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Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Poacher's Dog or Alpine Mastiff or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd" Compare Lurcher and St. Bernard. Which is better: Lurcher or St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Lurcher St. Bernard German Shepherd
OriginsUnited Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom Switzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly Germany flagGermany
Group Hunting Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank505482
Reviews1921
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd breeds.
Poacher's Dog
Long Haired Lurcher
Alpine Mastiff
Bernhardiner
St. Barnhardshund
St. Bernard
Saint
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Cross Breed Purebred Purebred

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Large Giant Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) 110-200 pounds (50-91 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
65 pounds (29.5 kg) 155 pounds (70.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Lurcher or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd height comparison:
22-28 inches (55-71 cm) 25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
25 inches (63 cm) 25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $1500-$1800 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Lurcher or St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The St.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Lurcher dogs are quite easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Lurcher dogs are good watchdogs.
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St.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Lurcher dogs strongly protect their territory.
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St.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Funny
Loving
Affectionate
Independent
Happy
Friendly
Gentle
Going
Social
Quiet
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: St.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?
High: Lurcher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: St.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Lurcher dogs need for social interaction is average.
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St.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Lurcher is strong enough to escape from home.
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St.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Lurcher dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Their prey drive is low.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Lurcher barks occasionally.
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Low: The St.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Lurchers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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St.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Lurcher 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 St.
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.

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Lurcher dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
St.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Lurcher or St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
St.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Lurcher has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The St.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?
Lurcher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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St.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Lurcher bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

St.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Lurcher: 13 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of St.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
The Lurcher is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Lurcher should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The St.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Bloat Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Bloat
Epilepsy
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
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

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Lurcher has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 6 to 8 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.

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?
Any Black
Red
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Lurcher requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The St.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?
The Lurcher is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The St.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Lurcher has a low chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The St.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Thick
Smooth
Straight
Dense
Rough
Smooth
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Lurcher or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Lurcher or St. Bernard or {name3 shedding:
Lurcher dogs shed moderately.
See more.
St.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Lurcher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

St.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

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

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

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. What's recommended?

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.

Lurcher vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Lurcher, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
Dog Registry of America Inc. 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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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