Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Golden Retriever Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
- Golden Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
- Golden Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Lifespan of Golden Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Golden Retriever
- Health Problems of Golden Retriever versus Health Problems of Shiloh Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Golden Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Do Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Shiloh Shepherd
- Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Golden Retrievers and Shiloh Shepherds?
- Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiloh Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Golden Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Golden Retriever Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd.
Golden Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Shiloh Shepherd is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd
| Factor | Golden Retriever | Shiloh Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 9 to 14 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder | 26 to 30 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 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 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 75 pounds | 80 to 130 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.5 years |
| Average Price | $1870 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2200 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 85.6 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd
The Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 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 Golden Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers.
Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever has a better temperament than the Shiloh Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Golden Retriever is 85.6 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 85.6 percent, the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 813 Golden Retrievers and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.
Health Problems of Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever.
4 health tests are recommended for Golden Retriever while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Golden Retrievers and in Shiloh Shepherds.
Golden Retriever Health Problems
Golden Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retrievers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever Breed is Ichthyosis problems.
This is because the Golden Retriever ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Ichthyosis problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1770 Golden Retrievers, 33 of them had Ichthyosis problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Golden Retrievers, and how common these diseases are in Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd:
| Disease | Golden Retriever Rank | Shiloh Shepherd Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Ichthyosis problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 11 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 17 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 33 out of 115 dog breeds | 97 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 36 out of 144 dog breeds | 52 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | 39 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 40 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 45 out of 198 dog breeds | 42 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 56 out of 159 dog breeds | 39 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 56 out of 70 dog breeds | 40 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 58 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 112 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
*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: Golden Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd
Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.
Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.
Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.
Shiloh Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Shiloh Shepherd
Golden Retrievers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Shiloh Shepherds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers and Shiloh Shepherds?
Golden Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiloh Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.
Is the Golden Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Retriever 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 Golden 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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Golden Retriever and how the Shiloh Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Golden Retriever and of the Shiloh Shepherd to other breeds:
Golden Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Golden Retriever versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Golden Retriever versus Pointer Golden Retriever versus Giant Schnauzer Golden Retriever versus Belgian Sheepdog Golden Retriever versus Greyhound Golden Retriever versus Cesky Terrier Golden Retriever versus Irish Wolfhound Golden Retriever versus Finnish Spitz Golden Retriever versus Tibetan Spaniel Golden Retriever versus Chorkie Golden Retriever versus Cairn Terrier Golden Retriever versus Lhasapoo Golden Retriever versus Puli Golden Retriever versus Mountain Cur Golden Retriever versus Basset Hound Golden Retriever versus American Water Spaniel Golden Retriever versus Shiba Inu Golden Retriever versus Affenhuahua Golden Retriever versus Schnoodle Golden Retriever versus Clumber Spaniel Golden Retriever versus Chihuahua Golden Retriever versus Weimaraner Golden Retriever versus Bracco Italiano Golden Retriever versus Catahoula Bulldog Golden Retriever versus Goldendoodle
Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiloh Shepherd versus Flat-Coated Retriever Shiloh Shepherd versus Neapolitan Mastiff Shiloh Shepherd versus Bloodhound Shiloh Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro Shiloh Shepherd versus Chow Chow Shiloh Shepherd versus Shihpoo Shiloh Shepherd versus Pharaoh Hound Shiloh Shepherd versus Carolina Dog Shiloh Shepherd versus Neapolitan Mastiff Shiloh Shepherd versus Brussels Griffon Shiloh Shepherd versus Miniature Schnauzer Shiloh Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute Shiloh Shepherd versus Icelandic Sheepdog Shiloh Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Samoyed Shiloh Shepherd versus Pekingese Shiloh Shepherd versus Norwegian Buhund Shiloh Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Mountain Cur Shiloh Shepherd versus Pekingese Shiloh Shepherd versus Coton de Tulear Shiloh Shepherd versus Bulldog Shiloh Shepherd versus Chorkie Shiloh Shepherd versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shiloh Shepherd versus Lagotto Romagnolo
Conclusion: Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you and your family.