German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Old English Mastiff or Malinois? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois"
Compare German Shepherd and Mastiff. Which is better: German Shepherd or Mastiff or Belgian Malinois?
Name | German Shepherd | Mastiff | Belgian Malinois |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Working Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 2 | 28 | 44 |
Reviews | 21 | 3 | 10 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois breeds. |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
Old English Mastiff English Mastiff | Malinois |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is the largest? | Large | Giant | Large |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois? Compare adult weight ranges. | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) | Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg) | Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) | Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg) | Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Mastiff or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois height comparison: | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) | Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) | Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) | Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) | Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Find price differences between these breeds. | $800-$2000 | $1200-$1500 | $1200-$1400 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Mastiff or Belgian Malinois? | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get. |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed ranks highest? | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which is easiest to train? | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. | Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train. | Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most alert? | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most protective? | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory. |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois? Compare temperaments. |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Cheerful |
Active Stubborn Protective Alert Confident Friendly Watchful Hard working |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois? | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. |
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison: | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. | Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average. | Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers. | The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Their prey drive is low. | 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 vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most vocal? | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal. | Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most playful? | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed. | The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. 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 Shepherd 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 Mastiff 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. |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most flexible? | German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Belgian Malinois 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 Shepherd or Mastiff or Belgian Malinois? | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | 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. |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which has lowest bite risk? | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. | Moderate ⏺ The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody. |
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Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which uses mouth most during play? | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. | Above 400 PSI 🔼 Mastiff bite force: The Strongest. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak. |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed lives longest? |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. 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. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Mastiff 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 German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which has fewer health issues? | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. | Mastiffs 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. |
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Rare The Mastiff 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. |
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison: |
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 | Hip Dysplasia Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Seizures Cystinuria | Hip Dysplasia Eye Problems Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most active? | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. | Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Mastiff or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal. | Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Mastiff or Belgian Malinois? | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. | Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep. |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which is most prone to obesity? | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which needs most food? | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 8 to 10 cups 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. |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. 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 Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. What colors are available? |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Fawn Brindle Apricot |
Black Cream Fawn Brindle |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which requires most maintenance? | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming. | Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which drools least? | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. | The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which has least natural smell? | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. | High 🔼 The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. How do their fur characteristics differ? | Fuzzy | Dense |
Weather-resistant Straight |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which requires most frequent baths? | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 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. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Mastiff or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd or Mastiff or {name3 shedding: | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. | Mastiff dogs shed moderately. | Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately. |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best with kids? | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
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Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. | Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Mastiff or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly? | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Mastiff or Belgian Malinois? | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Mastiff or Belgian Malinois? | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois? |
Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Mastiff 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. |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people. |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best suited for service work? | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used 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 Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which excels in therapy work? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which has best nose work ability? | 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. | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. |
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for SAR work? | 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. | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. |
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for draft work? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Yes 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 Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most military use? | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. | 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. |
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most puppies? | 6-10 puppies | 3-5 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. 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 Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. 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 Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. How are they classified? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. How are they classified internationally? | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. | Not recognized by FCI. | Not recognized by FCI. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Belgian Malinois. 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
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 |
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