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Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Csivava or King Of The Toys or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu" Compare Chihuahua and Miniature Pinscher. Which is better: Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher Shih Tzu
OriginsMexico flagMexico Germany flagGermany China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank327120
Reviews16115
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Csivava
Chihuahueño
King Of The Toys
Reh Pinscher
Zwergpinsc
Min Pin
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Miniature Pinscher? Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:
2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 8-9 pounds (about 4 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
4 pounds (2 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8.5 pounds (about 4 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu? Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
6-9 inches (15-23 cm) Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 10-11 inches (25-28 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
7.5 inches (19 cm) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $400-$600 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Miniature Pinscher is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Smart: The Miniature Pinscher dogs have great intelligence.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Trainability
Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison.
Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train.
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Miniature Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu?
Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Miniature Pinscher dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Miniature Pinscher dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu? Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Quick
Devoted
Lively
Playful
Energetic
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Responsive
Clever
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Miniature Pinscher dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Shih Tzu 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: Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu?
High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Miniature Pinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Miniature Pinscher dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Miniature Pinscher dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Shih Tzu 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?
Chihuahua 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.
Miniature Pinscher 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.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:
Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Miniature Pinscher is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu?
A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Miniature Pinscher is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu?
Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.
Apartment-friendly dog the Miniature Pinscher breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Miniature Pinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu?
Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Miniature Pinscher 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.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Chihuahua bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Pinscher bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Pinscher has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:
Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Miniature Pinscher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu?
Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
Miniature Pinschers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Shih Tzu 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: Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Heart Murmurs
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hydrocephalus
Hypoglycemia
Shivering
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The Miniature Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Chihuahua, Miniature Pinscher and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Pinscher: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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.

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu? Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:
Chihuahua dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Miniature Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Miniature Pinscher dogs exercise need is minimal.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu?
Chihuahua dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Miniature Pinscher dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Miniature Pinscher breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:
Fine Rough Dense
Colors
What are the original Chihuahua, Miniature Pinscher and Shih Tzu color?
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Fawn
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Red
Chocolate
Rust
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu? Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Miniature Pinscher requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu? Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or {name3 shedding:
Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu?

High 🔼

The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Miniature Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Miniature Pinscher is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

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

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used 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: Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

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?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a 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: Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu?

Not really

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

Not really

Miniature Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shih Tzu 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.

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu 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 Chihuahua and Miniature Pinscher and Shih Tzu have?
2-4 puppies 2-5 puppies 2-5 puppies

Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
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
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

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