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American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Cocker or Yorkie or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu" Compare American Cocker Spaniel and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is better: American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name American Cocker Spaniel Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States England flagEngland China flagChina
Group Gun Dog Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank29920
Reviews3416
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Cocker
Merry Cocker
Cocker Spaniel
Yorkie Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Medium Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkshire Terrier? American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:
15-30 pounds (7-14 kg) 2-3 kg (4-7 pounds) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
22.5 pounds (10.5 kg) 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
15-16.5 inches (38-41 cm) 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
15-16.5 inches (39.5 cm) 21.5 cm (8.5 inches) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $600-$1000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The American Cocker Spaniel is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Yorkshire Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu intelligence:
Very smart: American Cocker Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Trainability
American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Outgoing
Outright
Tempered
Merry
Trusting
Joyful
Sociable
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
High: American Cocker Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Yorkshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the American Cocker Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:
The American Cocker Spaniel is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
Average to High: The American Cocker Spaniel is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Very house-friendly dog the American Cocker Spaniel breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
American Cocker Spaniel 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.
Yorkshire Terrier 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.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The American Cocker Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
American Cocker Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Yorkshire Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Shih Tzu 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: American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Primary Seborrhea
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
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
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The American Cocker Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Yorkshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do American Cocker Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of American Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the American Cocker Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:
Feathered Fine Dense
Colors
What are the original American Cocker Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu color?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Brown
Buff
Black
Tan
Blue
Gold
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or {name3 shedding:
American Cocker Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu?

Medium

The American Cocker Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The American Cocker Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
American Cocker Spaniel is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Yorkshire Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
American Cocker Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Yorkshire Terriers are not recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu 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: American Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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: American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu?

Yes

American Cocker Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

Shih Tzu 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.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu 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 American Cocker Spaniel and Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu have?
4-7 puppies 4-6 puppies 2-5 puppies

American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan 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
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
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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