Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Better than the Shiloh Shepherd as a Pet? Answer…

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Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dandie Dinmont 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dandie Dinmont 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 Dandie Dinmont 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dandie Dinmont 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd

Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dandie Dinmont 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.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dandie Dinmont 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.

Factor Dandie Dinmont Terrier Shiloh Shepherd
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 14 years
Weight 18 to 24 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 30 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Temperament Score 71.4 percent 80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dandie Dinmont 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 a Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Shiloh Shepherd is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiloh Shepherd is a better pet than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. 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 Dandie Dinmont 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not easy to train. However, Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.
  • Dandie Dinmont Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Dandie Dinmont Terriers 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers weigh 18 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are 8 to 11 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.

    Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

    The Shiloh Shepherd has a better temperament than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 80.8 percent while the temperament score for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 71.4 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 they 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 71.4 percent, the Dandie Dinmont 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 7 Dandie Dinmont Terriers and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

    Health Problems of Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Health Problems of Shiloh Shepherd

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Dandie Dinmont 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 more genetic health problems than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

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

    2 health tests are recommended for Dandie Dinmont Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Problems

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

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dandie Dinmont 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.

    Which one drools more, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers 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 Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dandie Dinmont 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Dandie Dinmont 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.

    Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Shiloh Shepherds?

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

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

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

    Dandie Dinmont 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.

    Are Dandie Dinmont Terriers good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Shiloh Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dandie Dinmont 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier:

  • Cavapoo (79 percent match with Dandie Dinmont Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Cavapoo.
  • Shih Tzu (79 percent match with Dandie Dinmont Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Shih Tzu.

    • 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (79 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Labrador Retriever.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Pomchi     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Goldador     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Briard     

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shiloh Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Boykin Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Shiloh Shepherd versus Basset Hound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Chihuahua     Shiloh Shepherd versus American Water Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cairn Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Akita Chow     

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