Breed Comparison: Pointer Versus Shiloh Shepherd

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Pointer Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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

Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pointer 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 Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd

Factor Pointer Shiloh Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the 26 to 30 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 75 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1080 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1300 No Data
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • 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 Pointer 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 Pointer is 75 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 Pointer. 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 Pointer 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 Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate cold weather.
  • Pointers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiloh Shepherds have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

    Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the 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 Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pointers 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.

    Pointers live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.

    Temperament of the Pointer Versus the Shiloh Shepherd

    The Pointer has a better temperament than the Shiloh Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Pointer is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Pointer 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 Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 20 Pointers and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

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

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

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

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

    Pointer Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pointers 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 Pointers 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 Pointer Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.

    This is because the Pointer ranks 17 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 78 Pointers, 1 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.

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

  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 17 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 44 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 66 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 137 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 Pointer and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd:

    Disease Pointer Rank Shiloh Shepherd Rank
    Congenital Cardiac problems 17 out of 159 dog breeds 39 out of 159 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 44 out of 115 dog breeds 97 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 66 out of 144 dog breeds 52 out of 144 dog breeds
    Hips problems 137 out of 198 dog breeds 42 out of 198 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 40 out of 70 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: Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pointers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Pointers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Pointer or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pointer or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Pointers 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 Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pointer vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Pointers 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 Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pointers good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Pointers 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 Pointers and Shiloh Shepherds?

    Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Pointer Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Pointers are very easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Pointers 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 Pointer

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (81 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • English Springer Spaniel (75 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Field Spaniel (77 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Field Spaniel.
  • 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 Pointer vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (79 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Pointer vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pointer versus Whippet     Pointer versus Plott     Pointer versus Whoodle     Pointer versus Basenji     Pointer versus Lhasapoo     Pointer versus American Eskimo Dog     Pointer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Pointer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pointer versus Cavachon     Pointer versus Berger Picard     Pointer versus Scottish Terrier     Pointer versus Brussels Griffon     Pointer versus Canaan Dog     Pointer versus Norwegian Lundehund     Pointer versus Belgian Malinois     Pointer versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier     Pointer versus Morkie     Pointer versus Bearded Collie     Pointer versus Bracco Italiano     Pointer versus Saint Bernard     Pointer versus English Springer Spaniel     Pointer versus American Bulldog     Pointer versus Azawakh     

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Greyhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Harrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cockalier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Biewer Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Akbash     Shiloh Shepherd versus Norwegian Buhund     Shiloh Shepherd versus Karelian Bear Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Australian Cattle Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Skye Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Affenhuahua     Shiloh Shepherd versus Afador     Shiloh Shepherd versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Shiloh Shepherd versus Australian Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cockapoo     Shiloh Shepherd versus Great Dane     Shiloh Shepherd versus Havanese     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cavachon     Shiloh Shepherd versus Brussels Griffon     Shiloh Shepherd versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Boerboel     

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