Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Chrysanthemum Dog or Toto Dog? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier"
Compare Havanese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier?
Name | Havanese | Shih Tzu | Cairn Terrier |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs | Hunting Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 23 | 20 | 69 |
Reviews | 7 | 19 | 3 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier breeds. |
Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese |
Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog |
Toto Dog Cairn |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is the largest? | Small | Small | Small |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges. | 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) | 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) | Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 10 pounds (4.5 kg) | 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) | Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier height comparison: | 8-11 inches (21-29 cm) | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) | Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | 10 inches (25 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds. | $900-$1200 | $800-$1200 | $700-$1000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? | Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed ranks highest? | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. | Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is easiest to train? | Havanese dogs are very easy to train. | Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. | Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most alert? | Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. | Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most protective? | Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. | Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier? Compare temperaments. |
Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming |
Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle |
Active Courageous Intelligent Fearless Assertive |
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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. | Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier? | High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier social needs comparison: | Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. |
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. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most vocal? | Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. | A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. | A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most playful? | The Havanese is a highly playful breed. | Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. | The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces? | Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed. | Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu 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 Cairn Terrier indoors. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most flexible? | Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? | Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk? | Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. |
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Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play? | Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed lives longest? |
14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years |
10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Cairn Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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. | The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. |
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. |
Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Frequent The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. |
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt | Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Umbilical Hernias Ear Infections Distichiasis Portosystemic Liver Shunt Bladder Stones Ectopic Cilia Reverse Sneezing Dry Eye Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles |
Cataracts Legg-perthes Disease Luxating Patella Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Cryptorchidism Glaucoma Craniomandibular Osteopathy Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy Microvascular Dysplasia Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA) |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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. | Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. | Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? | Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity. |
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which needs most food? | 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. | Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. | 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | Yes See more. | Yes See more. | Yes See more. |
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Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. What colors are available? |
Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco |
Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold |
Black Gray Red Cream Silver Brindle Wheaten |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which requires most maintenance? | Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which drools least? | The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which has least natural smell? | Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell. | Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ? |
Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long | Dense | Waterproof |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? Havanese or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding: | Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. | Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. | Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best with kids? | Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Cairn Terrier dogs are 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. | Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? Which dog is more friendly? | Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? | Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Havanese or Shih Tzu or Cairn Terrier? | Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier? |
Yes Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Cairn Terrier 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. |
No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Yes Cairn Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people. | Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best suited for service work? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which has best nose work ability? | 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. | 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 Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best for SAR work? | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. |
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Havanese vs Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. Which has most puppies? | 1-9 puppies, average 4 | 2-5 puppies | 2-10 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Shih Tzu vs Cairn Terrier Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. How are they classified? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. | Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Shih Tzu, and Cairn Terrier. 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 Canadian Canine Registry |
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 Club Espanol De Terriers |
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