Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Little Blue Dog or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? | Dogell.com (2024)

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog"Compare Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?

  • Size and Weight
  • Price and Availability
  • Trainability and Intelligence
  • Personality and Temperament
  • Activity and Playfulness
  • Adaptability and Independence
  • Bite Characteristics
  • Health and Lifespan
  • Energy and Activity
  • Diet and Weight Management
  • Allergies and Grooming
  • Good With
  • As a Working Dog
  • Reproducibility
  • Recognition

NameAustralian Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsAustralian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Little Blue Dog or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? | Dogell.com (3)United States Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Little Blue Dog or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? | Dogell.com (4)Scotland

All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin

GroupPastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1724
Reviews76
User Ratings
Other Names

What other names do they have?

Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Type

Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog breed type comparison:

Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size

Which dog is bigger, Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?Is the Australian Shepherd bigger than the Shetland Sheepdog breed?Is an Australian Shepherd smaller than a Shetland Sheepdog?

Large Medium
Weight

Which is heavier, Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog weight comparison:

Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight

Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?

Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height

Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Is an Australian Shepherd taller than a Shetland Sheepdog?

Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height

Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?

Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price

Which is cheaper, Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog?

$600-$800 $800-$1000
Availability

Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?

Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank

Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog smarter? Which is best? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog intelligence:

Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.

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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.

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Smartest Dog Breeds

Trainability

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog trainability comparison. What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.

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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.

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Least Obedient Dog Breeds

Dog Breeds That Easy To Train

Watchdog Ability

Which is the better watchdog: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?

Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.

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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.

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Guarding Behavior / Territorial

Which is a better guard dog Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?Which is the best dog to use for protection?

Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.

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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.

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Guard Dog Breeds List

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament

Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:

Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level

Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

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Most Sensitive Dog Breeds

Less Sensitive Dog Breeds

Affection Level

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.

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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.

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Most Affectionate Dog Breeds

Social Needs

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:

Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.

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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.

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Impulse to Wander or Roam

Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.

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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.

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Prey Drive

Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? Which can be better for hunting?

Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.

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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.

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Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive

Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog playfulness comparison:

The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.

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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.

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Most Playful Dog Breeds

Barking

Which dog barks more/less: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.

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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.

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Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark

Dog Breeds That Bark The Most

Apartment Friendly

Which dog is more apartment friendly Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?

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 Australian Shepherd indoors.

It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability

Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?

Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.

Tolerates Being Left Alone

Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?

Australian Shepherd 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.

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.

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI

Which bite is stronger: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force

Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Biting Potential

Is an Australian Shepherd more dangerous than a Shetland Sheepdog?

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Mouthiness

Which is the better dog? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:

Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.

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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.

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Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?

The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.

The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.

Healthiest Dog Breeds

Health Problems

Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:

Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
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
Veterinarian Visits

Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Average

The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.

Average

The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.

Longest Living Dog Breeds

Life Expectancy

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog?

11-15 years

The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years

12-14 years

The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years

Calculate dog years to human years by breed here

Weather and Climate

Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Prefers average to cold weather conditions

The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

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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.

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level

Who has more energy a Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog energy level comparison:

Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.

Low-Energy Dog Breeds

High-Energy Dog Breeds

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?

Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.

Sleeping Need

Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?

Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption

Which dog eats more: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Does the Australian Shepherd breed eat more than the Shetland Sheepdog breed?

1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity

Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:

Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.

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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.

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Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types

What type of coat/fur do they have? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog coat comparison:

Feathered Dense
Colors

What are the original Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog color? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog color comparison:

Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming

Which dog is easy to maintain, Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog grooming comparison:

Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.

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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.

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Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds

High-Maintenance Dog Breeds

Shedding Level

Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Do Australian Shepherd dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdog dogs?

Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.

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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.

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Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Bath Time / Bathing Frequency

Which dog should be bathed more: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?

6-8 weeks

Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.

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4-6 weeks

Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.

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Hypoallergenic

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?

No See more.No See more.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Stinkiness

Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Drooling Tendency

Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?

The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.

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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.

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Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly

Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?

Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.

Stranger Friendly

Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?

Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.

Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers

Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers

Child Friendly

Which dog is more child/kid friendly Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?

Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.

Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds

Cat Friendly

Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?

Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.

Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats

Dog Friendly

Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Can an Australian Shepherd and a Shetland Sheepdog be friends? Do Australian Shepherd dogs get along with Shetland Sheepdog dogs?

Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.

Good For First Time Owners

Which dog is best for first time owners: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Yes

Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.

Yes

Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.

Office Friendly

Which one fits better in the office?

No

Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

No

Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Senior Citizens Friendly

Which dog is good for elderly people?

Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog 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.

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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.

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Most Popular Service Dog Breeds

Therapy Dog

Which one could be a therapy dog: Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.

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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.

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Therapy Dog Breeds

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.

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog

Which one could be a boat dog: Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

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Not really

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

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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.

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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.

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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.

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length60-64 days See more.60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.

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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.

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Litter Size

How many puppies can Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog have? Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog litter size comparison:

6-9 puppies, average 7 4-6 puppies

Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group

Which dog is recognized by the AKC?

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 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 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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
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
Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Little Blue Dog or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? | Dogell.com (2024)

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