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Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Barbone or Maltese lion dog or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd" Compare Poodle and Maltese. Which is better: Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Poodle Maltese German Shepherd
OriginsGermany flagGermany France flagFrance Italy flagItaly Germany flagGermany
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank7332
Reviews14319
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Barbone
Caniche
Chien Canne
Grosse Pudel
French Poodle
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?
Medium Small Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Poodle or Maltese or Maltese? Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 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?
Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd height comparison:
15 inches (38 cm) or more Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 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?
15 inches (38 cm) or more Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$1500 $600-$800 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd trainability comparison.
Poodle dogs are easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?
Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?
High: Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Poodle is a playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?
Average to High: The Poodle is a vocal breed.
See more.
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?
Very house-friendly dog the Poodle breed.
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 German Shepherd indoors.

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Poodle bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Low 🔽

The Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Poodle dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?
The Poodle is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Ear Infections
Addison's Disease
Cushing's Syndrome
Runny Eyes
Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd)
Neonatal Encephalopathy (news)
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Premature Graying
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
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
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Maltese 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).
Life Expectancy
Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Poodle, Maltese and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Curly Feathered Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Poodle, Maltese and German Shepherd color?
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
White Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Poodle or Maltese or {name3 shedding:
Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd 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, Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?

Medium

The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?
Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?
Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd?
Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese 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: Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Poodle dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese 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
Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese 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?
Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Poodle or Maltese or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.
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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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd?

Yes

Poodle breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

German Shepherd 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.

Yes

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

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd 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 Poodle and Maltese and German Shepherd have?
2-4 puppies 3-5 puppies 6-10 puppies

Poodle vs Maltese vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds 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?
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
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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