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Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Comparison - Dog breed selector: Hovie or Alsatian wolf dog or Hungarian Hound? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound" Compare Hovawart and German Shepherd. Which is better: Hovawart or German Shepherd or Transylvanian Hound?
 
 
 
Name Hovawart German Shepherd Transylvanian Hound
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Hungary flagHungary
Group Guard Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank3752244
Reviews2211
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound breeds.
Hovie Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Hungarian Hound
Transylvanian Scent Hound
Erdélyi kopó
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which breed is the largest?
Large
Giant
Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound? Compare adult weight ranges.
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Hovawart or German Shepherd or Transylvanian Hound? Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound height comparison:
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22–26 inches (55–66 cm), Female: 20–24 inches (50–61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 24 inches (57 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm)

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$1200 $800-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Hovawart or German Shepherd or Transylvanian Hound?
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Transylvanian Hound is a commonly available dog breed.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Transylvanian Hound dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which is easiest to train?
Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Transylvanian Hound dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which breed is most alert?
Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Transylvanian Hound dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which breed is most protective?
Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Transylvanian Hound dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound? Compare temperaments.
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Independent
Protective
Courageous
Loyal
Territorial
Lively
Quiet
Determined
Good natured
Enduring
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound?
Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Transylvanian Hound dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound social needs comparison:
Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Transylvanian Hound dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Transylvanian Hound is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Hovawart 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.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Transylvanian Hound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Transylvanian Hound barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Transylvanian Hound is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart 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 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 Transylvanian Hound indoors.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which breed is most flexible?
Hovawart 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.
Transylvanian Hound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Hovawart or German Shepherd or Transylvanian Hound?
Hovawart dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Transylvanian Hound 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.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Transylvanian Hound has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which uses mouth most during play?
Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Transylvanian Hound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which has the strongest bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Transylvanian Hound bite force: Ordinary.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Transylvanian Hound: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. 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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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 Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which has fewer health issues?
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Transylvanian Hound 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: Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid
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
Elbow Dysplasia

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which breed is most active?
Hovawart dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Transylvanian Hound dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Hovawart or German Shepherd or Transylvanian Hound? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Transylvanian Hound dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Hovawart or German Shepherd or Transylvanian Hound?
Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Transylvanian Hound dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Transylvanian Hound has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which needs most food?
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. 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. What colors are available?
Black
Blonde
Golden
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Brown
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Transylvanian Hound requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which drools least?
The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Transylvanian Hound is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Transylvanian Hound has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Silky Fuzzy Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Straight
Coarse
Flat
Short
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which requires most frequent baths?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Hovawart or German Shepherd or Transylvanian Hound? Hovawart or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Transylvanian Hound dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Good With Comparison

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

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. 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.

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 Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

Transylvanian Hound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

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.

Not really

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 Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. 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.

Not really

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

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which has most puppies?
6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. 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.

Hovawart vs German Shepherd vs Transylvanian Hound Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Scent hounds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Hovawart, German Shepherd, and Transylvanian Hound. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
United Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

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