Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Chrysanthemum Dog or Roseneath Terrier? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier"
Compare Maltese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Maltese or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier?
Name | Maltese | Shih Tzu | West Highland White Terrier |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Hunting Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 33 | 20 | 42 |
Reviews | 3 | 19 | 1 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier breeds. |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Roseneath Terrier Westie Westy White Roseneath Terrier Poltalloch Terrier |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is the largest? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges. | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier height comparison: | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) | Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds. | $600-$800 | $800-$1200 | $900-$1200 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The West Highland White Terrier is quite easy to get. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed ranks highest? | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is easiest to train? | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most alert? | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most protective? | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier? Compare temperaments. |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Independent Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs. |
Social Needs
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | West Highland White Terrier dogs are a social breed. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | West Highland White Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most vocal? | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most playful? | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. | 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 West Highland White Terrier indoors. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most flexible? | Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | West Highland White Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? | Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | West Highland White Terrier 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. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk? | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. |
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Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play? | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | West Highland White Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed lives longest? |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
12-16 years The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which handles climate changes best? | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The West Highland White Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has fewer health issues? | The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | Very healthy dog breed. |
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Rare The West Highland White Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier health problems comparison: |
Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome | Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Umbilical Hernias Ear Infections Distichiasis Portosystemic Liver Shunt Bladder Stones Ectopic Cilia Reverse Sneezing Dry Eye Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles |
Cataracts Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Craniomandibular Osteopathy Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy White Dog Shaker Syndrome Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Atopic Dermatitis Hyperplastic Dermatosis Pulmonary Fibrosis |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which breed is most active? | Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. | West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? | Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | West Highland White Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity? | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the West Highland White Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which needs most food? | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. | 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | Yes See more. | Yes See more. | Yes See more. |
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Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. What colors are available? | White |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold | White |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which requires most maintenance? | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which drools least? | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The West Highland White Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has least natural smell? | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ? | Feathered | Dense | Dense |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths? | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? Maltese or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding: | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best with kids? | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
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Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | West Highland White Terrier dogs are generally with other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or West Highland White Terrier? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | West Highland White Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier? |
Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes West Highland White Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No West Highland White Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. | West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best suited for service work? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which excels in therapy work? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. 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 Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. 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 Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really West Highland White Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which is best for draft work? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has most military use? | 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. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Which has most puppies? | 3-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies | 2-5 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. Any breeding differences? | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. What's recommended? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. How are they classified? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. How are they classified internationally? | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. | Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. 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 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 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 Club Espanol De Terriers |
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