Meet the Breeds

Meet the Breeds is an opportunity for people and families to meet a variety of pure-bred breeds at one location. Stations are set up with handlers and you can meet dogs and learn about the breed in terms of their temperament, health, longevity, activity level, veterinary care, grooming requirements, the best environment, family friendliness, specific training needs & challenges and general daily, weekly, monthly, etc. care level.

It is also a special chance to see some unique breeds that you may never encounter and who knows, fall in love with!

The dogs you will see at Meet the Breeds are from the Northeast area. These dogs compete in conformation and may compete in a variety of other dog activities, including those related to their original breeding intent such as herding, service, scent, companion, etc. Many breeds excel in certain dog sports due to their original legacy breeding.

Ultimately, Meet the Breeds is designed to be educational, fun and a great firsthand strategy to aid in deciding which dog breed or (mix of breeds) is best suited for you and your personal/family circumstances.

A ‘fur-ever’ home is one where dogs and humans accept each other unconditionally and for a lifetime.

Sporting Group

Breeds in the Sporting Group were bred to assist hunters in the discovery, flush and retrieval of feathered game. Retrievers, built for swimming, specialize in waterfowl, while the hunting grounds of setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds are grasslands where quail, pheasant, and other game bird’s nest.

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Hound Group

All breeds in the Hound Group were bred to pursue warm-blooded quarry. The sleek, long-legged sighthounds use wicked speed and peripheral vision to chase swift prey, like jackrabbits and antelope, while tough, durable scent hounds rely on their powerful noses to trail anything from raccoons to escaped convicts.

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Working Group

Breeds in the Working Group are exactly as they are grouped, designed for work and help humans in a variety of tasks. As you would expect, the group includes some of the world’s most ancient breeds

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Terrier Group

The feisty, short-legged breeds in the Terrier Group were originally bred to go underground or in tunnels or small places in pursuit of rodents and other vermin.

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Toy Group

The small and/or pocket sized breeds of the Toy Group come in enough coat types and colors to satisfy nearly any preference, but all are small enough to fit comfortably in the lap of their adored owners.

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Non-Sporting Group

There are many breeds of dogs that do not easily fit into the other six Groups. This is known as the Non-Sporting Group and the commonality is wet noses and four legs. This vast group of dogs all have interesting legacies and breeding histories.

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Herding Group

The Herding Group comprises breeds developed for moving livestock. This can include sheep, cattle, ducks and even reindeer. Herding dogs work in harmony with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence results in quick training.

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What is Conformation? (Dog Show)

There is a common misunderstanding that dog shows are beauty contests. That is not the case. It is formally called conformation as the purpose of judging the animals is to rigorously evaluate and compare the animal to the AKC breed standard for that specific breed. The reason for this is to ensure that each breed of each breed will be bred to pass along these superior lines.

There are seven distinct groups the breeds are separated into. This is based on what the dogs were originally bred for in terms of purpose.

The dog judged to be the best in each breed group becomes one of the final seven dogs to compete for Best in Show title.

Show off your dog

Does your dog love to meet new people? Do you have a unique breed that would be fun to share with others? The New York State Canine Expo 2026 is your premier opportunity to showcase your breed to a dedicated audience.

Meet the Breeds Registration

Questions About the NYS Canine Expo?

(518) 234-2123

[email protected]