Shiloh Shepherd Dog Breed Full Information For You…

Tina Barber, a renowned canine trainer specializing in German Shepherds, observed the challenges faced by average families in handling these dogs. Motivated by this insight, she embarked on a journey to create a new breed known as the Shiloh Shepherd, tailored to be larger, calmer, and more manageable than its German Shepherd counterparts.

Drawing from a diverse range of herding and working breeds, including the German Shepherd, Sarplaninac, Malamute, Canadian White Shepherd, and Altdeutscher Schaeferhunde, among others, Barber carefully crafted the Shiloh Shepherd. This innovative breed was designed to offer families a gentler and more cooperative canine companion.

The International Shiloh Shepherd Alliance elaborates on the breed’s lineage and characteristics on its official website, highlighting the meticulous breeding efforts undertaken by Barber to establish the Shiloh Shepherd as a distinctive and desirable breed.

• Weight: 80–160 lb
• Height: 26–32 in
• Lifespan: 9–13 yr
• Breed Group: Herding

Breed Characteristics

However, if I were considering a Shiloh Shepherd, several crucial factors would give me pause.

First and foremost, ensuring ample exercise and mental stimulation is paramount. While Shiloh Shepherds don’t require extensive running sessions, they do need regular opportunities to release their energy and engage in stimulating activities. Otherwise, they may become bored and resort to destructive behaviors such as excessive chewing. Their intelligence is best utilized when they have meaningful tasks to tackle.

Additionally, providing sufficient socialization is essential. Shiloh Shepherds need exposure to a variety of friendly people to learn proper social etiquette. Without this exposure, they may develop excessive skittishness or anxiety, especially in unfamiliar situations.

It’s also important to be aware of potential implicit aggression towards other animals. While most Shiloh Shepherds coexist peacefully with other pets in the household, some individuals may exhibit dominance or aggression towards unfamiliar animals of the same sex.

Another consideration is the heavy shedding characteristic of Shiloh Shepherds, regardless of coat length. Short-coated Shilohs may shed more noticeably, depositing hair on furniture and clothing, while long-coated Shilohs require regular grooming to prevent matting and excessive shedding. Unfortunately, many Shiloh Shepherds end up in rescue organizations due to owners’ inability to manage their shedding.

Navigating the landscape of Shiloh Shepherd clubs and breeders can also be challenging, as various organizations may have differing standards and agendas. Political infighting among breeders further complicates the process of finding a reputable source.

Lastly, like their German Shepherd counterparts, Shiloh Shepherds are prone to a range of health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow problems, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin conditions. Prospective owners should thoroughly research the breed’s health concerns before committing to ownership.

In summary, while the Shiloh Shepherd can be a wonderful companion, potential owners must carefully consider and prepare for the breed’s specific needs and challenges.

Shiloh Shepherd Dog History

The lineage of the Shiloh Shepherd Dog can be traced back to Tina Barber, who initiated her breeding efforts in 1991 in New York. Influenced by the remarkable size, temperament, and intelligence of the German Shepherds bred by her grandmother, Tina embarked on a mission to create her ideal breed.

Through meticulous selective breeding, Tina diverged from the contemporary standards of the German Shepherd, aiming for a larger size, straight tails, and a more docile, steady temperament.

Her breeding program involved crossing her German Shepherd dogs with Malamutes, as well as incorporating lines from White Shepherds selectively bred for an American television show. Additionally, she introduced working Czech German Shepherd lines and dogs believed to have ancestry from Altdeutscher Schäferhunde, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, and Sarplaninac breeds.

These strategic crossbreeding efforts enabled Tina to refine key characteristics of the Shiloh Shepherd while ensuring the preservation of overall genetic health within the breeding pool.

The American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) was the first organization to officially recognize this newly developed breed. However, despite this initial recognition, the Shiloh Shepherd remains relatively uncommon and has yet to receive acknowledgment from major international breed registries.

Appearance

The Shiloh Shepherd bears a striking resemblance to the German Shepherd, albeit with some notable differences. They are larger and possess a straighter back compared to their German counterparts. Despite these differences, they retain the keen intelligence characteristic of the German Shepherd, with a distinctive domed head.

In terms of size, Shiloh Shepherds can vary significantly. Males typically weigh between 140 to 160 lbs, while females range from 100 to 120 lbs. Height-wise, males typically stand between 28 to 30 inches tall, whereas females are slightly shorter, ranging from 26 to 28 inches in height.

Shiloh Shepherd Dog Temperament

The Shiloh Shepherd’s gentle and even-tempered nature makes it an ideal choice for families. Shilohs are known for their friendly personalities and ability to bond well with other pets and children.

They thrive on companionship and enjoy engaging in various activities with their human companions, whether it’s work, play, or simply spending quality time together. However, being highly social animals, they may experience discomfort if left alone for extended periods.

Their calm demeanor and affable nature also make Shiloh Shepherds well-suited for roles as therapy and service dogs, where their innate ability to connect with people can be highly beneficial.

Personality

Shiloh Shepherds are exceptional family companions, versatile in their abilities to fulfill various roles such as service, therapy, companionship, and watchdog duties. They eagerly participate in family activities and enjoy joining in on adventures like hiking, biking, or playing frisbee.

With their high intelligence and trainability, Shiloh Shepherds excel in learning new tasks. Positive reinforcement is the most effective approach to training them, as they thrive on mental stimulation and having a sense of purpose. Whether it’s a big task or a small one, they appreciate having a job to do.

It’s important not to leave them alone for extended periods, as they can become bored, lonely, and frustrated, leading to undesirable behaviors. When outdoors, they exhibit high levels of activity, but indoors, they are calm and content to spend time with their family, whether it’s watching TV or participating in household activities.

Health

The Shiloh Shepherd breed is predisposed to certain health conditions. While most individuals are typically robust, some may be susceptible to various health issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize proper care and regular veterinary examinations.

Among the more prevalent health concerns that Shiloh Shepherds may experience are:

Health problems

Certain health issues can be inherited. For instance, if a canine inherits genes for an eye condition like PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) from its parents, it may develop blindness, and unfortunately, there is no remedy for this outcome.

Care

Like all dogs, it’s important to keep up with regular veterinary appointments for your Shiloh Shepherd to catch any potential health issues early. Your veterinarian can assist you in establishing a care routine to maintain your dog’s overall health.

Shiloh Shepherds are prone to weight gain, so it’s essential to feed them high-quality food on a consistent schedule and ensure they receive at least 60 minutes of exercise daily to help them stay in shape.

Regularly check your dog’s ears for debris and pests, cleaning them as advised by your veterinarian. Trim your dog’s nails regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort. Your groomer can provide assistance with this task.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for your Shiloh Shepherd’s overall health. Aim to brush their teeth at least three times a week, and consult your veterinarian for proper brushing techniques.

When raising a Shiloh Shepherd puppy, be cautious about allowing them to play on hard surfaces like pavement until they are at least two years old and their joints are fully developed. Instead, encourage play on softer surfaces like grass, and limit high-impact activities such as jumping.

To keep your Shiloh Shepherd mentally stimulated, provide them with a mentally challenging task each day to prevent boredom and restlessness. Engaging them in activities like learning new tricks can also help keep them happy and fulfilled.

Best Food For

• Orijen Six Fish Grain Free Dry Dog Food (All Breeds & Ages)
• Royal Canin Maxi Breed Junior Dry Puppy Food
• Farmina N&D Low Grain Medium & Maxi Breed Adult Dry Dog Food – Chicken & Pomegranate
• Pedigree Chicken & Vegetables Adult Dry Dog Food

Feeding

A balanced diet for a Shiloh Shepherd should be tailored to their large size and moderate to high energy levels. It’s important to prevent weight gain by adhering to a regular feeding schedule and avoiding leaving food out throughout the day. Additionally, limit the amount of treats given.

Just like with all dogs, the nutritional needs of a Shiloh Shepherd will evolve from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change as they age. Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations regarding your Shiloh Shepherd’s diet, as individual dogs vary significantly in factors such as weight, energy levels, and overall health.

Grooming

Shiloh Shepherds boast a range of coat colors, including black, brown, sable, silver, red, and piebald, often featuring a blend of two or more hues. Their coats typically exhibit medium-length, moderately dense, straight fur, which, although not ideal for allergy sufferers, is relatively easy to maintain. Regular brushing helps minimize shedding, while baths should be administered sparingly using a mild soap to preserve the natural oils of their coat.

With their double-layered coat, Shiloh Shepherds shed quite a bit, particularly during seasonal changes, necessitating extra grooming. A vacuum cleaner, or even a RoboVac, can be handy to manage the shedding. Their thick fur also provides insulation against extreme weather conditions, making them fond of frolicking in the snow or splashing in water during the summer. It’s important not to trim their coat, as their double-layered fur aids in regulating their body temperature, especially in warmer months. Despite their love for outdoor activities, Shiloh Shepherds are indoor dogs and should live inside with their families.

Due to their weather-resistant coats, Shiloh Shepherds are particularly popular in Canada, where their ability to withstand rainy conditions is highly valued.

Training

However, your Shiloh Shepherd may naturally assume the role of pack leader if given the opportunity. Employ gentle yet firm training methods with this intelligent breed to establish boundaries from a young age. Puppy socialization is crucial to aid in the development of a well-behaved adult dog.

Exercise

Shiloh Shepherds are athletic and highly intelligent dogs that require both physical and mental exercise on a daily basis. Engaging them in activities such as long walks, hikes, and local play sessions helps them expend their energy effectively.

Additionally, they thrive in canine sports like obedience, hunting and retrieval, agility, and herding, which provide them with opportunities to stimulate both their bodies and minds.

Adoption Center

Buying or Adopting a Shiloh Shepherd

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