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Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Apollo of Dogs or Golden Flat Coat or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese" Compare Great Dane and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Great Dane Golden Retriever Maltese
OriginsGermany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland Italy flagItaly
Group Working Dogs Gun Dog Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank14333
Reviews3143
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese? Which is the smallest dog, Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Giant Large Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese weight comparison:
Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese height comparison:
Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1200 $1000-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Great Dane is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese intelligence:
Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Trainability
Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese trainability comparison.
Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison:
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese?
Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Great Dane dogs are a social breed.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Great Dane dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese playfulness comparison:
Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese?
Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Very house-friendly dog the Great Dane breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Great Dane dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Great Dane dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese mouthiness comparison:
Great Dane dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese?
Great Danes are commonly healthy dogs.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Great Dane should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do Great Dane, Golden Retriever and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese energy level comparison:
Great Dane dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Great Dane dogs exercise need is minimal.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Great Dane dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese coat comparison:
Dense Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Feathered
Colors
What are the original Great Dane, Golden Retriever and Maltese color?
Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Golden
Light
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese? Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese? Great Dane or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Great Dane dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese?

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Great Dane drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Great Dane dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Great Dane dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese?
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese?
Yes
Great Dane dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Great Dane is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Great Danes are usually recommended for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Great Dane or Golden Retriever or Maltese? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese?

Not really

Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Great Dane and Golden Retriever and Maltese have?
10-15 puppies 5-10 puppies 3-5 puppies

Great Dane vs Golden Retriever vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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