Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Portuguese Water Dog Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
- Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
- Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
- Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog versus Health Problems of Shiloh Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shiloh Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Does the Portuguese Water Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Do Portuguese Water Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Water Dog vs. Shiloh Shepherd
- Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Are Portuguese Water Dogs good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Water Dogs and Shiloh Shepherds?
- Is the Portuguese Water Dog Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiloh Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Portuguese Water Dog and for the Shiloh Shepherd. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shiloh Shepherd.
Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Shiloh Shepherd is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd are Working Dogs. This means both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Portuguese Water Dog to the Shiloh Shepherd based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd
Factor | Portuguese Water Dog | Shiloh Shepherd |
---|---|---|
Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Height | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the | 26 to 30 inches |
Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 9 to 14 years |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Weight | 35 to 60 pounds | 80 to 130 pounds |
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 11.5 years |
Average Price | $2860 | No Data |
Price Range | $2500 – $3300 | No Data |
Temperament Score | 77.9 percent | 80.8 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Portuguese Water Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Shiloh Shepherd. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Shiloh Shepherd. So, you should get the Portuguese Water Dog!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd
The Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shiloh Shepherds weigh 80 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Shiloh Shepherds are 26 to 30 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Shiloh Shepherds is between 9 to 14 years . The average lifespan of Shiloh Shepherds is 11.5 years.
Portuguese Water Dogs live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.
Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
The Shiloh Shepherd has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 80.8 percent while the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 80.8 percent, the Shiloh Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 163 Portuguese Water Dogs and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.
Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog versus Health Problems of Shiloh Shepherd
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Portuguese Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiloh Shepherd.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Shiloh Shepherd.
11 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Water Dog while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Water Dogs and in Shiloh Shepherds.
Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems
Portuguese Water Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Portuguese Water Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Portuguese Water Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Portuguese Water Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Portuguese Water Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.
Shiloh Shepherd Health Problems
Shiloh Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shiloh Shepherd puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Shiloh Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shiloh Shepherd breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Shiloh Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiloh Shepherds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Portuguese Water Dogs and Shiloh Shepherds
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Portuguese Water Dog Breed is Early Onset Pra problems.
This is because the Portuguese Water Dog ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Early Onset Pra problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 788 Portuguese Water Dogs, 0 of them had Early Onset Pra problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Portuguese Water Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Portuguese Water Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Shiloh Shepherd Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Shiloh Shepherd ranks 39 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 740 Shiloh Shepherds, 3 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Shiloh Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Shiloh Shepherds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Portuguese Water Dog and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd:
Disease | Portuguese Water Dog Rank | Shiloh Shepherd Rank |
---|---|---|
Early Onset Pra problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 15 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
Thyroid problems | 59 out of 115 dog breeds | 97 out of 115 dog breeds |
Hips problems | 94 out of 198 dog breeds | 42 out of 198 dog breeds |
Elbow problems | 111 out of 144 dog breeds | 52 out of 144 dog breeds |
Eyes problems | 140 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 39 out of 159 dog breeds |
Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 40 out of 70 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shiloh Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shiloh Shepherd
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.
Does the Portuguese Water Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Shiloh Shepherds have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Shiloh Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Water Dog vs. Shiloh Shepherd
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Shiloh Shepherds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shiloh Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Water Dogs and Shiloh Shepherds?
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiloh Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Portuguese Water Dog Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.
Is the Portuguese Water Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Shiloh Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Portuguese Water Dog:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiloh Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiloh Shepherd that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shiloh Shepherd:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Portuguese Water Dog and how the Shiloh Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog and of the Shiloh Shepherd to other breeds:
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Labradoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Cattle Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Fila Brasileiro Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle Portuguese Water Dog versus Papipoo Portuguese Water Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Portuguese Water Dog versus Norwich Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Keeshond Portuguese Water Dog versus Stabyhoun Portuguese Water Dog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever Portuguese Water Dog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Portuguese Water Dog versus Bordoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Dachshund Portuguese Water Dog versus Lhasa Apso Portuguese Water Dog versus Bernese Mountain Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Swedish Vallhund Portuguese Water Dog versus Xoloitzcuintli Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Cattle Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Boxerdoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel
Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiloh Shepherd versus Havanese Shiloh Shepherd versus Boykin Spaniel Shiloh Shepherd versus Pointer Shiloh Shepherd versus Stabyhoun Shiloh Shepherd versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Shiloh Shepherd versus Australian Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Maltese Shiloh Shepherd versus Chinese Crested Shiloh Shepherd versus Bearded Collie Shiloh Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Yorkipoo Shiloh Shepherd versus Afador Shiloh Shepherd versus Norwegian Buhund Shiloh Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle Shiloh Shepherd versus Basset Hound Shiloh Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Bull Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Cavapoo Shiloh Shepherd versus American Bulldog Shiloh Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Frenchton Shiloh Shepherd versus Pharaoh Hound Shiloh Shepherd versus Chi-Poo Shiloh Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog Shiloh Shepherd versus Treeing Walker Coonhound
Conclusion: Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you and your family.