A Detailed Comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier.

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Shiloh Shepherd Versus Welsh Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier 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 Shiloh Shepherd and for the Welsh Terrier. 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 Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier.

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

Shiloh Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Welsh 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.

Shiloh Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shiloh Shepherd to the Welsh Terrier 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 Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier

Factor Shiloh Shepherd Welsh Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Height 26 to 30 inches 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 80 to 130 pounds Up to 20 pounds
Life Span 9 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $1350 – $3834
Average Price No Data $2510
Temperament Score 80.8 percent 76.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shiloh Shepherd 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 Welsh Terrier. 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 Shiloh Shepherd is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Welsh Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiloh Shepherd is a better pet than the Welsh Terrier. 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 Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

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

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

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

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

  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier 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 Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Shiloh Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier

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

    Shiloh Shepherds weigh 80 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Shiloh Shepherds are 26 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Welsh Terriers weigh Up to 20 pounds when fully grown. Welsh Terriers are 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Shiloh Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Welsh Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Welsh Terriers is 12.0 years.

    Welsh Terriers live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.

    Temperament of the Welsh Terrier Versus the Shiloh Shepherd

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 80.8 percent while the temperament score for the Welsh Terrier is 76.3 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 80.8 percent, the Shiloh Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 76.3 percent, the Welsh Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 26 Shiloh Shepherds and 38 Welsh Terriers.

    Health Problems of Shiloh Shepherd versus Health Problems of Welsh Terrier

    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 Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier.

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

    4 health tests are recommended for Shiloh Shepherd while 2 tests are recommended for the Welsh Terrier.

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

    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.

    Welsh Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Welsh Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Shiloh Shepherds and Welsh Terriers

    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
  • 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 Welsh Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.

    This is because the Welsh Terrier ranks 14 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 365 Welsh Terriers, 1 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.

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

  • Primary Lens Luxation problems: Rank 14 out of 17 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 24 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 89 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 108 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Shiloh Shepherd and in Welsh Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier:

    Disease Shiloh Shepherd Rank Welsh Terrier Rank
    Congenital Cardiac problems 39 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 40 out of 70 dog breeds 24 out of 70 dog breeds
    Hips problems 42 out of 198 dog breeds 89 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 52 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 97 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Primary Lens Luxation problems Not Common 14 out of 17 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 108 out of 145 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: Shiloh Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Welsh Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Shiloh Shepherds shed more than Welsh Terriers?

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

    Welsh Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Shiloh Shepherd or the Welsh Terrier

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

    Welsh Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Welsh Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Welsh Terriers 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.

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

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

    Welsh Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shiloh Shepherd vs. Welsh Terrier

    Shiloh Shepherds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Welsh Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Welsh Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Shiloh Shepherds and Welsh Terriers?

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

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

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

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Welsh Terriers are fairly easy to train.

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

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Welsh Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Shiloh Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Welsh Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    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 Welsh Terrier vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (79 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Welsh Terrier vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Welsh Terrier

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

  • Jack Russell Terrier (79 percent match with Welsh Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Jack Russell Terrier.
  • Stabyhoun (76 percent match with Welsh Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Shiloh Shepherd vs Stabyhoun.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Shiba Inu     Shiloh Shepherd versus Clumber Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Bordoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus German Pinscher     Shiloh Shepherd versus Berger Picard     Shiloh Shepherd versus Cairn Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer     Shiloh Shepherd versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Plott     Shiloh Shepherd versus English Springer Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Shiloh Shepherd versus Great Pyrenees     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pomeranian     Shiloh Shepherd versus Redbone Coonhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pyredoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Golden Retriever     Shiloh Shepherd versus Skye Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Belgian Malinois     Shiloh Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli     Shiloh Shepherd versus Siberian Husky     Shiloh Shepherd versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Norwegian Lundehund     Shiloh Shepherd versus Irish Water Spaniel     

    Welsh Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Welsh Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Welsh Terrier versus Boerboel     Welsh Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Welsh Terrier versus Cavachon     Welsh Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Welsh Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Welsh Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Welsh Terrier versus Border Collie     Welsh Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Welsh Terrier versus Pointer     Welsh Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Welsh Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     Welsh Terrier versus Irish Setter     Welsh Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Welsh Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Welsh Terrier versus Canaan Dog     Welsh Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     Welsh Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Welsh Terrier versus Whippet     Welsh Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Welsh Terrier versus Pomsky     Welsh Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Welsh Terrier versus Borzoi     Welsh Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Welsh Terrier versus Mastiff     

    Conclusion: Shiloh Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier. 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 Shiloh Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier better suits you and your family.