Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Alsatian wolf dog or Sheepdog? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie"
Compare Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Name | Labrador Retriever | German Shepherd | Border Collie |
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Origins | England Canada | Germany | England Scotland Wales |
Group | Gun Dog | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 1 | 2 | 38 |
Reviews | 9 | 19 | 13 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Lab Labrador |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which is the smallest dog, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | Large | Large | Large |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie weight comparison: | Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) | Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) | Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie height comparison: | Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) | Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) | Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which is more expensive? | $1000-$2000 | $800-$2000 | $600-$800 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie intelligence: | Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
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Trainability
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie trainability comparison. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. | Border Collie dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie behavior/temperament comparison: |
Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie? | Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie social needs comparison: | Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. | Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Border Collie 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. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie playfulness comparison: | The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie? | Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever 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 German Shepherd indoors. | It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | Labrador Retriever 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. | Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | Labrador Retriever 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. | Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie mouthiness comparison: | Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie? | The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. | The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Acute Moist Dermatitis Cold Tail Myopathy |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo | Hip Dysplasia Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Collie Eye Anomaly Osteochondrosis Dissecans |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Average The Labrador Retriever 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). |
Average The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Life Expectancy
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and Border Collie breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie? | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie energy level comparison: | Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. | Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. | Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 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. | 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie weight gain potential comparison: | High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. | Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie coat comparison: |
Dense Waterproof Hard Short | Fuzzy |
Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long |
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Colors
What are the original Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and Border Collie color? |
Black Yellow Chocolate |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Black Tan Red Sable Brindle Lilac Gold Seal White & Red Slate Sable Merle Black & White Tricolor Blue merle Blue merle-tricolor Slate merle Red merle Saddleback Sable White & Blue White & Blue Merle White & Red Merle White Ticked White & Gold White & Sable White & Seal |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie grooming comparison: | Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding: | Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. | Border Collie dogs shed moderately. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
Hypoallergenic
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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, Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie? | High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell. |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Good With Comparison
Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. | Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly? | Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? | Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie? |
Yes Labrador Retriever 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 Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog? | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog? | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. |
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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. | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. |
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie? | Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
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. |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd and Border Collie have? | 5-10 puppies | 6-10 puppies | 4-8 puppies |
Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. |
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FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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 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 The American Int. Border Collie Registry The American Border Collie Association |
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Sep 15, 2021, 9:14:37 PM:
Love this site! Great informational guide!