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Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Yorkie or Csivava? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua" Compare Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is better: Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Yorkshire Terrier Chihuahua
OriginsItaly flagItaly England flagEngland Mexico flagMexico
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank33932
Reviews3416
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Yorkie Csivava
Chihuahueño
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkshire Terrier? Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua weight comparison:
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 2-3 kg (4-7 pounds) 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds) 4 pounds (2 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua? Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) 6-9 inches (15-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 21.5 cm (8.5 inches) 7.5 inches (19 cm)

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison

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

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Trainability
Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua trainability comparison.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua? 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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Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua? Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Quick
Devoted
Lively
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: Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Yorkshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Chihuahua 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.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
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.
See more.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Chihuahua dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua playfulness comparison:
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua 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.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Chihuahua 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 Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Yorkshire Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
Collapsed Trachea
Heart Murmurs
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hydrocephalus
Hypoglycemia
Shivering
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.
Rare
The Yorkshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity.
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Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua coat comparison:
Feathered Fine Fine
Colors
What are the original Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua color?
White Black
Tan
Blue
Gold
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Fawn
Chocolate
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua? Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua grooming comparison:
Average: The Maltese 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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Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua? Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua?
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 Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Chihuahua has a high 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.
See more.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison

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

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua 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.
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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.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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 Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

Chihuahua 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.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua 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 Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua have?
3-5 puppies 4-6 puppies 2-4 puppies

Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua 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 1885 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy 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 Toy Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno 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
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

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