Breed Comparison: Boerboel Versus Shiloh Shepherd

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Boerboel Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

Boerboel versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd are similar in size. The Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd are both giant-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd are Working Dogs. This means both the Boerboel 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.

Boerboel versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boerboel 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 Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd

Factor Boerboel Shiloh Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 9 to 14 years
Weight 110 to 200 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Height 22 to 28 inches 26 to 30 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2660 No Data
Price Range $2225 – $3000 No Data
Temperament Score 94.7 percent 80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boerboel 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 Boerboel 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 Boerboel. 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 Boerboel 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 Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

    • Boerboels are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shiloh Shepherds are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Boerboels are not easy to train. However, Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Boerboel versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

    Boerboels weigh 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Boerboels are 22 to 28 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 Boerboel versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Boerboels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boerboels is 11.0 years.

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

    Shiloh Shepherds live longer than Boerboels.

    Temperament of the Boerboel Versus the Shiloh Shepherd

    The Boerboel has a better temperament than the Shiloh Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 percent while the temperament score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 80.8 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 94.7 percent, the Boerboel has an above-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 Boerboel and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 57 Boerboels and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

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

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Boerboel while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

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

    Boerboel Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boerboels 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: Boerboel versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Boerboels do not like to be left alone.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boerboels shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Boerboels shed moderately.

    Shiloh Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Boerboels are very easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Boerboels 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 Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Boerboels 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 Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boerboel or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Boerboels 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 Boerboels and Shiloh Shepherds?

    Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Boerboels are not easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Boerboel Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

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