A Detailed Comparison of the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Airedale Terrier Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd.

Airedale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Airedale Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Shiloh Shepherd is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Shiloh Shepherd belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs 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.

Airedale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

Factor Airedale Terrier Shiloh Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 9 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 30 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1360 No Data
Price Range $950 – $1800 No Data
Temperament Score 78.2 percent 80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiloh Shepherd is a better pet than the Airedale Terrier. So, you should get the Shiloh Shepherd!

    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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are most different:

  • Airedale Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiloh Shepherds have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

    The Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are most similar:

  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Airedale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd.

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Airedale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Airedale Terriers is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Airedale Terriers is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of Shiloh Shepherds is between 9 to 14 years . The average lifespan of Shiloh Shepherds is 11.5 years.

    Temperament of the Airedale Terrier Versus the Shiloh Shepherd

    The Shiloh Shepherd has a better temperament than the Airedale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 80.8 percent while the temperament score for the Airedale Terrier is 78.2 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 78.2 percent, the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 110 Airedale Terriers and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

    Health Problems of Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiloh Shepherd.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Airedale Terrier than for the Shiloh Shepherd.

    5 health tests are recommended for Airedale Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Airedale Terriers and in Shiloh Shepherds.

    Airedale Terrier Health Problems

    Airedale Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Airedale Terriers 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:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiloh Shepherds here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Airedale Terriers 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 Airedale Terrier Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Airedale Terrier ranks 17 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 78 Airedale Terriers, 2 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Airedale Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Airedale Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 17 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 29 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 44 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 107 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 39 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 40 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 42 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 52 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 97 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Airedale Terrier and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd:

    Disease Airedale Terrier Rank Shiloh Shepherd Rank
    Eyes problems 17 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 29 out of 159 dog breeds 39 out of 159 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 44 out of 144 dog breeds 52 out of 144 dog breeds
    Hips problems 107 out of 198 dog breeds 42 out of 198 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 40 out of 70 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 97 out of 115 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: Airedale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Airedale Terriers 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 Airedale Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Airedale Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other 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 Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Shiloh Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Airedale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers 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 Airedale Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Airedale Terriers 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 Airedale Terriers and Shiloh Shepherds?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Shiloh Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Airedale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier:

  • Australian Shepherd (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Springer Spaniel (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • 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:

  • Flat-Coated Retriever (78 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Airedale Terrier vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (79 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Airedale Terrier vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Airedale Terrier and how the Shiloh Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Airedale Terrier and of the Shiloh Shepherd to other breeds:

    Airedale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Airedale Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Airedale Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Airedale Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Airedale Terrier versus Labradoodle     Airedale Terrier versus Leonberger     Airedale Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Cavapoo     Airedale Terrier versus Azawakh     Airedale Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     Airedale Terrier versus Great Dane     Airedale Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Airedale Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Airedale Terrier versus Plott     Airedale Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Airedale Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Airedale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Airedale Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Bolognese     Airedale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Airedale Terrier versus Papipoo     Airedale Terrier versus Kai Ken     Airedale Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Airedale Terrier versus Cockapoo     

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Pomeranian     Shiloh Shepherd versus Whoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Azawakh     Shiloh Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Norwegian Lundehund     Shiloh Shepherd versus Border Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Boston Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Affenhuahua     Shiloh Shepherd versus Whoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Irish Water Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Shiloh Shepherd versus Keeshond     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cavachon     Shiloh Shepherd versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Shiloh Shepherd versus Tibetan Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Saint Berdoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Havanese     Shiloh Shepherd versus Schipperke     Shiloh Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje     Shiloh Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff     Shiloh Shepherd versus Weimaraner     Shiloh Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer     Shiloh Shepherd versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shiloh Shepherd versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you and your family.