Differences and Similarities between the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Irish Terrier Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

Irish Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish 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.

Irish Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

Factor Irish Terrier Shiloh Shepherd
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 1/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 9 to 14 years
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 30 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Weight 25 to 27 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1280 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1500 No Data
Temperament Score 80.0 percent 80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish 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 the Irish Terrier is 78 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 Irish 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 Irish 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 Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Shiloh Shepherds get along well with other dogs.
  • Irish Terriers are not easy to train. However, Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.
  • Irish Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shiloh Shepherds are prone to nip and chew at things.

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.

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

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

    Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

    Irish Terriers live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.

    Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Irish Terrier

    The Shiloh Shepherd has a better temperament than the Irish Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 80.8 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Irish 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 Irish Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 10 Irish Terriers and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Terriers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

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

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

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

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

    Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Shiloh Shepherds have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Irish 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.

    Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers and Shiloh Shepherds?

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

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

    Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier

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

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Lakeland Terrier.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Irish Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Irish Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Irish Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus Basenji     Irish Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Irish Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Irish Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Irish Terrier versus Boerboel     Irish Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Irish Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Irish Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus Cane Corso     Irish Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Irish Terrier versus Kai Ken     Irish Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus Cane Corso     Irish Terrier versus Shichon     Irish Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Finnish Lapphund     Shiloh Shepherd versus Schipperke     Shiloh Shepherd versus Golden Retriever     Shiloh Shepherd versus Standard Schnauzer     Shiloh Shepherd versus Maltese     Shiloh Shepherd versus Belgian Malinois     Shiloh Shepherd versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shiloh Shepherd versus Bichon Frise     Shiloh Shepherd versus Shiba Inu     Shiloh Shepherd versus Norwegian Lundehund     Shiloh Shepherd versus Labradoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Berger Picard     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shiloh Shepherd versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Shiloh Shepherd versus Gordon Setter     Shiloh Shepherd versus Schipperke     Shiloh Shepherd versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer     Shiloh Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Collie     Shiloh Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Westiepoo     Shiloh Shepherd versus Collie     

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