Breed Comparison: Gordon Setter Versus Shiloh Shepherd

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Gordon Setter Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

Gordon Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Gordon Setter 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.

Gordon Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd

Factor Gordon Setter Shiloh Shepherd
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 26 to 30 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 9 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1360 No Data
Price Range $1250 – $1500 No Data
Temperament Score 83.6 percent 80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter is 70 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 Gordon Setter. 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

    Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 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 Gordon Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters.

    Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Gordon Setter

    The Gordon Setter has a better temperament than the Shiloh Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Gordon Setter is 83.6 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 83.6 percent, the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 67 Gordon Setters and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

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

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Gordon Setter while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

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

    Gordon Setter Health Problems

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

  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter Breed is Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.

    This is because the Gordon Setter ranks 2 out of 8 dog breeds for Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 574 Gordon Setters, 9 of them had Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.

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

  • Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems: Rank 2 out of 8 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 10 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 32 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 46 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 50 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 83 out of 115 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 Gordon Setter and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Gordon Setter and the Shiloh Shepherd:

    Disease Gordon Setter Rank Shiloh Shepherd Rank
    Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems 2 out of 8 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 10 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 32 out of 144 dog breeds 52 out of 144 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 46 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 50 out of 198 dog breeds 42 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 83 out of 115 dog breeds 97 out of 115 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 39 out of 159 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 40 out of 70 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: Gordon Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Gordon Setters shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters and Shiloh Shepherds?

    Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Mudi.
  • 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 Gordon Setter vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (79 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Schnoodle     Gordon Setter versus Chinese Crested     Gordon Setter versus Barbet     Gordon Setter versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Shih Tzu     Gordon Setter versus Affenhuahua     Gordon Setter versus Sheepadoodle     Gordon Setter versus Chinese Crested     Gordon Setter versus German Shepherd Dog     Gordon Setter versus Biewer Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Chi-Poo     Gordon Setter versus Great Dane     Gordon Setter versus Kooikerhondje     Gordon Setter versus Pug     Gordon Setter versus Bloodhound     Gordon Setter versus French Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Redbone Coonhound     Gordon Setter versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken     Gordon Setter versus Sealyham Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Bullmastiff     Gordon Setter versus Saluki     Gordon Setter versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Finnish Spitz     Gordon Setter versus Golden Retriever     

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Boxerdoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer     Shiloh Shepherd versus Basenji     Shiloh Shepherd versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Plott     Shiloh Shepherd versus Sloughi     Shiloh Shepherd versus Bloodhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Sheepadoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Papipoo     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cesky Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Silky Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Weimaraner     Shiloh Shepherd versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pomeranian     Shiloh Shepherd versus Bichon Frise     Shiloh Shepherd versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Shiloh Shepherd versus Plott     Shiloh Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd     Shiloh Shepherd versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Shiloh Shepherd versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shiloh Shepherd versus Havanese     Shiloh Shepherd versus German Pinscher     

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