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Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Shiba Inu or Borders or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu" Compare Shiba Inu and Border Terrier. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Border Terrier or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu Border Terrier Shih Tzu
OriginsJapan flagJapan England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland China flagChina
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank459220
Reviews9119
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu breeds.
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Borders Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg) Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Border Terrier or Shih Tzu? Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) Male: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $1200-$1400 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Border Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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Border Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Outright
Tempered
Fearless
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Border Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Border Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Shiba Inu 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.
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Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
See more.
Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed.
See more.
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most flexible?
Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Border Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shiba Inu or Border Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which uses mouth most during play?
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Border Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Border Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Terrier 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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Border Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Border Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Seizures
Malocclusions
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most active?
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Border Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shiba Inu or Border Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.
Border Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shiba Inu or Border Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Border Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Tan
Red
Blue
Grizzle
Wheaten
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Border Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Rough Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Border Terrier or Shih Tzu? Shiba Inu or Border Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
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Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Border Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shiba Inu or Border Terrier or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shiba Inu or Border Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shiba Inu or Border Terrier or Shih Tzu?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu?
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Border Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shiba Inu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Border Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Border Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for service work?

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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?

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.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for draft work?

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has most military use?

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.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 2-8 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. What's recommended?

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.

Shiba Inu vs Border Terrier vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shiba Inu, Border Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
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
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
Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc.
Club Espanol De Terriers
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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