Shiloh Shepherd
Shiloh
The Shiloh Shepherd surpasses the German Shepherd in size and has been intentionally bred to enhance hip health. This breed is still in development, with roots tracing back to both the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute. Renowned for their composed nature and self-assurance, Shiloh Shepherds are wonderful companions, marked by their amiable personalities and deep loyalty to their families. They possess a serious demeanor and high intelligence, showcasing notable bravery and fidelity. As a larger breed, they thrive on family engagement and take pleasure in being part of everyday activities. These dogs are quick to learn and respond positively to training, making early socialization and consistent, fair direction crucial for unlocking their full potential as companions. Their impressive stature and somewhat 'wolf-like' look enable them to serve as effective guard dogs, capable of deterring potential intruders. Shiloh Shepherds have coats that can range from smooth to plush, and they do shed regularly. This active breed needs plenty of exercise and enjoys a good workout. They relish challenges, making them ideal candidates for training and agility courses. Children will find this affectionate, teddy bear-like dog irresistible, and in return, they will receive steadfast love and loyalty from their Shiloh Shepherd.
Breed Origin
The Shiloh Shepherd is a dog breed that continues to evolve. Tina Barber, a passionate German Shepherd aficionado from the United States, began breeding these dogs in the 1960s, aiming to return to the traditional, larger type of Shepherds. Driven by her affection for the breed, she spent a decade bringing her vision of these classic Shepherds to life. These dogs not only surpassed the typical German Shepherd in size but also boasted sturdier hips and enhanced musculature, which helped alleviate the hip dysplasia issues that affected some German Shepherds. In the 1990s, Barber chose to separate her breed from the American Kennel Club and carefully created a registry specifically for the Shiloh Shepherd. The breed's ancestry is believed to include both the Alaskan Malamute and the German Shepherd. The International Shiloh Shepherd Registry Inc. was officially established in 1991, although there are now several registries for Shiloh Shepherds. Designed to be more serene, larger, and family-friendly, the Shiloh Shepherd is derived from German Shepherd lines and displays a more 'wolf-like' appearance than both King and German Shepherds. Tina Barber successfully brought her vision for the Shiloh Shepherd to fruition, and we can expect further advancements in this breed. The true success of any new breed often becomes apparent over time, but with the Shiloh's attractive looks and gentle nature, this remarkable breed is well-positioned to emerge as a prominent contender in the canine world.
Breed Appearance
At first sight, the Shiloh Shepherd may appear somewhat stocky, but they actually exhibit a remarkably balanced physique. Their strong, sturdy back is paired with powerful, muscular hips, culminating in a long, bushy tail that is adorned with thick fur, resembling a flowing plume. This breed comes in two distinct coat types: smooth and plush. The plush variety features a dense undercoat along with a medium-length outer layer, often highlighted by a prominent mane around the neck and shoulders. On the other hand, the smooth coat is medium in length, thick, and has a slightly coarse feel. However, it is the dog's face that truly draws attention. With a wolf-like appearance, they possess a broad, noble head, sharply defined cheekbones, and a tapered muzzle. Their ears are erect and attentive, with fringed edges. The deep amber eyes reflect a calm yet vigilant nature, and many individuals sport unique black markings or masks on their faces, which further enhance their charm.
Care Routine
The Shiloh Shepherd, particularly the smooth-coated variety, requires minimal grooming to maintain its appealing look, while the plush-coated version demands regular brushing to keep its fur clean and tangle-free. Regardless of the coat type, these dogs are known for consistent shedding, which tends to increase during seasonal changes, especially in spring. It’s wise to have a vacuum handy during this period! Daily brushing can greatly lessen the amount of hair in your home, a small price to pay for such a devoted companion. Generally, a Shiloh Shepherd only needs a bath once or twice a year to maintain the natural oils in its skin that help keep its coat shiny. Grooming sessions also serve as a perfect time to check for any cuts, matting, or parasites like fleas and ticks, as well as to monitor for ear infections. Aim to brush your Shiloh's teeth two to three times a week for fresh breath, and a quick trim of their nails will keep them well-groomed. This delightful, large breed enjoys the attention that grooming brings.
Behavior & Temperament
The Shiloh Shepherd is often seen as the gentle giant of the canine world, celebrated for its steadfast loyalty and loving nature. These dogs typically possess a friendly and self-assured personality, making them quite sociable. However, they can adopt a serious demeanor when assessing potential threats. Their impressive size often serves as a natural deterrent to unwanted visitors, negating the need for aggressive behavior. In truth, Shiloh Shepherds are exceptionally calm and gentle, especially given their large frame. As ideal companions, they maintain a serene presence indoors while exhibiting a lively and playful energy outdoors. Their high intelligence allows them to learn swiftly, making them suitable for various roles such as police work, search and rescue, and therapy assistance, all thanks to their friendly disposition. They thrive on being involved in family activities and appreciate being part of everyday life. A well-socialized and properly trained Shiloh Shepherd is not only approachable and friendly but can also be taught to walk nicely on a leash without pulling. Regular exercise and family engagement are crucial for their happiness, and in return, they provide steadfast loyalty and affection. With their charming "cuddly bear" look, calm nature, and compatibility with families and other pets, the Shiloh Shepherd is well-positioned to become a cherished choice for dog lovers.
Play & Exercise
The Shiloh Shepherd is a remarkable and large breed that requires regular exercise and mentally engaging activities to stimulate their keen minds. While they are generally calm indoors, they truly flourish in outdoor environments. This breed is ideally suited for homes with ample yard space, allowing them to explore freely. Shilohs make fantastic companions for various activities such as walking, biking, or running. Their all-weather coats enable them to adapt well to both cold and warm climates, providing excellent insulation. Naturally playful, Shilohs are delightful playmates for children, exhibiting a gentle and loving nature while also enjoying vigorous games with older kids. Activities like fetching, chasing, and swimming are integral to their ideal lifestyle. Furthermore, the Shiloh Shepherd is highly trainable and thrives on learning, quickly mastering new commands and challenges.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
3.0 Cups
Daily Activity
120 Minutes
Average Lifespan
13 Years
Origin
1990
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Giant
Origin Country
United States
Brush Frequency
Daily
Coat Texture
Straight
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Height & Weight
Weight
103 lbs (47 kg)Male: 115 lbs (52 kg) , Female: 90 lbs (41 kg)
Height
28 inches (71 sm)Male: 29 inches (74 sm) , Female: 27 inches (69 sm)
6 Months
23 lbs ( m 23 lbs, f 23 lbs )
15 inches ( m 15 inches, f 15 inches )
12 Months
47 lbs ( m 47 lbs, f 47 lbs )
22 inches ( m 22 inches, f 22 inches )
18 Months
82 lbs ( m 82 lbs, f 82 lbs )
26 inches ( m 26 inches, f 26 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Amber
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Brown
Silver
Red
Pied
Gray
Black
