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Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or Alsatian wolf dog or Cu Faoil? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound" Compare Border Collie and German Shepherd. Which is better: Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie German Shepherd Irish Wolfhound
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Germany flagGermany Ireland flagIreland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank38273
Reviews13191
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Cu Faoil
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound? Which is the smallest dog, Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
Large Large Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, Border Collie or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound 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) 90-150 pounds (40-69 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) 120 pounds (54.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound 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) 28-35 inches (71-90 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) 31.5 inches (80.5 cm)

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $800-$2000 $1800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Irish Wolfhound is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound trainability comparison.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound? 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.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Dignified
Intelligent
Patient
Loyal
Tempered
Sweet
Generous
Thoughtful
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.
Irish Wolfhound 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: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound?
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: Irish Wolfhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound 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.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
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.
Irish Wolfhound dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Irish Wolfhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound playfulness comparison:
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Irish Wolfhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Irish Wolfhound rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
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 Irish Wolfhound breed in the home.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound 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.
Irish Wolfhound dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Irish Wolfhound bite force: The Strongest.
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.

Low 🔽

The Irish Wolfhound has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound mouthiness comparison:
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Irish Wolfhound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound?
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.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound 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
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Osteosarcoma
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy
Liver Shunt
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).
Rare
The Irish Wolfhound should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie, German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound 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
6-10 years
The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhound: 8 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound?
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 cold weather conditions
The Irish Wolfhound can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound energy level comparison:
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Wolfhound dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound? 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.
Irish Wolfhound dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Irish Wolfhound dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
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. 8 to 10 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 Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound coat comparison:
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Fuzzy Wiry
Rough
Colors
What are the original Border Collie, German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound 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
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Wheaten
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound? Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound grooming comparison:
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Irish Wolfhound requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound? Border Collie or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Irish Wolfhound dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
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.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound 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.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound?
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
Irish Wolfhound 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
Irish Wolfhound 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.
Irish Wolfhounds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound? 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.

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?

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 Irish Wolfhound?

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

Irish Wolfhound 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.

Not really

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

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound have?
4-8 puppies 6-10 puppies 3-4 puppies

Border Collie vs German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound 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. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1897 as a Hound breed.
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. Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Rough-haired Sighthounds section.
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
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
Irish Wolfhound Club Of America

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