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Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or Lab or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever" Compare Border Collie and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales England flagEngland Canada flagCanada Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank3813
Reviews13914
User Ratings

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

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Which is the smallest dog, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever weight comparison:
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

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

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
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: Labrador Retriever 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.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Golden Retriever 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?
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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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever 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.
Labrador Retriever 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Labrador Retriever 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.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
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.
Average
The Labrador Retriever 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).
Life Expectancy
Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie, Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?
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.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever coat comparison:
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Colors
What are the original Border Collie, Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever 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
Yellow
Chocolate
Golden
Light
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever grooming comparison:
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
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.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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.

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

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

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever 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.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? 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.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes 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 Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever have?
4-8 puppies 5-10 puppies 5-10 puppies

Border Collie vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever 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 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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
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

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