Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Sheepdog or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog"
Compare Akita and Border Collie. Which is better: Akita or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Name | Akita | Border Collie | Shetland Sheepdog |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Working Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 47 | 38 | 24 |
Reviews | 9 | 13 | 6 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog breeds. |
American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog |
Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog |
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is the largest? | Large | Large | Medium |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adult weight ranges. | Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) | Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) | 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg) | Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) | 20.5 pounds (9 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Akita or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison: | Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) | Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) | 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) | Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) | 14.5 inches (37 cm) |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Find price differences between these breeds. | $800-$1200 | $600-$800 | $800-$1000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Akita or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? | Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed ranks highest? | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is easiest to train? | Akita dogs are easy to train. | Border Collie dogs are easy to train. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most alert? | Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most protective? | Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare temperaments. |
Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing |
Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious |
Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog? | High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison: | Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. | Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home. | Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Border Collie 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. | Shetland Sheepdog 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. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most vocal? | Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. | Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. | A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most playful? | Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. | Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which adapts best to small spaces? | Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed. | It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home. | It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most flexible? | Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Akita or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Shetland Sheepdog 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. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has lowest bite risk? | Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. |
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Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which uses mouth most during play? | Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed lives longest? |
10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which handles climate changes best? | Prefers cold weather The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has fewer health issues? | The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Average The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison: | Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis | Hip Dysplasia Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Collie Eye Anomaly Osteochondrosis Dissecans |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Epilepsy Heart Problems Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Collie Eye Anomaly Haemophilia Trichiasis |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most active? | Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? | Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. | Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is most prone to obesity? | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. | Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. |
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs most food? | Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. | 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. | 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | No See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
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Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. What colors are available? |
Black Red White Brown Fawn |
Black Tan Red Sable Brindle Lilac Gold Seal White & Red Slate Sable Merle Black & White Tricolor Blue merle Blue merle-tricolor Slate merle Red merle Saddleback Sable White & Blue White & Blue Merle White & Red Merle White Ticked White & Gold White & Sable White & Seal |
Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most maintenance? | Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. | Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which drools least? | The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. | The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has least natural smell? | Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. How do their fur characteristics differ? |
Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight |
Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long | Dense |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most frequent baths? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 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. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Akita or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Akita or Border Collie or {name3 shedding: | Akita dogs are heavy shedders. | Border Collie dogs shed moderately. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best with kids? | Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
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Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Akita dogs are generally with other pets. | Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly? | Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? | Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? | Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog? |
Yes Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people. | Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for service work? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good 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 Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which excels in therapy work? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has best nose work ability? | 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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for SAR work? | 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. |
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most military use? | 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. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most puppies? | 3-12 puppies | 4-8 puppies | 4-6 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Any breeding differences? | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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. |
Akita vs Border Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified internationally? | Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Akita, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most recognition? |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry 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 The American Int. Border Collie Registry The American Border Collie Association |
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 |
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