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Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mally or Gentle Giant or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd" Compare Alaskan Malamute and Leonberger. Which is better: Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Alaskan Malamute Leonberger German Shepherd
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Sled Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank591002
Reviews3319
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Mally
Mal
Gentle Giant
Gentle Lion
Leonbergi
Leo
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
Large Giant Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or Leonberger? Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 150 pounds (68 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd? Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 29-31 inches (74-80 cm), Female: 27-29 inches (61-74 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 30 inches (77 cm), Female: 28 inches (67.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive?
$1200-$1500 $1500-$2000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Leonberger is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd trainability comparison.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
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Leonberger dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Leonberger dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Leonberger dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd? Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Loving
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Companionable
Adaptable
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd?
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Leonberger dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
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Leonberger dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Leonberger dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Leonberger dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
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The Leonberger is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
See more.
Low: The Leonberger barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Leonberger 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 German Shepherd indoors.

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Leonberger dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
Alaskan Malamute 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.
Leonberger dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Leonberger bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Leonberger has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Leonberger dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd?
The Alaskan Malamute is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Leonbergers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Bloat
Entropion
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Eosinophilic Panosteitis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Leonberger should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Alaskan Malamute, Leonberger and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Leonberger: 9 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd?
Prefers cold weather
The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Leonberger can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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.

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd? Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:
Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.
Leonberger dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Leonberger dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.
Leonberger dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
Recommended daily amount: 4 to 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 3 to 4 cups 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? Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Leonberger's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Waterproof Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Alaskan Malamute, Leonberger and German Shepherd color?
Black
Gray
Red
White
Red
Brown
Yellow
Sandy
Reddish
Mahogany
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd? Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Leonberger requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd? Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or {name3 shedding:
Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Leonberger dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
6-8 weeks
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.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd?

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Leonberger has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Leonberger is an average drooler.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Alaskan Malamute dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Leonberger dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Alaskan Malamute dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Leonberger dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Alaskan Malamute is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Leonberger is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Alaskan Malamutes are usually recommended for elderly people.
Leonbergers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd 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.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Alaskan Malamute or Leonberger or German Shepherd? 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.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.

Yes

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

German Shepherd 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.

Yes

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd 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 Alaskan Malamute and Leonberger and German Shepherd have?
4-10 puppies 6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies

Alaskan Malamute vs Leonberger vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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.
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.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand 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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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