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Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Dokhi Apso or Lion Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso" Compare Shih Tzu and Tibetan Terrier. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Tibetan Terrier Lhasa Apso
OriginsChina flagChina Tibet flagTibet Tibet flagTibet
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2010177
Reviews1644
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Dokhi Apso
Tsang Apso
Lion Dog
Lhasa
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?
Small Medium Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Tibetan Terrier? Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso weight comparison:
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 18-30 pounds (8.2-13.6 kg) 13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 24 pounds (8.2-13.6 kg) 14 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso? Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso height comparison:
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 14-17 inches (36-43 cm) 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) 15.5 inches (39.5 cm) 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1200 $1200-$2000 $500-$700
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Tibetan Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Lhasa Apso is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso intelligence:
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Trainability
Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso trainability comparison.
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Tibetan Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Tibetan Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Lhasa Apso dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Tibetan Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Lhasa Apso dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso? Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Energetic
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Reserved
Amiable
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Obedient
Devoted
Lively
Steady
Spirited
Assertive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Lhasa Apso 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: Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Tibetan Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Lhasa Apso dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Tibetan Terrier dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Tibetan Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Lhasa Apso 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?
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Tibetan Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Lhasa Apso dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso playfulness comparison:
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
The Tibetan Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Lhasa Apsos, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso?
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Tibetan Terrier rarely barks.
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A lot: Lhasa Apso is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Tibetan Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Lhasa Apso breed.

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Tibetan Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Tibetan Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Lhasa Apso has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso mouthiness comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Tibetan Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso?
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Tibetan Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Lhasa Apsos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso health problems comparison:
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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hyperthyroidism
Distichiasis
Lens Luxation
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Sebaceous Adenitis
Cherry Eye
Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Tibetan Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Lhasa Apso should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Tibetan Terrier: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Lhasa Apso: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso?
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 Tibetan 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.

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso? Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso energy level comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Tibetan Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Lhasa Apso dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Tibetan Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Lhasa Apso dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Tibetan Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Lhasa Apso dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1 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? Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Tibetan Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Lhasa Apso has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso coat comparison:
Dense Thick
Smooth
Dense
Colors
What are the original Shih Tzu, Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso color?
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Gray
White
Silver
Black
Red
White
Brown
Yellow
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso? Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso? Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Tibetan Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Lhasa Apso dogs shed above average.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso 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, Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Tibetan Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Lhasa Apso has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Tibetan Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Lhasa Apso is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Tibetan Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Lhasa Apso dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso? Which dog is more friendly?
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Tibetan Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Lhasa Apso dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Tibetan Terrier dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Lhasa Apso dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Tibetan Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Lhasa Apso dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso?
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Tibetan Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Lhasa Apso dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso?
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Tibetan Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Lhasa Apso dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Tibetan Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Lhasa Apso is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Tibetan Terriers are commonly okay with elderly people.
Lhasa Apsos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Tibetan Terrier or Lhasa Apso? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

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

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

Lhasa Apso 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.

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso 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 Shih Tzu and Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso have?
2-5 puppies 4-6 puppies 4-6 puppies

Shih Tzu vs Tibetan Terrier vs Lhasa Apso Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds 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
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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