Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Brittany Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

Brittany versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Brittany belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Brittany versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Brittany 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 Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd

Factor Brittany Shiloh Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the s 26 to 30 inches
Life Span 10 to 13 years 9 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
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
Weight 30 to 40 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
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 $1080 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1200 No Data
Temperament Score 91.0 percent 80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination each year from 2-8 years of age.
  • 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 Brittany 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 Brittany is 73 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 Brittany. 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 Brittany 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 Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

    • Brittanys 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 Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Brittany versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

    Brittanys weigh 30 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Brittanys are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the s 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 Brittany versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Brittanys is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Brittanys 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 Brittany Versus the Shiloh Shepherd

    The Brittany has a better temperament than the Shiloh Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Brittany is 91.0 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 91.0 percent, the Brittany 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 Brittany and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 122 Brittanys and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

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

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

    2 health tests are recommended for Brittany while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

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

    Brittany Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination each year from 2-8 years of age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Brittanys 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: Brittany versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Brittanys do not like to be left alone.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Brittanys shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Brittanys shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Brittany or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Brittanys have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

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

    Brittanys are moderately easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

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

    Brittanys 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 Brittanys Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Brittanys bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Brittanys can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Brittany vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Brittanys 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 Brittanys Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Brittanys 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 Brittany or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Brittanys get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Brittanys good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Brittanys 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 Brittanys and Shiloh Shepherds?

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

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

    Is the Brittany Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Brittanys are fairly easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

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

    Brittanys do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Brittanys are OK for new dog owners.

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

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