Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Shiloh Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Shiloh Shepherd
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Shiloh Shepherds?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiloh Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Shiloh Shepherd is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Icelandic Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd
Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Shiloh Shepherd |
---|---|---|
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 9 to 14 years |
Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 26 to 30 inches |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 80 to 130 pounds |
Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 11.5 years |
Price Range | No Data | No Data |
Average Price | No Data | No Data |
Temperament Score | 100.0 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 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 Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Icelandic Sheepdogs are 16 to 18 inchestall 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 Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs 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.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.
Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Shiloh Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.
Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiloh Shepherd.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Shiloh Shepherd.
8 health tests are recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and in Shiloh Shepherds.
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Problems
Icelandic Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Icelandic Sheepdog ranks 55 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 769 Icelandic Sheepdogs, 137 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Icelandic Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd:
Disease | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank | Shiloh Shepherd Rank |
---|---|---|
Hips problems | 55 out of 198 dog breeds | 42 out of 198 dog breeds |
Eyes problems | 149 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 39 out of 159 dog breeds |
Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 40 out of 70 dog breeds |
Elbow problems | Not Common | 52 out of 144 dog breeds |
Thyroid problems | Not Common | 97 out of 115 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: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.
Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Shiloh Shepherd
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs and Shiloh Shepherds?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiloh Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shiloh Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog:
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 Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Shiloh Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Shiloh Shepherd to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer Icelandic Sheepdog versus Frenchton Icelandic Sheepdog versus Akita Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cane Corso Icelandic Sheepdog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Yorkshire Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiranian Icelandic Sheepdog versus Estrela Mountain Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu Icelandic Sheepdog versus Westiepoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Berger Picard Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pug Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Cattle Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Golden Cocker Retriever Icelandic Sheepdog versus Swedish Vallhund Icelandic Sheepdog versus Akita Chow Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lowchen Icelandic Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Bulldog
Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiloh Shepherd versus Berger Picard Shiloh Shepherd versus Barbet Shiloh Shepherd versus English Setter Shiloh Shepherd versus Leonberger Shiloh Shepherd versus Finnish Lapphund Shiloh Shepherd versus Leonberger Shiloh Shepherd versus Papillon Shiloh Shepherd versus Silky Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Schnoodle Shiloh Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle Shiloh Shepherd versus Kuvasz Shiloh Shepherd versus Great Pyrenees Shiloh Shepherd versus Redbone Coonhound Shiloh Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel Shiloh Shepherd versus Greyhound Shiloh Shepherd versus Pyredoodle Shiloh Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz Shiloh Shepherd versus Norwegian Buhund Shiloh Shepherd versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Whoodle Shiloh Shepherd versus King Shepherd Shiloh Shepherd versus Havanese Shiloh Shepherd versus Shiba Inu
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you and your family.