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Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Comparison - Dog breed selector: Irish Red Setter or Alsatian wolf dog or Blackbear? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland" Compare Irish Setter and German Shepherd. Which is better: Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
 
 
 
Name Irish Setter German Shepherd Newfoundland
OriginsIreland flagIreland Germany flagGermany Canada flagCanada
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank72236
Reviews4192
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Irish Red Setter
Red Setter
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Blackbear
Newfie
The Gentle Giant
Newf
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland? Which is the smallest dog, Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
Large Large Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, Irish Setter or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland weight comparison:
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 130-150 pounds (59-68 kg), Female: 100-120 pounds (45-54 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 140 pounds (63.5 kg), Female: 110 pounds (49.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland? Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland height comparison:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 27-29 inches (69-74 cm), Female: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 28 inches (71.5 cm), Female: 26 inches (66 cm)

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $800-$2000 $1500-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Newfoundland is quite easy to get.

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland intelligence:
Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Newfoundland dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland trainability comparison.
Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Newfoundland dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Newfoundland dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Newfoundland dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland? Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Gentle
Social
Sweet
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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: Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland?
High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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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: Newfoundland dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland social needs comparison:
Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Newfoundland dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Newfoundland dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Newfoundland dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland playfulness comparison:
The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Newfoundlands, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland?
Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Newfoundland rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter 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 Newfoundland indoors.

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Irish Setter 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.
Newfoundland dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
Irish Setter 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.
Newfoundland 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.

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Newfoundland bite force: The Strongest.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Newfoundland has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland mouthiness comparison:
Irish Setter dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Newfoundland dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland health comparison. Which is the healthier: Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland?
The Irish Setter 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte
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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Bloat
Epilepsy
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Cystinuria
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Irish Setter 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 Newfoundland should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland lifespan comparison. How long do Irish Setter, German Shepherd and Newfoundland breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Newfoundland: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Newfoundland can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
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. 5 to 6 cups 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? Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Irish Setter 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.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Newfoundland's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland coat comparison:
Fine Fuzzy Fluffy
Waterproof
Thick
Colors
What are the original Irish Setter, German Shepherd and Newfoundland color?
Red
Mahogany
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Gray
White
Brown
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland? Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland grooming comparison:
Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland? Irish Setter or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Newfoundland dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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
Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland?

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Newfoundland has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Newfoundland is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Irish Setter dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Newfoundland dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland? Which dog is more friendly?
Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Newfoundland dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Newfoundland dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Newfoundland dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Newfoundland dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland?
Yes
Irish Setter 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
Newfoundland dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Irish Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Newfoundland is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Irish Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Newfoundlands are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland 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.

Yes

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Irish Setter or German Shepherd or Newfoundland? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.
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.

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 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland?

Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Yes

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

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.

Not really

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

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland 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 Irish Setter and German Shepherd and Newfoundland have?
7-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 4-12 puppies

Irish Setter vs German Shepherd vs Newfoundland Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
German Shepherd Dog 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

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