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Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: English Collie or Golden Flat Coat or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd" Compare Rough Collie and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Rough Collie Golden Retriever German Shepherd
OriginsScotland flagScotland Scotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank4032
Reviews61419
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
English Collie
Lassie Dog
Long-Haired Collie
Scottish Collie
Collie
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever? Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), 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?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive?
$400-$600 $1000-$2000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Rough Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Very smart: Rough Collie is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd trainability comparison.
Rough Collie dogs are very easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are 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: Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Rough Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Rough Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Obedient
Loyal
Gentle
Social
Elegant
Hard working
Herding
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Rough Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd 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: Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
High: Rough Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Rough Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Rough Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Rough Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Golden Retriever 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.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Rough Collie is a playful breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Rough Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
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 Rough Collie indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden 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.

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rough Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

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 Rough Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Rough Collie dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
The Rough Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly
Gray Collie Syndrome
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
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 Rough Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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
Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Rough Collie, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Rough Collie: 15 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Rough Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
2 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. 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? Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Rough Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Rough
Soft
Thick
Straight
Harsh
Furry
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Rough Collie, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd color?
White
Sable
Merle
Black & White & Tan
Blue & Merle
Blue & Merle & White
Sable & White
White & Merle
Golden
Light
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Rough Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd 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, Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?

Medium

The Rough Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever 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 Rough Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Rough Collie dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Rough Collie dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Rough Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Rough Collie dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Rough Collie dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Golden 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: Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Rough Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden 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
Rough Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds 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?
Rough Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever 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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Yes

This breed makes good 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: Rough Collie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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?

Yes

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

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 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.

Yes

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

Not really

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

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes 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.

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever 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 Rough Collie and Golden Retriever and German Shepherd have?
4-8 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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.
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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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