- Title: USA: Dog and cat breeds on show in New York
- Date: 15th October 2010
- Summary: GIRL HUGGING HER MASTIFF
- Embargoed: 30th October 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa, Usa
- Country: USA
- Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVA2LIHOZEMONV4SLG2Z0PS3WBQV
- Story Text: From the most diminutive chihuahua to the largest dog breed, a mastiff, and from hairy cats to hairless varieties -- they were all on display in New York on Wednesday (October 13).
It was the preview to the second annual "Meet the Breeds" dog and cat event that will feature all these animals: 160 dog breeds and 41 cat breeds, totaling around 1,000 animals.
The American Kennel Club's spokesperson, Gina Dinardo says the aim of the show is to educate and to entertain the public.
"It's not like your typical dog show or cat show where you may not be able to touch the dogs because they're ready to go into competition. Here the event is specifically for that purpose. You get on the floor with puppies and dogs and cats and kittens and you play with them and you learn about them," said Dinardo.
The event will also offer feline fashion shows and agility courses for dogs and cats.
Reuters spoke to owners about why they chose their particular breeds. Ada Nieves says she loves chihuahuas because they're great companions.
"One of the things I like the most is that I'm a person who has to constantly travel, so he can go with me everywhere," said Nieves.
Pat Borracci and her family enjoy the size and calmness of the mastiff.
"It suits our lifestyle. We're not running ten miles a day, you know, and we're home enough to keep them company. They really want to be with you all the time and that suits us," Borracci told Reuters.
Cat lovers also have their favorite breeds. Cat Fanciers Association Board of Directors member David White says the Persian is undoubtedly America's favorite feline.
"I want to say the Persian's been the most popular breed for many, many years," added White.
Apart from the serious business of choosing a breed, the show will also include more lighthearted events like the dog breed voted most likely to be television series "Jersey Shore's" character, "Snooki". The winner was deemed to be the Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzu owner, Deborah Vaiden, agrees.
"The pouf, definitely," she laughed. "Maybe the big brown eyes," she added.
"Meet the Breeds" takes place at the Javits Center in New York City on Saturday (October 16) and Sunday (October 17). - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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