German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Glatthaariger Pinscher or Malinois or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd"
Compare German Pinscher and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: German Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
Name | German Pinscher | Belgian Malinois | German Shepherd |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Working Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 136 | 44 | 2 |
Reviews | 2 | 10 | 21 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd breeds. |
Glatthaariger Pinscher Standard Pinscher | Malinois |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest? | Medium | Large | Large |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges. | 25-35 pounds (11-16 kg) | Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 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? | 30 pounds (13.5 kg) | Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, German Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd height comparison: | 16-19 inches (41-48 cm) | Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 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? | 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) | Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds. | $1400-$1600 | $1200-$1400 | $800-$2000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, German Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? | Frequent: The German Pinscher is easier than average to get. | Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest? | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train? | German Pinscher dogs are easy to train. | Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert? | German Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective? | German Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments. |
Loving Courageous Lively Outright Tempered Spirited Familiar |
Active Stubborn Protective Alert Confident Friendly Watchful Hard working |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | 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: German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd? | Average to High: German Pinscher dogs are highly affectionate dogs. | Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | German Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average. | Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed. | 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 German Pinscher is strong enough to escape from home. | The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | German Pinscher dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. | Belgian Malinois 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. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal? | Average: The German Pinscher barks occasionally. | Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful? | The German Pinscher is a playful breed. | The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces? | 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 Pinscher indoors. | 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 Belgian Malinois indoors. | 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. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible? | Average: German Pinscher dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. | Belgian Malinois 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: German Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | Belgian Malinois 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. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk? | Low 🔽 The German Pinscher has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Belgian Malinois 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play? | German Pinscher dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Pinscher bite force: Ordinary. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest? |
11-15 years The average lifespan of German Pinscher: 13 years |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best? | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues? | German Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs. | The Belgian Malinois 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? |
Rare The German Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Average The Belgian Malinois 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: German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd health problems comparison: | No data available | Hip Dysplasia Eye Problems Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia |
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 |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active? | German Pinscher dogs are high-energy dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | German Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? | German Pinscher dogs don't need too much sleep. | Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity? | Average: The German Pinscher has an average risk for obesity. | Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food? | 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 2 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. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | No See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
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Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. What colors are available? |
Black Tan Red Blue Brown |
Black Cream Fawn Brindle |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance? | Effortless: The German Pinscher requires minimal grooming. | Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which drools least? | The German Pinscher is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Belgian Malinois 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell? | Low 🔽 The German Pinscher has a low chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ? |
Dense Shiny Smooth |
Weather-resistant Straight | Fuzzy |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths? | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 8-12 weeks Very 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 German Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? German Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or {name3 shedding: | German Pinscher dogs shed none to minimal. | Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids? | German Pinscher dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are 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? | German Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets. | Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? | German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? | German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Belgian Malinois 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: German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd? |
Yes German Pinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Belgian Malinois 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 German Pinscher is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Belgian Malinois 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? | German Pinschers are usually recommended for elderly people. | Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really German Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Belgian Malinois 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, 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. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies? | 6-8 puppies | 6-10 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, 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. |
German Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. How are they classified? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2003 as a Working breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 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 German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally? | Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. | Not recognized by FCI. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition? |
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 |
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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
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