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Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Lab or Drop-Eared Norwich Terrier? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog Labrador Retriever Norfolk Terrier
OriginsScotland flagScotland England flagEngland Canada flagCanada United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank241128
Reviews6100
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Lab
Labrador
Drop-Eared Norwich Terrier
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier?
Medium Large Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier weight comparison:
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 10-12 pounds (4½-5½ kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 11 pounds (5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier? Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier height comparison:
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) 10 inches (25 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) 10 inches (25 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $1000-$2000 $2000-$2500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Norfolk Terrier is easier than average to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier intelligence:
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever 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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Trainability
Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier trainability comparison.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier? Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Happy
Intelligent
Selfish
Fearless
Companionable
Spirited
Confidence
Lovable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Average to High: Norfolk Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Norfolk Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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.
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier playfulness comparison:
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Norfolk Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier?
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Average to High: The Norfolk Terrier is a vocal breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier?
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
Apartment-friendly dog the Norfolk Terrier breed.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Norfolk Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier?
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.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Norfolk Terrier bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Norfolk Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier mouthiness comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Norfolk Terrier 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: Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier health problems comparison:
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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
No data available
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Norfolk Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Shetland Sheepdog, Labrador Retriever and Norfolk Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Norfolk Terrier: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier?
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.
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 average to cold weather conditions
The Norfolk Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1/2 cup 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? Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
High: The Norfolk Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier coat comparison:
Dense Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Wiry
Shaggy
Colors
What are the original Shetland Sheepdog, Labrador Retriever and Norfolk Terrier color?
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Red
Grizzle
Wheaten
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier? Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The Norfolk Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier? Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Norfolk Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier?
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.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier?

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Norfolk Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
The Norfolk Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Good With Comparison

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier 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.

Yes

This breed makes good 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: Shetland Sheepdog or Labrador Retriever or Norfolk Terrier? 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.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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.

Yes

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

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: Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier?

Not really

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

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Norfolk Terrier 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier 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 Shetland Sheepdog and Labrador Retriever and Norfolk Terrier have?
4-6 puppies 5-10 puppies 2-5 puppies

Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever vs Norfolk Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1979 as a Terrier 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 Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers 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
Canadian Canine Registry
No data available

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