The Shiloh Shepherd is an intelligent companion dog who responds well to training. Their gentle personality makes them excellent service dogs or therapy dogs. They’re very similar in appearance to a German Shepherd Dogs, but larger.
The Shiloh Shepherd has a combination of a few breeds in their genetic makeup that include the Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd Dog. This big pooch is a softie and often described as affectionate and loving.
Shiloh Shepherds are super smart and will do a variety of jobs that include flock guarding, child companion, police dog, search and rescue work, guide dog, and much more. They get along great with other dogs, but early socialization is an important factor for raising a friendly, sociable dog.
Shiloh Shepherds need plenty of exercise and room to stretch their legs. A house with a big yard would be an ideal living situation for this sweet pup. They would thrive in single person home or with a big family. Provided that they have a job to do, get daily exercise and stimulation, they will become very happy.
PetsCareTip recommends this big, spacious crate to give your big Shiloh Shepherd a place to rest and relax. You should also pick up this dog de-shedder for your high shedding pup!
See below for complete list of Shiloh Shepherd dog breed facts and traits!
Shiloh Shepherd Dog Breed Pictures
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 80 to 130 pounds
Life Span: 9 to 14 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- Shiloh Shepherd coats come in a variety of colors that include black, brown, silver, gray, red, and pied. Their coats are usually a combination of two or more colours.
- While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. One good, daily brushing should do with other grooming as needed.
- Shiloh Shepherds have medium to high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, which will help keep them fit.
- Shiloh Shepherds get along great with children of all ages, especially those they've been raised with. They are often called gentle giants because they are patient and sweet with kids.
- Shiloh Shepherds are nice to strangers and can get along well with dogs and other household pets, including cats.
- Shiloh Shepherds like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become bored, depressed, and frustrated, that may result in unwanted behaviors.
History
The Shiloh Shepherd dog breed was developed in New York in the 1970s by German Shepherd enthusiast, Tina Barber, and became officially recognized as a breed in 1990.
The Shiloh Shepherd has a combination of German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute in their genetic makeup. The developer wanted to create a dog similar to the German Shepherd, but larger in size and with a softer and more gentle nature.
The Shiloh Shepherd is currently acknowledged by:
- ACA = American Canine Association
- APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
- ARBA = American Rare Breed Association
- DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- ISSR = International Shiloh Shepherd Registry
- NKC = National Kennel Club
- NSBR = National Shiloh Breed's Registry
- SSBA = Shiloh Shepherd Breeders Association
- TSSR = The Shiloh Shepherd Registry
The Shiloh Shepherd is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. While not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), they do have a breed standard.
Females should be 26 to 28 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh 80 to 100 pounds. Males should be 28 to 30 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh 100 to 130 pounds.
However, many dogs may be smaller or larger than average because of their breed and not fit within the standards.
Personality
Shiloh Shepherds make excellent family companions. They are highly versatile and may do many jobs, including service, therapy, guide, and watchdog. They love hanging out with their families and doing what ever they are carrying out. Hiking, biking, frisbee--you name it, they will want to join in the fun.
The Shiloh Shepherd is intelligent and trainable, which makes them capable of learning any task. Positive re-enforcement works best when it comes to training.
Coat Color And Grooming
Shiloh Shepherd coats can be found in a number of colors that include black, brown, silver, gray, red, and pied. Give the Shiloh Shepherd a sense of purpose, and this performg will be very happy.
Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become bored, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors.
Shilohs are very active when they're outdoors. When indoors, they're calm and will enjoy hanging out with their family, watching movies or doing whatever their loved ones is doing.
Health
The Shiloh Shepherd breed is predisposed to some health conditions. While most are generally healthy, some could be prone to a few health issues, which is why it will be important to maintain good care usually and regular veterinary checkups.
Some of the more common health problems Shiloh Shepherd's suffer from include:
- Panosteidis
- Megaesophagus
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Perianal Fistula
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Shiloh Shepherd's regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine which will keep your dog healthy.
Shiloh Shepherds are prone to weight gain. Choose a high quality food and stick to a feeding schedule. Make sure your dog gets at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, which will help keep them fit.
Size
The Shiloh Shepherd is really a relatively new breed of dog. Trim your dog's nails beregardinge they get too long--usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
One of the toughest jobs when caring for any animal is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times per week. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog's teeth properly.
You'll need to take special care if you're raising a Shiloh Shepherd puppy. Don't let your puppy run and play on very hard surfaces such as pavement until they're at least two years old and their joints are fully formed. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with one-inch jumps.
Shiloh Shepherds should be given one mentally challenging task each day to help keep them stimulated. You do not want a dog to become bored and restless. Keep them busy, and you'll keep them happy. Teach them a new trick! They love learning new stuff.
Feeding
An ideal Shiloh Shepherd diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with moderate to high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they're overfed, which means you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well.
As with all dogs, the Shiloh Shepherd's dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Shiloh Shepherd's diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs--including weight, energy, and health--to make a specific recommendation. They prefer to work and need to have employment to do, whether big or small. Their coats generally are a combination of two or more shades.
They usually have medium-length, normal density, straight coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. One good, daily brushing should help to keep their hair out of the house.
This dog is very popular in Canada due to their all-weather coats.
They have a double coat which will shed quite a bit. They also shed more heavily on a seasonal basis, that will require extra brushing. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. See if a RoboVac is right for you!
Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many Shiloh Shepherds absolutely love to run and play in the snow. They may also love to splash around in water during the summer. Do not clip their coats though. Their double coat helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Remember they're an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Bathing is recommended only as needed with a mild shampoo, as too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils.
Children And Other Pets
Shiloh Shepherds make wonderful family watchdogs. Their size is intimidating, but they are not aggressive. They get along great with children of all ages, especially those they've been rais usuallyed with. They are generally called gentle giants because they are patient and sweet with kids.
As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while they're eating or sleeping or to try to take the canine's food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
Shiloh Shepherds are nice to strangers and will get along well with dogs and other household pets, including cats. Early socialization can be an important factor for developing a social dog.
Rescue Groups
Some people purchase Shiloh Shepherds without understanding the breed or what goes into raising and caring for such a large, energetic dog. Because of this, many Shiloh Shepherds may end up in the care of shelters and rescue groups.
Rescues for Shiloh Shepherds may be hard to come by, but sometimes German Shepherd Dog rescues will also care for Shiloh Shepherds. If you're looking to adopt, here are some breed specific rescues you can try:
- International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club - Rescue and Rehome
- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC)