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Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or Golden Flat Coat or Little Blue Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Border Collie and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Scotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank38317
Reviews13147
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 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: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 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: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $1000-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd intelligence:
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd trainability comparison.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? 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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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
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.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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.
Golden Retriever 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.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever 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 Australian Shepherd indoors.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd 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.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Australian Shepherd 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 Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd 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.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Australian Shepherd 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: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
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 Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie, Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
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 Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd energy level comparison:
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
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. 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 Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Feathered
Colors
What are the original Border Collie, Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd 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
Golden
Light
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian 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, Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd 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 Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
Yes
Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Australian Shepherd 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.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Australian Shepherd 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.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd 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 Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? 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 Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?

Not really

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

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Australian 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.

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.

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian 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 Border Collie and Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd have?
4-8 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7

Border Collie vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd 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 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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
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
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America

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