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Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Gra Norsk Elghund or Chien Loup or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Norwegian Elkhound and Keeshond. Which is better: Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Norwegian Elkhound Keeshond Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsNorway flagNorway Germany flagGermany Netherlands flagNetherlands Scotland flagScotland
Group Hunting Dogs Sled Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank918724
Reviews256
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Gra Norsk Elghund
Gray Norwegian Elkhound
Harmaa Norjanhirvikoira
Norsk Elghund
Norwegian Moose Dog
Small Grey Elk Dog
Elkhound
Chien Loup
Deutscher Wolfsspitz
Kees
Smiling Dutchman
Wolfsspitz
Dutch Barge Dog
Barge Dog
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is the smallest dog, Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog?
Large Medium Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Keeshond? Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog weight comparison:
Male: 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 35-45 pounds (15-20 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 40 pounds (17.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog? Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
Male: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) Male: 17-19 inches (44-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (40-46 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 20 inches (50.5 cm), Female: 19 inches (48.5 cm) Male: 18 inches (46 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is more expensive?
$500-$700 $800-$1000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Norwegian Elkhound is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Keeshond is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog intelligence:
Smart: The Norwegian Elkhound dogs have great intelligence.
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Very smart: Keeshond is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog trainability comparison.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Keeshond dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Keeshond dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average defenders.
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Keeshond dogs are average defenders.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog? Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Bold
Playful
Agile
Intelligent
Obedient
Quick
Bright
Sturdy
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
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: Keeshond dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog 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: Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog?
High: Norwegian Elkhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Keeshond dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Norwegian Elkhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Keeshond dogs are a social breed.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Norwegian Elkhound is strong enough to escape from home.
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Keeshond dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Keeshond 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.
Shetland Sheepdog 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.

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog playfulness comparison:
Average: Norwegian Elkhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Keeshonds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog?
A lot: Norwegian Elkhound is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Keeshond is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog?
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 Norwegian Elkhound indoors.
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 Keeshond indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Keeshond dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Keeshond dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Norwegian Elkhound bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Keeshond bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Norwegian Elkhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Keeshond has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:
Norwegian Elkhound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Keeshond dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog?
The Norwegian Elkhound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Keeshond is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shetland Sheepdog 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: Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Heart Problems
Skin Diseases
Kneecap dislocations
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Norwegian Elkhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Keeshond should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do Norwegian Elkhound, Keeshond and Shetland Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Norwegian Elkhound: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Keeshond: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Prefers cold weather
The Norwegian Elkhound can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Keeshond can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog? Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog energy level comparison:
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are high-energy dogs.
Keeshond dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Keeshond dogs exercise need is minimal.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs don't need too much sleep.
Keeshond dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog?
2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 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? Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Norwegian Elkhound's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Keeshond's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog coat comparison:
Dense Fluffy
Dense
Dense
Colors
What are the original Norwegian Elkhound, Keeshond and Shetland Sheepdog color?
Black
Gray
White
Silver
Black
Gray
Cream
Silver
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog? Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog grooming comparison:
Average: The Norwegian Elkhound requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Advanced: The Keeshond requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog? Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or {name3 shedding:
Norwegian Elkhound dogs shed above average.
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Keeshond dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Medium

The Norwegian Elkhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Keeshond has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Norwegian Elkhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Keeshond is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

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

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog 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: Norwegian Elkhound or Keeshond or Shetland Sheepdog? 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent 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: Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog 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.

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog 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 Norwegian Elkhound and Keeshond and Shetland Sheepdog have?
5-10 puppies 3-8 puppies 4-6 puppies

Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
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 Pet Registry, 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
Canadian Canine Registry

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