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Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Finnish Hunting Dog or Golden Flat Coat or Little Blue Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Finnish Spitz and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Finnish Spitz Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd
OriginsFinland flagFinland Scotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank177317
Reviews2147
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Finnish Hunting Dog
Finnish Spets
Finsk Spets
Loulou Finois
Suomalainen Pystykorva
Suomenpystykorva
Barking Bird Dog
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Medium Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever? Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd weight comparison:
31-35 pounds (14-16 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?
33 pounds (15 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, Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:
15-20 inches (38-51 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?
17.5 inches (44.5 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)

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which is more expensive?
$500-$700 $1000-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Frequent: The Finnish Spitz is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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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
Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd trainability comparison.
Finnish Spitz 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: Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Finnish Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
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 Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Finnish Spitz dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Independent
Happy
Intelligent
Loyal
Vocal
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?
Finnish Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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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: Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
High: Finnish Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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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
Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
Finnish Spitz dogs are a social breed.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Finnish Spitz is strong enough to escape from home.
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?
Finnish Spitz 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.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Finnish Spitz is a 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: Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
A lot: Finnish Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
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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 Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Finnish Spitz breed.
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.

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Finnish Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
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: Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Finnish Spitz 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.
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.

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz 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? Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Finnish Spitz dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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.

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
Finnish Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
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: Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
Eye Problems
Joint Problems
Epilepsy
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?
Rare
The Finnish Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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
Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Finnish Spitz, Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Finnish Spitz: 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: Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
Prefers cold weather
The Finnish Spitz can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also 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.

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd energy level comparison:
Finnish Spitz dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Finnish Spitz 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: Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Finnish Spitz 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.

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
2 to 2.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two 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? Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Finnish Spitz 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.
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Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense
Thick
Double
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Feathered
Colors
What are the original Finnish Spitz, Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd color?
Red
Gold
Golden
Light
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Finnish Spitz 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: Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
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.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Finnish Spitz 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, Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?

Medium

The Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz 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.

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Finnish Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards 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 Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Finnish Spitz dogs are 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 Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Finnish Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd?
Finnish Spitz 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: Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?
Yes
Finnish Spitz 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?
Yes
Finnish Spitz is one of the best dog breeds 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?
Finnish Spitzs are usually recommended 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.

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd 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.

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: Finnish Spitz or Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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?

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.

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.

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: Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd?

Not really

Finnish Spitz 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.

Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz and Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd have?
3-6 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7

Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Non-Sporting 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs 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 Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand 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
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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