Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Labrador Retriever Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
- Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
- Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Lifespan of Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Temperament of the Labrador Retriever Versus the Shiloh Shepherd
- Health Problems of Labrador Retriever versus Health Problems of Shiloh Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Do Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Shiloh Shepherd
- Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Labrador Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Labrador Retrievers and Shiloh Shepherds?
- Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiloh Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Labrador Retriever Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd.
Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Labrador Retriever is a large-sized dog while the Shiloh Shepherd is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Labrador 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.
Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd
Factor | Labrador Retriever | Shiloh Shepherd |
---|---|---|
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 9 to 14 years |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Height | 21 to 24 inches 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 |
Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 3/5 |
General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
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 |
Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
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 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Weight | 55 to 80 pounds | 80 to 130 pounds |
Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.5 years |
Average Price | $1290 | No Data |
Price Range | $850 – $1500 | No Data |
Temperament Score | 92.2 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd
The Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador 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 Labrador Retrievers.
Temperament of the Labrador Retriever Versus the Shiloh Shepherd
The Labrador Retriever has a better temperament than the Shiloh Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Labrador Retriever is 92.2 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 92.2 percent, the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 842 Labrador Retrievers and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.
Health Problems of Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiloh Shepherd.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Labrador Retriever than for the Shiloh Shepherd.
8 health tests are recommended for Labrador Retriever while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Labrador Retrievers and in Shiloh Shepherds.
Labrador Retriever Health Problems
Labrador Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Labrador 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 Labrador Retrievers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever Breed is Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems.
This is because the Labrador Retriever ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 87 Labrador Retrievers, 0 of them had Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Labrador Retrievers, and how common these diseases are in Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd:
Disease | Labrador Retriever Rank | Shiloh Shepherd Rank |
---|---|---|
Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
D Locus problems | 1 out of 3 dog breeds | Not Common |
Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
Copper Toxicosis problems | 2 out of 2 dog breeds | Not Common |
Exercise Induced Collapse problems | 3 out of 6 dog breeds | Not Common |
Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 8 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
Shoulder problems | 13 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 16 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
Dentition Database problems | 25 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
Advanced Cardiac problems | 29 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 39 out of 70 dog breeds | 40 out of 70 dog breeds |
Elbow problems | 41 out of 144 dog breeds | 52 out of 144 dog breeds |
Congenital Cardiac problems | 66 out of 159 dog breeds | 39 out of 159 dog breeds |
Thyroid problems | 76 out of 115 dog breeds | 97 out of 115 dog breeds |
Patella problems | 78 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
Hips problems | 103 out of 198 dog breeds | 42 out of 198 dog breeds |
Eyes problems | 119 out of 182 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: Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd
Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd
Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.
Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.
Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Shiloh Shepherd
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Labrador 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 Labrador Retrievers and Shiloh Shepherds?
Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiloh Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.
Is the Labrador Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever and how the Shiloh Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Labrador Retriever and of the Shiloh Shepherd to other breeds:
Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Labrador Retriever versus Portuguese Water Dog Labrador Retriever versus Japanese Spitz Labrador Retriever versus Shih Tzu Labrador Retriever versus Australian Cattle Dog Labrador Retriever versus Saluki Labrador Retriever versus Bloodhound Labrador Retriever versus Manchester Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Labrador Retriever versus West Highland White Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Neapolitan Mastiff Labrador Retriever versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Havanese Labrador Retriever versus Puli Labrador Retriever versus Pekingese Labrador Retriever versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Labrador Retriever versus Welsh Terrier Labrador Retriever versus English Setter Labrador Retriever versus Australian Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Doberman Pinscher Labrador Retriever versus Pomchi Labrador Retriever versus Havanese Labrador Retriever versus Bloodhound Labrador Retriever versus Dogo Argentino Labrador Retriever versus Silky Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Lhasa Apso
Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiloh Shepherd versus Goldador Shiloh Shepherd versus Bolognese Shiloh Shepherd versus Dogue de Bordeaux Shiloh Shepherd versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Brussels Griffon Shiloh Shepherd versus Dogo Argentino Shiloh Shepherd versus Azawakh Shiloh Shepherd versus Maltese Shiloh Shepherd versus Samoyed Shiloh Shepherd versus Bedlington Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Flat-Coated Retriever Shiloh Shepherd versus Beaglier Shiloh Shepherd versus Manchester Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus King Shepherd Shiloh Shepherd versus Borzoi Shiloh Shepherd versus Leonberger Shiloh Shepherd versus French Bulldog Shiloh Shepherd versus Beagle Shiloh Shepherd versus Pyrenean Shepherd Shiloh Shepherd versus German Wirehaired Pointer Shiloh Shepherd versus Tibetan Spaniel Shiloh Shepherd versus Kerry Blue Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Braque du Bourbonnais Shiloh Shepherd versus Chorkie
Conclusion: Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you and your family.