New York, NY – Earlier today the American Kennel Club® and many proud dog fanciers took part in the annual Columbus Day Parade on New York City’s Fifth Avenue which is the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American culture. For the first time ever in the parade’s 65 year history, the procession included rare Italian dog breeds, recognizing Italy’s great contributions to the dog world and celebrating the upcoming Meet the Breeds event at the Javits Center on October 17th and 18th where pet lovers can meet 200 breeds of dog and cat.

The one million parade spectators enjoyed watching a group of over 30 marchers and 13 furry friends including the Bergamasco, an ancient shepherding breed with a striking coat of dense, flat mats that reach the ground; the Lagotto Romagnolo, a dog from Northwest Italy with thick curly hair and a history dating back to the 16th century and the only two native Italian gun-dog breeds, the Bracco Italiano and Spinone Italiano.