National Dog Show Preview

Plus, how much do dogs cost

By the end of December, pet owners will have spent around $60 billion on their furry friends this year. That means interest in the annual National Dog Show — sponsored by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, Nov. 15 & 16 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, then broadcast on NBC, 12noon on Thanksgiving Day — should be higher than ever. Here’s a look at how the majority of pet-spending shook out in 2014.

Food: Nearly $22 billion went toward feeding Fido, $2 billion more than in the previous year, due to a wider variety of healthy gourmet food. Pet food trends mirror human diet trends, so dog owners are spending more on vitamin-infused, age- and breed-specific canine chow.

Veterinary care: $14.4 billion

Pet supplies and medicine: $13.1 billion

Mutt miscellany: $4.4 billion bought grooming, boarding, training and pet-sitting, a full 6.1 percent increase.

MetroKids and a host of leading dog-supply companies will be on hand at the National Dog Show. Click here to get the detes, then make plans to come say hi.