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Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bullie or South African Mastiff or Japanese Fighting Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken" Compare Bullmastiff and Boerboel. Which is better: Bullmastiff or Boerboel or Tosa Ken?
 
 
 
Name Bullmastiff Boerboel Tosa Ken
OriginsEngland flagEngland South Africa flagSouth Africa Japan flagJapan
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank51124352
Reviews110
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken breeds.
Bullie
Bully
South African Mastiff
South African Boerboel
Japanese Fighting Dog
Japanese Mastiff
Japanese Tosa
Tosa Fighting Dog
Tosa Ken
Tosa Tōken
Tosa Inu
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large
Giant
Large
Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 110-133 pounds (50–60 kg), Female: 100-120 pounds (45-55 kg) 154-200 pounds (70-90 kg) Male: 88-176 lbs (40-80 kg), Female: 84-120 lbs (38-54 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 121.5 pounds (50–60 kg), Female: 110 pounds (50 kg) 177 pounds (80 kg) Male: 132 pounds (60 kg), Female: 102 pounds (46 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bullmastiff or Boerboel or Tosa Ken? Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken height comparison:
Male: 25-27 inches (63–69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61–66 cm) Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (55-62 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (54-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (63–69 cm), Female: 25 inches (61–66 cm) Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm)

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1500 $1500-$2000 $600-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bullmastiff or Boerboel or Tosa Ken?
Very frequent: The Bullmastiff is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.
Average: The Tosa Ken is a commonly available dog breed.

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which is easiest to train?
Bullmastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most alert?
Bullmastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Tosa Ken dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most protective?
Bullmastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Tosa Ken dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken? Compare temperaments.
Protective
Alert
Powerful
Courageous
Docile
Reliable
Loyal
Devoted
Calm
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Dominant
Territorial
Sensitive
Intelligent
Aggressive
Fearless
Brave
Suspicious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Boerboel 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.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken?
Average: Bullmastiff dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Average: Tosa Ken dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken social needs comparison:
Bullmastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Tosa Ken dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Bullmastiff dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Tosa Ken is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Bullmastiff 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.
Boerboel 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.
Tosa Ken dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Bullmastiff barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Tosa Ken rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most playful?
Bullmastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Tosa Kens, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Bullmastiff indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Tosa Ken breed.

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Bullmastiff dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tosa Ken dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bullmastiff or Boerboel or Tosa Ken?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Tosa Ken 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.

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Bullmastiff has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Tosa Ken has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which uses mouth most during play?
Bullmastiff dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Boerboel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Tosa Ken dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bullmastiff bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Tosa Ken bite force: The Strongest.

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which breed lives longest?
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Bullmastiff: 9 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Tosa Ken: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Bullmastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which has fewer health issues?
Very healthy dog breed.
Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Tosa Kens tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Bullmastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Frequent
The Tosa Ken should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken health problems comparison:
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Heart Problems
Entropion
Kidney Issues
Hemangiosarcoma
Lymphosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Epilepsy
Joint Dysplasia
Vaginal Hyperplasia
Bloat

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most active?
Bullmastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Boerboel dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Tosa Ken dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bullmastiff or Boerboel or Tosa Ken? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bullmastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
Boerboel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Tosa Ken dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bullmastiff or Boerboel or Tosa Ken?
Bullmastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Boerboel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Tosa Ken dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Bullmastiff breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Tosa Ken breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which needs most food?
3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 4 to 7 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. What colors are available?
Red
Fawn
Brindle
Red
Cream
Brown
Tawny
Brindle
Reddish
Black
Brown
Fawn
Yellow
Brindle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Bullmastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Tosa Ken requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which drools least?
The Bullmastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.
The Boerboel 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 Tosa Ken is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Bullmastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Tosa Ken has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Dense
Hard
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bullmastiff or Boerboel or Tosa Ken? Bullmastiff or Boerboel or {name3 shedding:
Bullmastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Boerboel dogs shed moderately.
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Tosa Ken dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which is best with kids?
Bullmastiff dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Tosa Ken dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bullmastiff dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Tosa Ken dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bullmastiff or Boerboel or Tosa Ken? Which dog is more friendly?
Bullmastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Tosa Ken dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bullmastiff or Boerboel or Tosa Ken?
Bullmastiff dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Tosa Ken dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bullmastiff or Boerboel or Tosa Ken?
Bullmastiff dogs are not dog-friendly.
Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Tosa Ken dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken?
Yes
Bullmastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
No
Tosa Ken dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Bullmastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Tosa Ken is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Bullmastiffs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.
Tosa Kens are commonly okay with elderly people.

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

Tosa Ken breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

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

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

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which has most puppies?
4-13 puppies, average 8 7-10 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. What's recommended?

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.

Bullmastiff vs Boerboel vs Tosa Ken Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Bullmastiff, Boerboel, and Tosa Ken. Which has most recognition?
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
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

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