Is the Biewer Terrier Better than the Shiloh Shepherd as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Biewer Terrier Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

Biewer Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Biewer 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.

Biewer Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

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

Factor Biewer Terrier Shiloh Shepherd
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 4 to 8 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Height 7 to 11 inches 26 to 30 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2920 No Data
Price Range $2000 – $3000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 82 out of 125.

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

    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 Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

    • Biewer Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Shiloh Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Biewer Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate cold weather.
    • Biewer Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Biewer Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    Size Comparison of Biewer Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

    Biewer Terriers weigh 4 to 8 pounds when fully grown. Biewer Terriers are 7 to 11 inches 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 Biewer Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Biewer Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Biewer Terriers is 13.5 years.

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

    Biewer Terriers live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.

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

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

    8 health tests are recommended for Biewer Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

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

    Biewer Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Biewer 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Biewer Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Biewer Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Biewer Terriers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Biewer Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

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

    Biewer Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

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

    Biewer Terriers 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.

    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 Biewer Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Biewer Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Biewer Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Biewer Terrier vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Biewer Terriers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Shiloh Shepherds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Biewer 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 Biewer Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Biewer Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Biewer 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 Biewer Terriers and Shiloh Shepherds?

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

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

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

    Biewer Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

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

    Biewer Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Biewer Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

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

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