AKC Meet the Breeds at Javits Features Hundreds of Dogs Feb. 7-8

Hundreds of dogs and puppies are on the floor at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as AKC Meet the Breeds begins a two-day run that aims to pair curious families with hands-on breed education and live demonstrations. The American Kennel Club bills the show as a deep-dive into breeds big and small, with volunteers and breeders on hand to explain day-to-day life with specific dogs.

“AKC Meet the Breeds, the nation’s largest educational dog extravaganza, gives dog lovers a unique opportunity to meet, play with, and learn about hundreds of dogs!” the AKC says, and booths across the Javits exhibit halls reflect that promise. Breed booths are staffed by volunteers from parent clubs and regional clubs and often include breeders, meaning attendees can ask breed-specific questions of people who live with and raise these dogs. “Breed booths are staffed by volunteers from the breed’s parent club or regional breed clubs, and often include breeders of these dogs. They’re experts in the breed and can answer questions you may have about living with the breed day to day,” AKC material notes.

The event mixes household favorites and rarities. Attendees can meet French Bulldogs and Labrador Retrievers alongside less-common breeds such as the Azawakh and the Belgian Laekenois. The AKC says the lineup includes AKC-recognized breeds as well as Foundation Stock Service and Miscellaneous Class entries, offering a broad sampling for families weighing size, grooming, activity level, and temperament.

Programming on the show floor includes agility and disc-dog demonstrations plus a slate of dog-sport demos; promotional material also mentions school art exhibits, giving local K-12 students a place in the mix. For people who want to get involved beyond spectating, some clubs are actively recruiting volunteers. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America asks members and friendly Fauves to “come hang out and tell the public about how amazing our breed is,” and directs volunteers to contact event coordinator Patty Alleman to sign up. The club lists show hours as 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.

Ticketing language from AKC has varied in posted material, with one notice reading “Tickets go on sale October 1, 2025!” and another stating “Tickets to AKC Meet the Breeds New York are on sale now.” Check the AKC event page for current ticket availability, pricing, and any schedule updates before heading in. Media and exhibitors should note a repeated photo credit line for John Ricard, reachable at 917 848 4197, for event images and inquiries.

For families and prospective owners, Meet the Breeds remains one of the quickest ways to compare dozens of breeds side by side, ask breeders and parent-club volunteers practical questions about training, health, and lifestyle, and see dogs working in real time in demos. Expect crowds, hands-on time with puppies, and a lot of tail-wagging; follow up with breed clubs or the AKC event page for maps, demo times, and any post-show coverage that highlights standout breeds and community programs.