Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cairn Terrier Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
- Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
- Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Cairn Terrier
- Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Shiloh Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Shiloh Shepherd
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Shiloh Shepherds?
- Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiloh Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cairn Terrier Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn 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 Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn 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 Cairn 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 Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd.
Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Shiloh Shepherd is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Cairn 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.
Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd
Factor | Cairn Terrier | Shiloh Shepherd |
---|---|---|
Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 9 to 14 years |
Weight | 13 to 14 pounds | 80 to 130 pounds |
Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
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 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 26 to 30 inches |
Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.5 years |
Average Price | $1600 | No Data |
Price Range | $1475 – $1750 | No Data |
Temperament Score | 75.5 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 Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Shiloh Shepherd. So, you should get the Cairn 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 Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd
The Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd
The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn 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.
Cairn Terriers live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.
Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Cairn Terrier
The Shiloh Shepherd has a better temperament than the Cairn Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 80.8 percent while the temperament score for the Cairn Terrier is 75.5 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 75.5 percent, the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 53 Cairn Terriers and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.
Health Problems of Cairn 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 Cairn 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 Shiloh Shepherd is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Cairn Terrier.
4 health tests are recommended for Cairn Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cairn Terriers and in Shiloh Shepherds.
Cairn Terrier Health Problems
Cairn Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cairn 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 Cairn Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cairn 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiloh Shepherds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Cairn Terrier ranks 47 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 282 Cairn Terriers, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Cairn Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terrier and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd:
Disease | Cairn Terrier Rank | Shiloh Shepherd Rank |
---|---|---|
Patella problems | 47 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
Thyroid problems | 87 out of 115 dog breeds | 97 out of 115 dog breeds |
Hips problems | 118 out of 198 dog breeds | 42 out of 198 dog breeds |
Eyes problems | 146 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 |
Elbow problems | Not Common | 52 out of 144 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: Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd
Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
Cairn Terriers shed moderately.
Shiloh Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd
Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.
Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Cairn 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 Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Cairn 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 Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Shiloh Shepherd
Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Cairn 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 Cairn Terriers and Shiloh Shepherds?
Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiloh Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.
Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Shiloh Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier:
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 Cairn Terrier and how the Shiloh Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Shiloh Shepherd to other breeds:
Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cairn Terrier versus Kai Ken Cairn Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Cairn Terrier versus Plott Cairn Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Pug Cairn Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd Cairn Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Cairn Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier Cairn Terrier versus Saluki Cairn Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Cairn Terrier versus Shihpoo Cairn Terrier versus Pomapoo Cairn Terrier versus Pointer Cairn Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog Cairn Terrier versus French Bulldog Cairn Terrier versus Westiepoo Cairn Terrier versus Cane Corso Cairn Terrier versus Pomapoo Cairn Terrier versus Australian Kelpie Cairn Terrier versus Pekingese Cairn Terrier versus Weimaraner Cairn Terrier versus Beaglier Cairn Terrier versus Brussels Griffon Cairn Terrier versus Yorkipoo
Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiloh Shepherd versus Irish Setter Shiloh Shepherd versus Peek A Poo Shiloh Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog Shiloh Shepherd versus Shihpoo Shiloh Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff Shiloh Shepherd versus Bullmastiff Shiloh Shepherd versus Saluki Shiloh Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog Shiloh Shepherd versus Basenji Shiloh Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz Shiloh Shepherd versus Alaskan Klee Kai Shiloh Shepherd versus Ibizan Hound Shiloh Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound Shiloh Shepherd versus Shih Tzu Shiloh Shepherd versus Berger Picard Shiloh Shepherd versus Plott Shiloh Shepherd versus Mal Shi Shiloh Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Australian Shepherd Shiloh Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje Shiloh Shepherd versus Catahoula Bulldog Shiloh Shepherd versus Boykin Spaniel Shiloh Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano Shiloh Shepherd versus Cane Corso Shiloh Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler
Conclusion: Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you and your family.