Is the Shiba Inu Better than the Shiloh Shepherd as a Pet? Answer…

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Shiba Inu Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

Shiba Inu versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Shiba Inu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Shiba Inu versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd

Factor Shiba Inu Shiloh Shepherd
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 9 to 14 years
Height 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 30 inches
Weight 17 to 23 pounds 80 to 130 pounds
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2130 No Data
Price Range $1600 – $2500 No Data
Temperament Score 67.9 percent 80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu is 82 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 not better or worse than the Shiba Inu. So, you can get the Shiloh Shepherd or the Shiba Inu!

    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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Shiba Inus are not easy to train. However, Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.
  • Shiba Inus adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
  • The Similarities Between the Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Shiba Inu versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

    Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 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 Shiba Inu versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.

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

    Shiba Inus live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.

    Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Shiloh Shepherd

    The Shiloh Shepherd has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.

    This is because the temperament score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 80.8 percent while the temperament score for the Shiba Inu is 67.9 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 67.9 percent, the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 28 Shiba Inus and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

    Health Problems of Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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 more genetic health problems than the Shiba Inu.

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Shiba Inu while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

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

    Shiba Inu Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu Breed is Dentition Database problems.

    This is because the Shiba Inu ranks 22 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 200 Shiba Inus, 12 of them had Dentition Database problems.

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

  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 22 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 31 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 53 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 91 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 141 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 170 out of 182 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 Shiba Inu and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Shiba Inu and the Shiloh Shepherd:

    Disease Shiba Inu Rank Shiloh Shepherd Rank
    Dentition Database problems 22 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 31 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 53 out of 144 dog breeds 52 out of 144 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 91 out of 115 dog breeds 97 out of 115 dog breeds
    Hips problems 141 out of 198 dog breeds 42 out of 198 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 170 out of 182 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

    *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: Shiba Inu versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shiba Inus shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shiba Inu or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Shiba Inu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Shiba Inus Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shiba Inu vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Shiba Inus good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inus and Shiloh Shepherds?

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Shiba Inu Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Shiba Inu Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu

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

  • Manchester Terrier (72 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (74 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • 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 Shiba Inu vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (79 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Shiba Inu vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiba Inu versus Schnoodle     Shiba Inu versus Standard Poodle     Shiba Inu versus Catahoula Bulldog     Shiba Inu versus Bedlington Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Miniature Pinscher     Shiba Inu versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Karelian Bear Dog     Shiba Inu versus Portuguese Pointer     Shiba Inu versus Shetland Sheepdog     Shiba Inu versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shiba Inu versus Pyredoodle     Shiba Inu versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shiba Inu versus Great Dane     Shiba Inu versus Bull Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Komondor     Shiba Inu versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Shiba Inu versus German Pinscher     Shiba Inu versus Gordon Setter     Shiba Inu versus Tibetan Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Ibizan Hound     Shiba Inu versus Scottish Deerhound     Shiba Inu versus Silky Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Stabyhoun     Shiba Inu versus Plott     Shiba Inu versus Chi-Poo     

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Beaglier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pointer     Shiloh Shepherd versus Coton de Tulear     Shiloh Shepherd versus American Bulldog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Redbone Coonhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Bearded Collie     Shiloh Shepherd versus Bordoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Shiranian     Shiloh Shepherd versus Bordoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Morkie     Shiloh Shepherd versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer     Shiloh Shepherd versus Westiepoo     Shiloh Shepherd versus Samoyed     Shiloh Shepherd versus Irish Setter     Shiloh Shepherd versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shiloh Shepherd versus Schipperke     Shiloh Shepherd versus Shiranian     Shiloh Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Mountain Cur     Shiloh Shepherd versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shiloh Shepherd versus Irish Wolfhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog     

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