All Photos By Gail

It’s that time again for my annual review of the American Kennel Club’s Meet the Breeds event at Javits Center. When people see my coverage here and on social media, they often ask, “Gail, don’t they have any large breeds at this show?” And of course, the answer is yes—lots and lots of large breeds.

However, my strategy for the show is to focus on the small dogs, mostly because of the off-the-charts cuteness factor, which is irresistible to me. They’re also a little easier to get close to, and thus easier —not necessarily easy — to photograph. The photography challenge is always the same: trying to capture a clear shot of a moving, energetic puppy while dozens of visitors are reaching in to pet them simultaneously. Photos that seem like they’re going to be adorable sometimes end up a little blurry, with plenty of hands and arms in the frame. But that’s life when your mission is to bring back photos of many charming little pooches that you might just find yourself wanting to have as a pet of your own.

If you’re in the market for a dog, Meet the Breeds is truly the place to discover the dog that might be best for your family and lifestyle. Here’s my pick for the Ten Most Adorable Small Breeds from this year’s show, and a little bit about what makes each one special.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

To me, this breed has always had a simply gorgeous face. With their soulful eyes and flowing ears, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels seem designed to charm everyone they meet. They’re known for their affectionate nature and adaptability, happily switching between couch cuddles and energetic playtime.

Tibetan Spaniel

I don’t remember seeing a Tibetan Spaniel previously, but this little guy, as you can see, is living his best life. His owner told me that he recognizes where he is as soon as they enter the Javits Center and he gets excited  knowing he’s in for two days of nonstop pets. As you can see below, he has fully surrendered.

Originally bred in Tibetan monasteries as watchful companions, Tibetan Spaniels are alert, intelligent little dogs with a slightly regal demeanor. They’re known for their cat-like independence but are deeply devoted to their families.

Japanese Terrier

The Japanese Terrier is a breed I don’t remember seeing before, but they are certainly sleek and attractive. This one is on high alert because someone in his field of vision has opened a box of chicken pieces, so obviously that is all he can focus on. Japanese Terriers are known for their smooth coats, elegant build, and lively personalities. They’re playful and intelligent companions who form strong bonds with their owners and are always ready for a bit of action.

Havanese

The Havanese is one of the most popular cute pooches, and this one is no exception. As the national dog of Cuba, the Havanese is beloved for its silky coat and cheerful personality. They’re friendly, social dogs that thrive on human interaction and often seem happiest when they’re the center of attention.

German Spitz

The German Spitz is another fun breed making its debut here — and, oh, the cuteness. German Spitz dogs are known for their fox-like faces, plumed tails, and bright personalities. They’re alert and lively companions who tend to be quite vocal, making them enthusiastic little watchdogs.

Chihuahua

One of my very favorite breeds, the Chihuahua, never fails to delight. Despite their tiny size, Chihuahuas are packed with personality. They’re loyal, confident, and often fiercely devoted to their favorite person. Their expressive faces and oversized ears give them a permanently curious look that’s hard to resist.

Brussels Griffon

Is there a dog whose face has more personality than the Brussels Griffon? I don’t think so. Originally bred in Belgium as stable dogs to catch rats, Brussels Griffons have evolved into affectionate companion animals. Their almost human-like facial expressions and bold attitudes make them endlessly entertaining.

Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is a breed  you might remember from last year’s coverage — although I certainly didn’t. This relatively new breed was developed in Germany and is known for its silky, flowing coat and distinctive tri-color markings. Biewer Terriers are cheerful and playful, making them lively companions who enjoy being around people.

English Toy Spaniel

Here’s another spaniel I’ve featured in a previous column, the English Toy Spaniel. These dogs may look sad, but believe me — they are overjoyed with all the love and attention they’re getting.
This historic companion breed was once favored by European royalty. English Toy Spaniels are gentle, affectionate lap dogs who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and plenty of cuddling.

American Eskimo

Last but not least, we have the American Eskimo, which is a surprisingly petite breed for a name that conjures visions of a large husky. In reality, the breed comes in three sizes —including toy — and is known for its brilliant white coat and bright intelligence. American Eskimo dogs are highly trainable and energetic, which is why they were once popular circus performers!

Since Meet the Breeds is all about learning, the show also has a PuppyVisor desk, your personal puppy counselor where you can get advice on which breed might be ideal for you and your family.

And speaking of learning, you can also find fun Dog Trivia scattered around the show floor — little nuggets of canine knowledge that make wandering from booth to booth even more entertaining.

After spending many hours  surrounded by wagging tails, enthusiastic handlers, and thousands of dog lovers, it’s easy to see why Meet the Breeds has become one of my favorite annual events. Whether you’re actively searching for the perfect pup or simply there to admire the incredible variety of dogs, the show offers a rare chance to meet so many breeds — and their devoted humans — all in one place. For me, of course, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to photograph some of the smallest, cutest ambassadors of the dog world.