Ever wish you could meet all the unusual and fascinating dog breedsthat compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show? If you find yourself in the right place at the right time on Saturday, you can!
The American Kennel Club will host its seventh annual Meet the Breeds event this Saturday, Feb. 13, introducing dog lovers to more than 100 of the breeds that will compete at Westminster on Monday and Tuesday. Creative booths celebrating each breed's fascinating history and purpose allow attendees to learn more about the dogs they're interested in — and often offer a good snuggle or petting session as well! We'll be keeping an eye out for the seven new breeds that are competing at Westminster for the first time this year:the Bergamasco, Boerboel, Berger Picard, Cirneco dell'Etna, Lagotto Romagnolo, Miniature American Shepherd and Spanish Water Dog.
For the second year in a row, Meet the Breeds is paired with the Masters Agility Championship, and the AKC has coined the duo Meet and Compete. Both events are happening in New York City at Piers 92 and 94, with Meet the Breeds happening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the agility competition taking place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
If you're in town, tickets can be purchased for $35 for adults and $10 for children. And just because you can't make it to the Big Apple doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun. The finals of the agility championship will air live on Fox Sports 1 from 8 to 10 p.m. EST.
For a taste of what to expect, check out our behind-the-scenes photo gallery from last year's Meet the Breeds — it happened to fall on Valentine's Day, and love was definitely in the air!
Our Favorite Moments From Meet the Breeds
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
If you're looking for an opportunity to meet more than 100 dog breeds (and, of course, fall in love with more than a few), Meet the Breeds is the place for you.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Abbie, a 4-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, cuddles with her owner, Toni Pawson.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Mimi, a 5-year-old Welsh Springer Spaniel from Easton, Maryland, dons a pink flower headband from her favorite place to shop: the baby section at Target.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Many of the volunteers at the booths wear outfits honoring their beloved breeds, like the Newfoundland here.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Bridget, the Dalmatian, steps up to the Dalmatian table for... well, shouldn't she already know everything there is to know about being a Dalmatian?
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
This is our second year in a row chatting with Bobbe Lord, who dresses up as the queen to promote her breed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Sushi, a 7-month-old Bull Terrier, loves mugging for pictures and showing off her tricks for treats. "It's too bad she's not friendly at all," her owner jokes.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
Bella is an 8-year-old Pug who loves to do therapy work. "We hope she lives forever," her owner says.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
The Bergamasco booth, which has been swamped all day with admirers wanting to pet the massive, corded dogs, features this Table Art & Event Designs canine-shaped arrangement made from fake flowers.
Shayna Meliker, Vetstreet
It has been a great day, and it looks like Team Italian Greyhound is ready for a nap!
More on Vetstreet:
- How a Breed Becomes a Breed
- Westminster Agility Show Opens to Mixed-Breed Dogs
- Westminster Dog Show 2015: Exclusive Backstage Photos
- 5 Reasons a Pomeranian Might Be the Right Breed for You
- Why Hasn't a Labrador Won Westminster? We Get the Scoop
