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Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Hovie or Riesenschnauzer or Cao De Agua? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog" Compare Hovawart and Giant Schnauzer. Which is better: Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
 
 
 
Name Hovawart Giant Schnauzer Portuguese Water Dog
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Portugal flagPortugal
Group Guard Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank3758054
Reviews245
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Hovie Riesenschnauzer Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog? Which is the smallest dog, Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
Large
Giant
Giant Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Giant Schnauzer? Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog weight comparison:
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Males 60-105 pounds (27-48 kg), Female: 55-75 pounds (25-34 kg) Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Males 82.5 pounds (37.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog? Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog height comparison:
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm) Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm) Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm)

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$1200 $1000-$1500 $2500-$2800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Giant Schnauzer is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Giant Schnauzer dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog trainability comparison.
Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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Giant Schnauzer dogs are easy to train.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Giant Schnauzer dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog? Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Powerful
Intelligent
Dominant
Loyal
Kind
Strong
Willed
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
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.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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 Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog?
Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Average: Giant Schnauzer dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog social needs comparison:
Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Giant Schnauzer dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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.
The wanderlust potential of the Giant Schnauzer is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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.
Giant Schnauzer dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Portuguese Water Dog 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.

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog playfulness comparison:
Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Giant Schnauzer is a highly playful breed.
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The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog?
Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Giant Schnauzer barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Giant Schnauzer breed.
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Giant Schnauzer dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
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.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Giant Schnauzer bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Giant Schnauzer has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog mouthiness comparison:
Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Giant Schnauzer dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog?
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Giant Schnauzers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Heart Problems
Elbow Dysplasia
Retinal Dysplasia
Glaucoma
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Entropion
Ectropion
Distichiasis
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Addison's Disease
Megaesophagus
Irritable Bowel Disease (ibd)
Abnormally Small Eyes
GM-1 Storage Disease
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Colitis
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
Lymphangiectasia
Veterinarian Visits
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 Giant Schnauzer should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog lifespan comparison. How long do Hovawart, Giant Schnauzer and Portuguese Water Dog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Giant Schnauzer: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Giant Schnauzer can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Portuguese Water Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog? Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog energy level comparison:
Hovawart dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are high-energy dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
Giant Schnauzer dogs need a lot of exercises.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Giant Schnauzer dogs don't need too much sleep.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Giant Schnauzer has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog coat comparison:
Silky Wiry Curly
Colors
What are the original Hovawart, Giant Schnauzer and Portuguese Water Dog color?
Black
Blonde
Golden
Black
Pepper
Salt
Black
White
Brown
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog? Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Giant Schnauzer requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog? Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or {name3 shedding:
Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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Giant Schnauzer dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
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.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog?

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Giant Schnauzer has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Giant Schnauzer is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Giant Schnauzer dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog?
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are not dog-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog?
Yes
Hovawart dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Giant Schnauzer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Portuguese Water Dog 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
Giant Schnauzer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Portuguese Water Dog 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.
Giant Schnauzers are not the best breed for elderly people.
Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Hovawart or Giant Schnauzer or Portuguese Water Dog? Which is better for autism?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.

Not really

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

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Hovawart and Giant Schnauzer and Portuguese Water Dog have?
6-8 puppies 5-8 puppies 4-8 puppies

Hovawart vs Giant Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Kennel Club

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