Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Lab or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd"
Compare Maltese and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Name | Maltese | Labrador Retriever | German Shepherd |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Companion Dogs | Gun Dog | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 33 | 1 | 2 |
Reviews | 3 | 11 | 21 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd breeds. |
Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog |
Lab Labrador |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest? | Small | Large | Large |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges. | 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) | 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) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) | Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd height comparison: | Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | 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) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) | Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds. | $600-$800 | $1000-$2000 | $800-$2000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest? | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train? | Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert? | Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective? | Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. | Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments. |
Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing |
Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
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Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | 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. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? | High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | 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. |
Social Needs
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. | Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
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. | 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. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal? | A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. | Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful? | Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces? | Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed. | 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. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible? | Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | 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. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | 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. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk? | Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody. | Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. |
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Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play? | Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | 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. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest? |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best? | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | 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. |
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues? | The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | 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. |
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
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). |
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd health problems comparison: |
Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome |
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 |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active? | Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. | Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal. | Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. | Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity? | Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. | 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. |
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food? | Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 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. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | Yes See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
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Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. What colors are available? | White |
Black Yellow Chocolate |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance? | Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. | Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which drools least? | The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell? | Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell. | High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ? | Feathered |
Dense Waterproof Hard Short | Fuzzy |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, 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. | 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. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Maltese or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding: | Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. | Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids? | Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
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Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? | Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? |
Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
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. |
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No German Shepherd 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. | Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work? | Not really This breed generally not used 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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, 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. | 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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, 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 Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work? | Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, 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. | 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. |
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use? | 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. | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies? | 3-5 puppies | 5-10 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, 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 Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. What's recommended? | 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. |
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. How are they classified? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally? | Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. | 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. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition? |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
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