Meet the Breeds is the ultimate dog-lover's convention and being a huge dog-lover, I (of course) attended this year. Hosted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The International Cat Association (TICA), Meet the Breeds gives people the opportunity to ask questions to breeders, learn about various breeds and interact with the animals themselves.

With rows and rows of canines, New York City's Jacob Javits Center went to the dogs this weekend. Everyone was well-behaved and wagging to see the thousands of people who gathered. The show featured over 200 breeds of cats and dogs as well as various vendors selling all kinds of pet products. In the middle of the trade show floor there was also a ring set up for agility, obedience and feline demonstrations.

Here are just a few of the great dogs I met: 

(Click image to enlarge)

The AKC's Meet the Breeds is the perfect place to help you decide what kind of cat or dog you want to purchase or adopt. Of course every animal is unique, but certain traits are more common in certain breeds. Here you get the opportunity to find out what traits best suit your lifestyle and therefore which is the best pet for you.

For anyone in the pet industry, Meet the Breeds is a must. There were a great variety of products to buy from glitzy collars and leashes to lavish cat carriers and accessories. This convention was also the scene for several lesser-known products like collapsible BPA-free water bottles for dogs on the go and moose antler chews for avid chewers. In addition there was no shortage of pet sitters, groomers, trainers and more.

All-in-all, Meet the Breeds is the place to be for pet owners, enthusiasts and potential new owners alike! If you're in the pet industry, be sure to check it out next year.

Mark your calendars! The AKC Meet the Breeds convention returns to the Jacob Javits Center in NYC on October 20th and 21st this year. The show is hosted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The International Cat Association (TICA). It's the perfect place to meet with consumers, breeders, clubs, trainers and more.

With vendor booths offering an extensive line of products for pets and their owners as well as over 200 breeds of cats and dogs, this is one show animal-lovers should not miss. You'll even have the opportunity to interact with dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. Learn about breed history and unique characteristics directly from the experts so that you can make the best choice in your pet.

You'll also find canine demonstrations such as agility, obedience, rally and service dogs as well as feline demonstrations that have not yet been announced. Here are some clips from last year:

This is the perfect place for any business or organization involved in the pet industry to sponsor or exhibit. Read more about choosing the right promotional pet products or start shopping for your pet industry giveaways now!

The 2011 H. H. Backer Assocites' Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference went off without a hitch this October. It turned out over 650 exhibitors showcasing new products and services as well as interesting and interactive trade show displays.

The Pet Industry show proved that even in this prolonged recession, American pet owners are still spending on pet-related services and products. In fact, the American Pet Products Association reports that nearly $2.9 billion will be spent in this industry this year alone. Backer's show showcased high-end pet beds, toys, food and even clothing. Thousands of pet-store buyers and boutiques gathered to pick out their holiday items for pet parents to pamper with this holiday season.

One of the most popular toys featured at the show was the Dog Tornado by The Company of Animals. Big names like Petco are now selling it. It's a thinking game designed to present obstacles for your dog to discover hidden treats. Here is how it works.

According to the American Pet Products Association, overall spending in the pet industry grew 5.4% from 2008 to 2009 and continues on the rise throughout the years. Food, supplies, veterinary care, live animal purchases, grooming, boarding and pet sitting all saw zero declines. "The pet industry continues to thrive. Despite a troubled economy, the pet industry still continues to invest research and innovation to bring the very best to store shelves," says Don Tomala, managing partner of Matrix Partners. Take advantage of such statistics, and order your promotional pet products to keep up with the growing industry!