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More than 1,000 dogs and cats--including some of the country's rarest breeds--will take over Manhattan at the second annual Meet the Breeds.

This October, New York City will be raining cats and dogs, as over 1,000 animals converge for the second annual Meet the Breeds showcase.

Hosted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), Meet the Breeds will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on October 16th & 17th of this year.

Sponsored by PetPartners, Inc. a leading pet healthcare provider, Meet the Breeds is the world's largest showcase of cats and dogs. Last year's event also featured such celebrities as Whoopi Goldberg and Mario Lopez.

The gathering offers pet lovers a unique opportunity to play with some of the country's rarest dog and cat breeds, while educating themselves about responsible pet ownership and choosing the right pet for their lifestyle.

"Meet the Breeds is an entertaining way for friends and families to enjoy quality time together while learning how to become responsible pet owners," said Meet the Breeds Spokesperson and AKC Assistant Vice President Gina DiNardo. "Giant Mastiffs in a Medieval castle, Siamese cats depicting a scene from Lady and the Tramp, Norwegian Elkhounds on a Viking ship, and Russian Blue cats set in an Imperial Palace are just some of the more than 200 dog and cat booths that were at last year's event."

"We are pleased to join forces with the AKC again this year to co-present Meet the Breeds," said CFA Director of Marketing & Public Relations Roeann Fulkerson. "This event is a great opportunity for animal lovers all over the tri-state area to play with cats and dogs they had never seen before while learning more about the pets that share our lives."

Attendees will also have the opportunity to watch dogs and cats race against the clock in the fast-paced sport of agility, observe simulated hunting tests, and view law enforcement K9s in action. Vendor booths will also feature games and giveaways, among other activities for pet lovers of all ages.

Tickets are on sale now at www.meetthebreeds.com.

Test your breed knowledge with our Meet the Breeds game: www.zootoo.com/fun/akc-meet-the-breeds-game

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