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Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Zwergschnauzer or Toto Dog or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese" Compare Miniature Schnauzer and Cairn Terrier. Which is better: Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Miniature Schnauzer Cairn Terrier Maltese
OriginsGermany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland Italy flagItaly
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank186933
Reviews533
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Zwergschnauzer Toto Dog
Cairn
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese? Which is the smallest dog, Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Cairn Terrier? Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese weight comparison:
Male: 11-18 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 14.5 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese? Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese height comparison:
Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm) Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 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: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm) Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese? Which is more expensive?
$600-$1000 $700-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
Very frequent: The Miniature Schnauzer is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese intelligence:
Very smart: Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent dog breed.
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Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Trainability
Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese trainability comparison.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are easy to train.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese? Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison:
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Obedient
Fearless
Spirited
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese?
High: Miniature Schnauzer dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are a social breed.
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Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese playfulness comparison:
Average: Miniature Schnauzers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese?
Average: The Miniature Schnauzer barks occasionally.
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A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
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 Miniature Schnauzer indoors.
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 Cairn Terrier indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
Miniature Schnauzer 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.
Cairn Terrier 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.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Schnauzer bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

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 Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese mouthiness comparison:
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese?
The Miniature Schnauzer is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
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: Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection (MAI)
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Luxating Patella
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)
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?
Average
The Miniature Schnauzer should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do Miniature Schnauzer, Cairn Terrier and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Miniature Schnauzer can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Cairn Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese? Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese energy level comparison:
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are high-energy dogs.
Cairn Terrier 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
Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have an average exercise need.
Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs don't need too much sleep.
Cairn Terrier 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.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 0.5 to 1.5 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? Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Schnauzer's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese coat comparison:
Wiry Waterproof Feathered
Colors
What are the original Miniature Schnauzer, Cairn Terrier and Maltese color?
Black
Silver
Pepper
Salt
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese? Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese grooming comparison:
Advanced: The Miniature Schnauzer requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese? Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Miniature Schnauzer dogs shed none to minimal.
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Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese?

Low 🔽

The Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cairn Terrier 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 Miniature Schnauzer is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are generally with other pets.
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese?
Yes
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Cairn Terrier 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
Miniature Schnauzer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Cairn Terrier 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?
Miniature Schnauzers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier 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.
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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Miniature Schnauzer or Cairn Terrier or Maltese? Which is better for autism?

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.

Not really

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

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 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.

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese?

Yes

Miniature Schnauzer breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like 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?

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.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

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

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier 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 Miniature Schnauzer and Cairn Terrier and Maltese have?
3-6 puppies 2-10 puppies 3-5 puppies

Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers 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
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
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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