Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maltese Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
- Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
- Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Lifespan of Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Maltese
- Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Shiloh Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Do Malteses shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Shiloh Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Shiloh Shepherd
- Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Shiloh Shepherds?
- Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiloh Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maltese Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese or the Shiloh Shepherd.
Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maltese is a tiny-sized dog while the Shiloh Shepherd is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Maltese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
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.
Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maltese 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 Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd
| Factor | Maltese | Shiloh Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 9 to 14 years |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 26 to 30 inches |
| Weight | Up to 7 pounds | 80 to 130 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.5 years |
| Average Price | $2580 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 82.4 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 Maltese 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 Maltese is 82 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 not better or worse than the Maltese. So, you can get the Shiloh Shepherd or the Maltese!
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 Maltese 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 Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd
The Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 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 Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Shiloh Shepherds is between 9 to 14 years . The average lifespan of Shiloh Shepherds is 11.5 years.
Malteses live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.
Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Maltese
The Maltese has a better temperament than the Shiloh Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Maltese is 82.4 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 82.4 percent, the Maltese 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 Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 17 Malteses and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.
Health Problems of Maltese 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 Maltese 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 more genetic health problems than the Maltese.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Shiloh Shepherd than for the Maltese.
3 health tests are recommended for Maltese while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Malteses and in Shiloh Shepherds.
Maltese Health Problems
Malteses are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Maltese 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 Maltese puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Maltese 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 Malteses for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Malteses 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 Malteses 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 Maltese Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Maltese ranks 6 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 155 Malteses, 2 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Malteses, and how common these diseases are in Malteses 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 Maltese and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd:
| Disease | Maltese Rank | Shiloh Shepherd Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 6 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 16 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 41 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 98 out of 198 dog breeds | 42 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 139 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: Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Malteses shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shiloh Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Shiloh Shepherd
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.
Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Malteses 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 Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Malteses 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 Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Shiloh Shepherd
Malteses 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 Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Malteses 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 Maltese or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Malteses 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 Malteses and Shiloh Shepherds?
Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Shiloh Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Malteses are very easy to train.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.
Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maltese or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Malteses are very good for new dog owners.
Shiloh Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maltese 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 Maltese:
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 Maltese and how the Shiloh Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maltese and of the Shiloh Shepherd to other breeds:
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Standard Schnauzer Maltese versus Australian Shepherd Maltese versus Field Spaniel Maltese versus Cockapoo Maltese versus Greyhound Maltese versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Maltese versus Shiloh Shepherd Maltese versus Xoloitzcuintli Maltese versus Hovawart Maltese versus Briard Maltese versus Miniature Poodle Maltese versus Pharaoh Hound Maltese versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Maltese versus Australian Cattle Dog Maltese versus Sussex Spaniel Maltese versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Maltese versus Maremma Sheepdog Maltese versus Schipperke Maltese versus Scottish Terrier Maltese versus Kooikerhondje Maltese versus English Springer Spaniel Maltese versus Irish Setter Maltese versus Komondor Maltese versus Affenpinscher Maltese versus Dutch Shepherd
Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiloh Shepherd versus Bichon Frise Shiloh Shepherd versus Sealyham Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Newfoundland Shiloh Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound Shiloh Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Frenchton Shiloh Shepherd versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Basenji Shiloh Shepherd versus Newfoundland Shiloh Shepherd versus Japanese Chin Shiloh Shepherd versus Doberman Pinscher Shiloh Shepherd versus Boxerdoodle Shiloh Shepherd versus Catahoula Bulldog Shiloh Shepherd versus Tibetan Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus American Water Spaniel Shiloh Shepherd versus Shih Tzu Shiloh Shepherd versus Skye Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Afghan Hound Shiloh Shepherd versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Shiloh Shepherd versus Skye Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Collie Shiloh Shepherd versus Pug Shiloh Shepherd versus American Bulldog Shiloh Shepherd versus Brittany Shiloh Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier
Conclusion: Maltese 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 Maltese and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you and your family.