A Detailed Comparison of the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd.

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Dalmatian Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

Dalmatian versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dalmatian belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Dalmatian versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd

Factor Dalmatian Shiloh Shepherd
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 13 to 16 years 9 to 14 years
Height 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 30 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 48 to 55 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1410 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1800 No Data
Temperament Score 83.3 percent 80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Congenital Deafness
  • 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian is 80 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 Dalmatian. 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 Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dalmatian versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

    Dalmatians weigh 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Dalmatians are 19 to 24 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 Dalmatian versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Dalmatians is between 13 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Dalmatians is 14.5 years.

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

    Dalmatians live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.

    Temperament of the Dalmatian Versus the Shiloh Shepherd

    The Dalmatian has a better temperament than the Shiloh Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dalmatian is 83.3 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 83.3 percent, the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 359 Dalmatians and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

    Health Problems of Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian.

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

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

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

    Dalmatian Health Problems

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

  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dalmatians 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 Dalmatians 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 Dalmatian Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.

    This is because the Dalmatian ranks 1 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 8730 Dalmatians, 1003 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.

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

  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 1 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Hyperuricosuria problems: Rank 1 out of 11 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 6 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 9 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 10 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 11 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 51 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 132 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 161 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 170 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 Dalmatian and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dalmatian and the Shiloh Shepherd:

    Disease Dalmatian Rank Shiloh Shepherd Rank
    Baer Hearing Test problems 1 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Hyperuricosuria problems 1 out of 11 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 6 out of 115 dog breeds 97 out of 115 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems 9 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 10 out of 159 dog breeds 39 out of 159 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems 11 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 51 out of 70 dog breeds 40 out of 70 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 132 out of 144 dog breeds 52 out of 144 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 161 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 170 out of 198 dog breeds 42 out of 198 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: Dalmatian versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Dalmatians can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Dalmatians shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Dalmatians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Dalmatian or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Dalmatians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

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

    Dalmatians are very easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

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

    Dalmatians 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 Dalmatians Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Dalmatians are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

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

    Dalmatians can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dalmatian vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Dalmatians 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 Dalmatians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dalmatians can tolerate hot weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Dalmatians get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Dalmatians good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Dalmatians 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 Dalmatians and Shiloh Shepherds?

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

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

    Is the Dalmatian Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Dalmatians are very easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

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

    Dalmatians do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Dalmatians are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dalmatian

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

  • Berger Picard (78 percent match with Dalmatian). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Berger Picard.
  • Golden Cocker Retriever (80 percent match with Dalmatian). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Golden Cocker Retriever.
  • 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 Dalmatian vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (79 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Dalmatian vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dalmatian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dalmatian versus Irish Setter     Dalmatian versus Portuguese Pointer     Dalmatian versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Dalmatian versus French Spaniel     Dalmatian versus Affenpinscher     Dalmatian versus Goldador     Dalmatian versus Sealyham Terrier     Dalmatian versus Harrier     Dalmatian versus Lancashire Heeler     Dalmatian versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Dalmatian versus Kooikerhondje     Dalmatian versus Stabyhoun     Dalmatian versus Basset Hound     Dalmatian versus Kuvasz     Dalmatian versus Mudi     Dalmatian versus American Water Spaniel     Dalmatian versus Harrier     Dalmatian versus King Shepherd     Dalmatian versus Sealyham Terrier     Dalmatian versus Canaan Dog     Dalmatian versus Black Mouth Cur     Dalmatian versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Dalmatian versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Dalmatian versus Airedale Terrier     Dalmatian versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Papillon     Shiloh Shepherd versus Swedish Vallhund     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cockapoo     Shiloh Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz     Shiloh Shepherd versus Saint Bernard     Shiloh Shepherd versus Plott     Shiloh Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shiloh Shepherd versus American Foxhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Irish Wolfhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Saint Bernard     Shiloh Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Chi-Poo     Shiloh Shepherd versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shiloh Shepherd versus American Water Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Basenji     Shiloh Shepherd versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cesky Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Great Dane     Shiloh Shepherd versus Sloughi     Shiloh Shepherd versus Ibizan Hound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     

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