Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
- Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
- Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Shiloh Shepherd
- Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Health Problems of Shiloh Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiloh Shepherd
- Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shiloh Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Shiloh Shepherd
- Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Shiloh Shepherds?
- Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiloh Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiloh Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shiloh Shepherd.
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog while the Shiloh Shepherd is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd
| Factor | Rhodesian Ridgeback | Shiloh Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 9 to 14 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 26 to 30 inches |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 70 to 85 pounds | 80 to 130 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.5 years |
| Average Price | $1620 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1250 – $1900 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 84.2 percent | 80.8 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd
The Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiloh Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiloh Shepherd
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Shiloh Shepherd
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a better temperament than the Shiloh Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 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 84.2 percent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.
Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to more genetic health problems than the Shiloh Shepherd.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Rhodesian Ridgeback than for the Shiloh Shepherd.
6 health tests are recommended for Rhodesian Ridgeback while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Rhodesian Ridgebacks and in Shiloh Shepherds.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.
Shiloh Shepherd Health Problems
Shiloh Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shiloh Shepherd puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Shiloh Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shiloh Shepherd breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Shiloh Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiloh Shepherds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranks 11 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 6564 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, 636 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and how common these diseases are in Rhodesian Ridgebacks relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Shiloh Shepherd Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Shiloh Shepherd ranks 39 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 740 Shiloh Shepherds, 3 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Shiloh Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Shiloh Shepherds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Rhodesian Ridgeback and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd:
| Disease | Rhodesian Ridgeback Rank | Shiloh Shepherd Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid problems | 11 out of 115 dog breeds | 97 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | 15 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 31 out of 70 dog breeds | 40 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | 32 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 48 out of 159 dog breeds | 39 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 56 out of 144 dog breeds | 52 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 97 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 102 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 168 out of 198 dog breeds | 42 out of 198 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: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiloh Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shiloh Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.
Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Shiloh Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Shiloh Shepherds?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiloh Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shiloh Shepherd?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiloh Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiloh Shepherd that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shiloh Shepherd:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Rhodesian Ridgeback and how the Shiloh Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and of the Shiloh Shepherd to other breeds:
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Welsh Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Schipperke Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Westiepoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Maremma Sheepdog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Afghan Hound Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Labrador Retriever Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bouvier des Flandres Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Schnoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bernese Mountain Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sloughi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chi-Poo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Goldador Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Akita Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lowchen Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Irish Wolfhound Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Belgian Malinois Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cavapoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Westiepoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Estrela Mountain Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Saluki Rhodesian Ridgeback versus English Setter Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Pit Bull Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Biewer Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Black and Tan Coonhound
Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiloh Shepherd versus Shiba Inu Shiloh Shepherd versus Morkie Shiloh Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus American Staffordshire Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Cavapoo Shiloh Shepherd versus American Bulldog Shiloh Shepherd versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Shiloh Shepherd versus Shichon Shiloh Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz Shiloh Shepherd versus Mal Shi Shiloh Shepherd versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Shiloh Shepherd versus French Spaniel Shiloh Shepherd versus Beaglier Shiloh Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog Shiloh Shepherd versus Norfolk Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Shiloh Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano Shiloh Shepherd versus Toy Fox Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Rottweiler Shiloh Shepherd versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Shiloh Shepherd versus Bedlington Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier Shiloh Shepherd versus Tibetan Spaniel Shiloh Shepherd versus Cavapoo
Conclusion: Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiloh Shepherd better suits you and your family.