Neapolitan Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Neapolitan Mastiff Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff or the Shiloh Shepherd.

Neapolitan Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

Both the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd are similar in size. The Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd are both giant-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd are Working Dogs. This means both the Neapolitan Mastiff 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.

Neapolitan Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd

Factor Neapolitan Mastiff Shiloh Shepherd
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Weight 120 to 200 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Height 24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 30 inches
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Life Span 8 to 10 years 9 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 9.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2870 No Data
Price Range $1800 – $3700 No Data
Temperament Score 66.7 percent 80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff is 71 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 Neapolitan Mastiff. 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 Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd are most different:

  • Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate cold weather.
  • Neapolitan Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shiloh Shepherds are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Neapolitan Mastiffs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Shiloh Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Neapolitan Mastiffs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Shiloh Shepherds do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Both the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.
  • Both the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs weigh 120 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Neapolitan Mastiffs are 24 to 31 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 Neapolitan Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is 9.0 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 Neapolitan Mastiffs.

    Temperament of the Neapolitan Mastiff Versus the Shiloh Shepherd

    The Shiloh Shepherd has a better temperament than the Neapolitan Mastiff.

    This is because the temperament score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 80.8 percent while the temperament score for the Neapolitan Mastiff is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 15 Neapolitan Mastiffs and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

    Health Problems of Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff 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 the same number of genetic health problems as the Neapolitan Mastiff.

    4 health tests are recommended for Neapolitan Mastiff while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Neapolitan Mastiffs and in Shiloh Shepherds.

    Neapolitan Mastiff Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Neapolitan Mastiffs 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 Neapolitan Mastiffs 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 Neapolitan Mastiff Breed is Hips problems.

    This is because the Neapolitan Mastiff ranks 6 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 236 Neapolitan Mastiffs, 118 of them had Hips problems.

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

  • Hips problems: Rank 6 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 87 out of 145 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd:

    Disease Neapolitan Mastiff Rank Shiloh Shepherd Rank
    Hips problems 6 out of 198 dog breeds 42 out of 198 dog breeds
    Patella problems 87 out of 145 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: Neapolitan Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Neapolitan Mastiffs shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Shiloh Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Neapolitan Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs 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 Neapolitan Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs 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 Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Neapolitan Mastiff vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Neapolitan Mastiffs 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 Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs 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 Neapolitan Mastiff or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Neapolitan Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs 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 Neapolitan Mastiffs and Shiloh Shepherds?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Neapolitan Mastiff Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Neapolitan Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Neapolitan Mastiffs 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 Neapolitan Mastiff

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff:

  • Doberman Pinscher (67 percent match with Neapolitan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher.
  • Mastiff (72 percent match with Neapolitan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Mastiff.
  • Spanish Mastiff (69 percent match with Neapolitan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • 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 Neapolitan Mastiff vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (79 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Neapolitan Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Neapolitan Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Neapolitan Mastiff versus Aussiedoodle     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Bloodhound     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Morkie     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Chorkie     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Komondor     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Japanese Chin     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Manchester Terrier     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Collie     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Stabyhoun     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Boxer     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Dogo Argentino     Neapolitan Mastiff versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Cockapoo     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pomsky     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Lancashire Heeler     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Saint Bernard     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Afador     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Norwegian Lundehund     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Goldendoodle     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Labradoodle     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Belgian Tervuren     

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pomsky     Shiloh Shepherd versus Stabyhoun     Shiloh Shepherd versus Yorkshire Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus French Bulldog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Belgian Malinois     Shiloh Shepherd versus Dachshund     Shiloh Shepherd versus Field Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shiloh Shepherd versus Westiepoo     Shiloh Shepherd versus Silky Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer     Shiloh Shepherd versus Akbash     Shiloh Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Tibetan Mastiff     Shiloh Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pomchi     Shiloh Shepherd versus Papipoo     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cesky Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Puli     Shiloh Shepherd versus Boykin Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Basenji     Shiloh Shepherd versus Saint Berdoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cavachon     Shiloh Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier     

    Conclusion: Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you and your family.