Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Maremma Sheepdog Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maremma 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 Maremma 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 Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Shiloh Shepherd is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd are Working Dogs. This means both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd 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.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Shiloh Shepherd
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches 26 to 30 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 9 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1160 No Data
Price Range $495 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Maremma 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 Maremma 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 Maremma 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 Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd are most different:

  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shiloh Shepherds are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train. However, Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful. However, Shiloh Shepherds are very playful.

    • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd.

    Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches 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 Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.

    Health Problems of Maremma 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 Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiloh Shepherd.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Shiloh Shepherd.

    5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and in Shiloh Shepherds.

    Maremma Sheepdog Health Problems

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

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Maremma 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:

  • 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 Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdog Breed is Hips problems.

    This is because the Maremma Sheepdog ranks 59 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 159 Maremma Sheepdogs, 27 of them had Hips problems.

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

  • Hips problems: Rank 59 out of 198 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 Maremma Sheepdog and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd:

    Disease Maremma Sheepdog Rank Shiloh Shepherd Rank
    Hips problems 59 out of 198 dog breeds 42 out of 198 dog breeds
    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: Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdogs and Shiloh Shepherds?

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdog or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdog:

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (75 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Hovawart.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Clumber Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Vizsla     Maremma Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pug     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dogo Argentino     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Berger Picard     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu     Maremma Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Mountain Cur     Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Stabyhoun     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cane Corso     Maremma Sheepdog versus Swedish Vallhund     Maremma Sheepdog versus Kai Ken     Maremma Sheepdog versus Italian Greyhound     

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Vizsla     Shiloh Shepherd versus Saint Bernard     Shiloh Shepherd versus Bearded Collie     Shiloh Shepherd versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Samoyed     Shiloh Shepherd versus Field Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Shiloh Shepherd versus Miniature Pinscher     Shiloh Shepherd versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Norfolk Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Italian Greyhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Bearded Collie     Shiloh Shepherd versus Boykin Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz     Shiloh Shepherd versus Affenpinscher     Shiloh Shepherd versus Norfolk Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Basenji     Shiloh Shepherd versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Shiloh Shepherd versus Collie     Shiloh Shepherd versus Irish Setter     Shiloh Shepherd versus American Hairless Terrier     

    Conclusion: Maremma 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you and your family.