Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Golden Flat Coat or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd"
Compare Havanese and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Havanese or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Name | Havanese | Golden Retriever | German Shepherd |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Gun Dog | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 23 | 3 | 2 |
Reviews | 7 | 16 | 21 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd breeds. |
Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese |
Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest? | Small | Large | Large |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges. | 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) | Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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? | 10 pounds (4.5 kg) | Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Havanese or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd height comparison: | 8-11 inches (21-29 cm) | Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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? | 10 inches (25 cm) | Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds. | $900-$1200 | $1000-$2000 | $800-$2000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Havanese or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest? | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train? | Havanese dogs are very easy to train. | Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert? | Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. | Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective? | Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments. |
Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming |
Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy |
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. | Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | 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: Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd? | High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | 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. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal? | Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. | Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful? | The Havanese is a highly playful breed. | The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces? | Very house-friendly dog the Havanese 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 German Shepherd indoors. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible? | Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Golden Retriever 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: Havanese or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? | Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | 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. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk? | Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Moderate ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average 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 Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play? | Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, 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 Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest? |
14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, Golden Retriever, 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 Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues? | The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs. | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. |
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Average The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least 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). |
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: Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt |
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 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 |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active? | Havanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. | Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? | Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity? | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. | High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. | 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 Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food? | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. | 3 to 4 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. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | Yes See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
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Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. What colors are available? |
Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco | Golden Light |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance? | Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which drools least? | The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | 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. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell? | Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ? |
Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long |
Silky Wavy Shiny Straight | Fuzzy |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Havanese or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Havanese or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding: | Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. | Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids? | Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Golden Retriever dogs are very 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? | Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? | Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? | Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly 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: Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd? |
Yes Havanese 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 German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Havanese is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Yes Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds 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? | Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Golden Retriever, 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 Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Havanese, Golden Retriever, 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 Havanese, Golden Retriever, 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 Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes 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 Havanese, Golden Retriever, 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 Havanese, Golden Retriever, 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. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies? | 1-9 puppies, average 4 | 5-10 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Havanese, Golden Retriever, 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 Havanese, Golden Retriever, 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. |
Havanese vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. How are they classified? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally? | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds 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. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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 United Kennel Club Havanese 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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
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