Is the Norfolk Terrier Better than the Shiloh Shepherd as a Pet? Answer…

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Norfolk Terrier Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Norfolk Terrier and for the Shiloh Shepherd. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Norfolk Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd.

Norfolk Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Norfolk Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Shiloh Shepherd belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Norfolk Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norfolk Terrier to the Shiloh Shepherd based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

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

Factor Norfolk Terrier Shiloh Shepherd
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Weight 11 to 12 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 14 years
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 30 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2500 No Data
Price Range $2500 – $2500 No Data
Temperament Score 92.9 percent 80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Norfolk Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Shiloh Shepherd. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Norfolk Terrier is 94 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norfolk Terrier is a better pet than the Shiloh Shepherd. So, you should get the Norfolk Terrier!

    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 Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Norfolk Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Shiloh Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Norfolk Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Norfolk Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Shiloh Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norfolk Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

    Norfolk Terriers weigh 11 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norfolk Terriers are 9 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 Norfolk Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norfolk Terriers 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.

    Norfolk Terriers live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.

    Temperament of the Norfolk Terrier Versus the Shiloh Shepherd

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Norfolk Terrier is 92.9 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 92.9 percent, the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 14 Norfolk Terriers and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

    Health Problems of Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiloh Shepherd.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Norfolk Terrier than for the Shiloh Shepherd.

    5 health tests are recommended for Norfolk Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norfolk Terriers and in Shiloh Shepherds.

    Norfolk Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terrier Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.

    This is because the Norfolk Terrier ranks 1 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 592 Norfolk Terriers, 30 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.

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

  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 1 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 2 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 20 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 29 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 37 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 Norfolk Terrier and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd:

    Disease Norfolk Terrier Rank Shiloh Shepherd Rank
    Congenital Cardiac problems 1 out of 159 dog breeds 39 out of 159 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems 2 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 20 out of 198 dog breeds 42 out of 198 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 29 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 37 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    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: Norfolk Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Norfolk Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terrier or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

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

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

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

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

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

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

    Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Shiloh Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Norfolk Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Norfolk Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Shiloh Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Norfolk Terriers and Shiloh Shepherds?

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

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

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

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

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

    Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Norfolk Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Norfolk Terrier:

  • Boston Terrier (77 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Boston Terrier.
  • Cockapoo (75 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Cockapoo.
  • 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 Norfolk Terrier vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (79 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norfolk Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Norfolk Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Norfolk Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Norfolk Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Maltipoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Vizsla     Norfolk Terrier versus Boxer     Norfolk Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd     Norfolk Terrier versus Keeshond     Norfolk Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Norfolk Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Norfolk Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Norfolk Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Norfolk Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Norfolk Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Norfolk Terrier versus Pomsky     Norfolk Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Norfolk Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Norfolk Terrier versus Shihpoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur     Shiloh Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Shichon     Shiloh Shepherd versus Basset Hound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Golden Retriever     Shiloh Shepherd versus Greyhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus French Bulldog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cane Corso     Shiloh Shepherd versus Silky Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Shiloh Shepherd versus Kuvasz     Shiloh Shepherd versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Puggle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Canaan Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Shiloh Shepherd versus Boykin Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Border Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Canaan Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Greyhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Norfolk Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Shiloh Shepherd versus Newfoundland     

    Conclusion: Norfolk Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Norfolk Terrier and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you and your family.