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Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: German: Italienisches Windspiel or Cocker or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu" Compare Italian Greyhound and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is better: Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Italian Greyhound American Cocker Spaniel Shih Tzu
OriginsItaly flagItaly United States flagUnited States China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Gun Dog Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank742920
Reviews2315
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
German: Italienisches Windspiel
Piccolo Levriero Italiano
Galgo Italiano
French: Petit Levrier Italiane
Cocker
Merry Cocker
Cocker Spaniel
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Small Medium Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or American Cocker Spaniel? Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:
6-10 pounds (3-5 kg) 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
8 pounds (4 kg) 22.5 pounds (10.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
12-15 inches (30-38 cm) 15-16.5 inches (38-41 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
13.5 inches (34 cm) 15-16.5 inches (39.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $600-$800 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Italian Greyhound is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The American Cocker Spaniel is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Very smart: American Cocker Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Trainability
Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison.
Italian Greyhound dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Italian Greyhound dogs are average watchdogs.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Italian Greyhound dogs strongly protect their territory.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:
Agile
Intelligent
Affectionate
Companionable
Athletic
Mischievous
Intelligent
Outgoing
Outright
Tempered
Merry
Trusting
Joyful
Sociable
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Italian Greyhound dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?
High: Italian Greyhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: American Cocker Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Italian Greyhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Italian Greyhound dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the American Cocker Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Italian Greyhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:
Average: Italian Greyhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The American Cocker Spaniel is a playful breed.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?
Average: The Italian Greyhound barks occasionally.
See more.
Average to High: The American Cocker Spaniel is a vocal breed.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
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 Italian Greyhound indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the American Cocker Spaniel breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Italian Greyhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
American Cocker Spaniel 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
American Cocker Spaniel 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.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Italian Greyhound bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Italian Greyhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The American Cocker Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:
Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?
The Italian Greyhound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
American Cocker Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
The Shih Tzu 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: Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Thyroid Problems
Alopecia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Primary Seborrhea
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
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Italian Greyhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The American Cocker Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do Italian Greyhound, American Cocker Spaniel and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Italian Greyhound: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of American Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:
Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Italian Greyhound dogs have an average exercise need.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Italian Greyhound dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Italian Greyhound has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the American Cocker Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:
Fine Feathered Dense
Colors
What are the original Italian Greyhound, American Cocker Spaniel and Shih Tzu color?
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Brown
Buff
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Italian Greyhound requires minimal grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or {name3 shedding:
Italian Greyhound dogs shed none to minimal.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?

Medium

The Italian Greyhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Cocker Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Italian Greyhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The American Cocker Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Italian Greyhound dogs are generally with other pets.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Italian Greyhound dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu?
Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?
Yes
Italian Greyhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Cocker Spaniel 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Italian Greyhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
American Cocker Spaniel is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Italian Greyhounds are not recommended for elderly people.
American Cocker Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu 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: Italian Greyhound or American Cocker Spaniel or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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: Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu?

Not really

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

Yes

American Cocker Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like 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.

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.

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu 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 Italian Greyhound and American Cocker Spaniel and Shih Tzu have?
2-4 puppies 4-7 puppies 2-5 puppies

Italian Greyhound vs American Cocker Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds 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
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
Canadian Canine Registry

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