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Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or Alsatian wolf dog or Pit? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier" Compare Border Collie and German Shepherd. Which is better: Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie German Shepherd American Pit Bull Terrier
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Germany flagGermany United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank382336
Reviews131910
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Pit
Pit Bull
Pitbull
Pitty
APBT
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Large Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Border Collie or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier weight comparison:
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 22-78 pounds (10-35 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 50 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier height comparison:
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 14-24 inches (35-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 19 inches (47.5 cm)

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $800-$2000 $500-$700
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier intelligence:
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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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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Trainability
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier trainability comparison.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Stubborn
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
High: Border Collie 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.
See more.
High: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier playfulness comparison:
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier?
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
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.
It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Border Collie 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.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier mouthiness comparison:
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
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
Hip Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Allergies
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie, German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
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.
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.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 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? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier coat comparison:
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Fuzzy Fine
Colors
What are the original Border Collie, German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier color?
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
Red
Silver
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier grooming comparison:
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier? Border Collie or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
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.
Hypoallergenic
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier 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, Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Good With Comparison

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

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good 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: Border Collie or German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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?

Yes

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

Yes

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

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?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent 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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier?

Not really

Border Collie 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.

Not really

American Pit Bull Terrier 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.

Yes

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

Yes

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

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Border Collie and German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier have?
4-8 puppies 6-10 puppies 5-8 puppies

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club

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