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Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Comparison - Dog breed selector: Nihon Supittsu or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Zwergschnauzer? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer" Compare Japanese Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?
 
 
 
Name Japanese Spitz Shetland Sheepdog Miniature Schnauzer
OriginsJapan flagJapan Scotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank2292418
Reviews965
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Nihon Supittsu Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Zwergschnauzer
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer? Which is the smallest dog, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?
Small Medium Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer weight comparison:
11-20 pounds (5-10 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) Male: 11-18 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
15.5 pounds (7.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg) Male: 14.5 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer height comparison:
12-15 inches (30-38 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
13.5 inches (34 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm)

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer? Which is more expensive?
$500-$800 $800-$1000 $600-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Miniature Schnauzer is quite easy to get.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer trainability comparison.
Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?
Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Obedient
Fearless
Spirited
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog 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.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer?
High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Miniature Schnauzer dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer social needs comparison:
Japanese Spitz dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Miniature Schnauzer dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer playfulness comparison:
The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Miniature Schnauzers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer?
A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Miniature Schnauzer barks occasionally.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
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 Miniature Schnauzer indoors.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Miniature Schnauzer 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.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer mouthiness comparison:
Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer health comparison. Which is the healthier: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer?
The Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Miniature Schnauzer 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: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer health problems comparison:
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
Cataracts
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection (MAI)
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Miniature Schnauzer should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer lifespan comparison. How long do Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog and Miniature Schnauzer breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Japanese Spitz 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Miniature Schnauzer can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Japanese Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Schnauzer's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer coat comparison:
Thick Dense Wiry
Colors
What are the original Japanese Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog and Miniature Schnauzer color?
White Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Silver
Pepper
Salt
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer? Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer grooming comparison:
Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Advanced: The Miniature Schnauzer requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer? Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or {name3 shedding:
Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?
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.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer?

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer? Which dog is more friendly?
Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?
Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?
Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer?
Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer?
Yes
Japanese Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Japanese Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Miniature Schnauzer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Miniature Schnauzers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer 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.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Japanese Spitz or Shetland Sheepdog or Miniature Schnauzer? Which is better for autism?

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.
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: Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

Miniature Schnauzer 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.

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.

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer 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 Japanese Spitz and Shetland Sheepdog and Miniature Schnauzer have?
1-6 puppies 4-6 puppies 3-6 puppies

Japanese Spitz vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer 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 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer type 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
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National 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

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