds we were initially attracted too and have eliminated many of them from our list of potential future family members.  Other breeds we may not have initially been drawn to have become favorites.  Of course the best part of the event is meeting so many adorable dogs and cats!  My phone pictures of the event definitely do not do  it justice if you live in the New York area, you just have to go!

Pekingnese are an example of a breed I really like the look of (adorable Muppets) but have come to realize are probably not for me.   The Peke fanciers I have talked to have all told me they are not super affectionate or playful like their pug cousins, traits that are very important to my husband and me.

The Boston Terrier is a dog I like the look off and know would be a good match for us.   I love the history of these dogs too.   In the future I definitely plan on having a Boston in our family.

This Shar Pei was so sweet.  They are not a dog I'd necessarily ever want to own but its lovely to meet them.

The Norwich Terrier is an example of a dog my husband and I previously didn't pay much attention too but since meeting them at the event they have become favorites of ours.  I love the look and spirit of all of the breeds in the terrier group but know that many of them are not good matches for us.  The Norwich however has all the traits we are looking for with manageable exercise needs. They are one terrier that fits in well in a city environment when provided with sufficient exercise.  I also love their long life span, another trait that is very important to me.

I love the giant breeds like New Foundlands and Irish Wolf Hounds, who I forgot to get a picture of, but I know they are not really right for our home.  My husband is set on sticking with small dogs in the future and since he is fine with having five dogs, and several cats, I figure I can't complain.  This big guy was so sweet though!

My favorite of all the animals in attendance though is actually in the feline section, I've come to really love Sphnyx cats.   Years ago I got hooked on them when I took care of one at a vet's office I worked at.  I had previously thought they were ugly, as so many people do, but when saw how affectionate, soft and warm they are, I fell in love.   I adore visiting them every year and I have gotten good information on their special care needs so that some day when I get one, which will definitely happen, I will fully know what it entails.  I am hoping it will be many years before my husband and I add a Sphnyx kitty to our family since it wont be until our current kitties are no longer with us, but thanks to Meet the Breeds I have a list or reputable breeders, rescue groups, and resources to turn to when I do get one.