Why you Should Get the Border Collie Instead of the Shiloh Shepherd.

Last Updated: Mar 09, 2022

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Border Collie Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

Note that the border collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth-coat border collie and the rough-coat border collie. Read our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

Finally, just like the border collie, the collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough collie and the smooth collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Border Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd

Border Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Border Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Border Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Collie 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 Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd

FactorBorder CollieShiloh Shepherd
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Life Span12 to 15 years9 to 14 years
Height18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder26 to 30 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living2/51/5
Good For Novice Owners2/52/5
General Health2/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/52/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Does NOT Shed3/52/5
Easy To Groom3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/52/5
Low Prey Drive3/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/52/5
Weight30 to 45 pounds80 to 130 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather4/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Kid-Friendly4/55/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/55/5
Easy To Train5/55/5
Intelligence5/55/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years11.5 years
Average Price$1000No Data
Price Range$600 – $1250No Data
Temperament Score82.4 percent80.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Congenital Deafness
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination, recommended annually until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
  • Shoulders
  • TNS Info
  • Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Collie 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 Border Collie is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiloh Shepherd is 82 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Shiloh Shepherd, we still believe that the Border Collie is a better pet than the Shiloh Shepherd.

    This is because Border Collies are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Border Collie will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Border Collie :-). We are for the Border Collie. So get a Border Collie!

    Border Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Border Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

    Border Collies weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Border Collies are 18 to 22 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.

    Here is our article on Border Collie size, Border Collie growth, and Border Collie weight.

    Lifespan of Border Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd

    The lifespan of Border Collies is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Collies 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.

    Border Collies live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.

    Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie lifespan and how long Border Collie live.

    Border Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Temperament of the Shiloh Shepherd Versus the Border Collie

    The Border Collie has a better temperament than the Shiloh Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Border Collie is 82.4 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 82.4 percent, the Border Collie 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 Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 312 Border Collies and 26 Shiloh Shepherds.

    Border Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

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

    13 health tests are recommended for Border Collie while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

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

    Border Collie Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Congenital Deafness
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination, recommended annually until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
  • Shoulders
  • TNS Info
  • Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Border Collies 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 Border Collies 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 Border Collie Breed is Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis problems.

    This is because the Border Collie ranks 2 out of 3 dog breeds for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 102 Border Collies, 1 of them had Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis problems.

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

  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis problems: Rank 2 out of 3 Dog Breeds
  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 11 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 13 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Shoulder problems: Rank 14 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 30 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 49 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 116 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 117 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 132 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 135 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 Border Collie and in Shiloh Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Border Collie and the Shiloh Shepherd:

    `
    Disease Border Collie Rank Shiloh Shepherd Rank
    Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis problems 2 out of 3 dog breeds Not Common
    Baer Hearing Test problems 11 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 13 out of 70 dog breeds 40 out of 70 dog breeds
    Shoulder problems 14 out of 22 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 30 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 49 out of 115 dog breeds 97 out of 115 dog breeds
    Hips problems 116 out of 198 dog breeds 42 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 117 out of 144 dog breeds 52 out of 144 dog breeds
    Patella problems 132 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 135 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 39 out of 159 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: Border Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Border Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Border Collies shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

    Border Collies shed moderately.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Border Collies, and on how to groom a Border Collie

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Border Collies are moderately easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Border Collie, check out our article on how to groom a Border Collie.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Border Collie here.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

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

    Border Collies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Border Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Border Collie make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Border Collie temperament here.

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

    Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Border Collies are very easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Border Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and Shiloh Shepherds?

    Border Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Border Collies 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 Border Collies Bark and Howl? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

    Border Collies 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 Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. Shiloh Shepherd

    Border Collies have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Border Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Collies can tolerate hot weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Border Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Border Collies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Border Collies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Border Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Border Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Shiloh Shepherd. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Border Collie to other breeds:

    Border Collie versus Siberian Husky     Border Collie versus Field Spaniel     Border Collie versus Berger Picard     Border Collie versus Bolognese     Border Collie versus Beagle     Border Collie versus Keeshond     Border Collie versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Border Collie versus Tibetan Terrier     Border Collie versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Border Collie versus American Foxhound     Border Collie versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Border Collie versus Papipoo     Border Collie versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Border Collie versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Border Collie versus French Spaniel     Border Collie versus Shiloh Shepherd     Border Collie versus Ibizan Hound     

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