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Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Comparison - Dog breed selector: Golden Flat Coat or American Akita or Alpine Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard" Compare Golden Retriever and Akita. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Akita or St. Bernard?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Akita St. Bernard
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Group Gun Dog Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank34748
Reviews1699
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard breeds.
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Alpine Mastiff
Bernhardiner
St. Barnhardshund
St. Bernard
Saint
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) 110-200 pounds (50-91 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg) 155 pounds (70.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Akita or St. Bernard? Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) 25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) 25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $800-$1200 $1500-$1800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Akita or St. Bernard?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The St.

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which is easiest to train?
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Akita dogs are easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most alert?
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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St.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most protective?
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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St.
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Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Independent
Happy
Friendly
Gentle
Going
Social
Quiet
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: St.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard?
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: St.
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Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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St.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
St.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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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Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Low: The St.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most playful?
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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St.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
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 St.

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most flexible?
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
St.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Akita or St. Bernard?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
St.

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The St.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which uses mouth most during play?
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
St.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

St.

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of St.
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. 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.
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Prefers cold weather
The Akita 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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which has fewer health issues?
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The St.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Bloat
Epilepsy
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most active?
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
St.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Golden Retriever or Akita or St. Bernard? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
St.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Golden Retriever or Akita or St. Bernard?
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
St.

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. What colors are available?
Golden
Light
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Black
Red
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The St.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which drools least?
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.
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The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.
The St.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The St.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Dense
Rough
Smooth
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which requires most frequent baths?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Akita or St. Bernard? Golden Retriever or Akita or {name3 shedding:
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
St.
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Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which is best with kids?
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
St.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
St.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Akita or St. Bernard? Which dog is more friendly?
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
St.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Golden Retriever or Akita or St. Bernard?
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
St.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Akita or St. Bernard?
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
St.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard?
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
No
St.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
St.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.
St.

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. 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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. 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 Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Not really

St.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which is best for draft work?

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.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 3-12 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. What's recommended?

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.

Golden Retriever vs Akita vs St. Bernard Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Golden Retriever, Akita, and St. Bernard. 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
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National 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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