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Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Toto Dog or Bichon A Poil Frise? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise" Compare Maltese and Cairn Terrier. Which is better: Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Cairn Terrier Bichon Frise
OriginsItaly flagItaly Scotland flagScotland Spain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank336946
Reviews335
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Toto Dog
Cairn
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Cairn Terrier? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise weight comparison:
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $700-$1000 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Trainability
Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise trainability comparison.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
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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Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise playfulness comparison:
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
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The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese 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 Cairn Terrier indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise mouthiness comparison:
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Bichon Frise 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: Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Luxating Patella
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Bichon Frise should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Cairn Terrier and Bichon Frise breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Cairn Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise coat comparison:
Feathered Waterproof Curly
Colors
What are the original Maltese, Cairn Terrier and Bichon Frise color?
White Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise? Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise grooming comparison:
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise? Maltese or Cairn Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Good With Comparison

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

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise 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: Maltese or Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise? Which is better for autism?

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.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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: Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise?

Not really

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

Not really

Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Bichon Frise 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.
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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.

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise 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 Maltese and Cairn Terrier and Bichon Frise have?
3-5 puppies 2-10 puppies 2-5 puppies

Maltese vs Cairn Terrier vs Bichon Frise Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Not recognized by FCI.
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
Club Espanol De Terriers
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
The Bichon Frise Club Of America

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