Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Borders or Sheepdog or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd"
Compare Border Terrier and Border Collie. Which is better: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?
Name | Border Terrier | Border Collie | German Shepherd |
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Origins | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Hunting Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 92 | 38 | 2 |
Reviews | 1 | 13 | 21 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd breeds. | Borders |
Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest? | Small | Large | Large |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges. | Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg) | 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) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg) | Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd height comparison: | Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm) | 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) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm) | 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) |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds. | $1200-$1400 | $600-$800 | $800-$2000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest? | Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence. | Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train? | Border Terrier dogs are easy to train. | Border Collie dogs are easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert? | Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. | Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective? | Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments. |
Alert Intelligent Affectionate Obedient Outright Tempered Fearless |
Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | Border Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd? | High: Border Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average. | Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. | Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. | 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. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal? | Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed. | Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful? | Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces? | Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed. | 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. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible? | Border Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | 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. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | 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. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk? | Low 🔽 The Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. |
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Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play? | Border Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Border Terrier bite force: Weak. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest? |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best? | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Border Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. | 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. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues? | The Border Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | 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. |
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Average The Border Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
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). |
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd health problems comparison: |
Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Hypothyroidism Cryptorchidism Seizures Malocclusions Pulmonic Stenosis | 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 |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active? | Border Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Border Terrier dogs have an average exercise need. | Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? | Border Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. | Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity? | High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. | Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food? | 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 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. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | Yes See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
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Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. What colors are available? |
Tan Red Blue Grizzle Wheaten |
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 |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance? | Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which drools least? | The Border Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell? | Medium ⏺ The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ? | Rough |
Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long | Fuzzy |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths? | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Border Terrier or Border Collie or {name3 shedding: | Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. | Border Collie dogs shed moderately. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids? | Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
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Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Border Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets. | Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? | Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs. | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? | Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd? |
Yes Border Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
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. |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Border Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Border Terriers are one of the best breeds 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. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability? | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. | 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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work? | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as 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. |
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really Border Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is best for draft work? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use? | 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. | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies? | 2-8 puppies | 4-8 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences? | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. What's recommended? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. How are they classified? | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally? | Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. | 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. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition? |
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 Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc. Club Espanol De Terriers |
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 |
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