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What is a
Shiloh Shepherd?
Please read
our
History!
Shiloh Shepherds
originated from AKC German Shepherds, with the addition of a
malamute/white shepherd outcross in the early 90's. However, the
Shiloh is still a breed in development, and most registries are
trying to add depth to the gene pool by bringing in outcrosses.
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How are
Shiloh Shepherds different from German Shepherds (GSD's)?
Shilohs and GSD's
share high intelligence, problem solving ability, and loyalty to
their owners. Physically, Shilohs are larger than GSD's, and lack
the sloping topline and extreme angulation seen in many American
GSD's. Behaviorally, Shilohs tend to have lower prey and play drives
than GSD's. Of course this is a generalization, as some line have
more drive than others. There are some Shilohs involved in SAR,
therapy dog, agility, service dog, and obedience work, but in
general are more suited to being companion dogs as opposed to
working dogs.
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How big do
they get?
Males range in
size from 28- 30" and weigh approximately 100-120 lbs.
Females range in
size from 26-28" and weigh approximately 75-100lbs.
Keep in mind
that size is measured at the top of the shoulder, not the top of the
head, and that they are usually longer than they are tall.
*** The above
sizes are an HONEST average. The sizes listed in the breed
standard are the sizes that are strived for/hoped for, but are NOT
the normal.
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Are all longhaired
shepherds Shiloh Shepherds?
No. The gene for
the plush coat is present in GSD's. However it is considered a fault
and most breeders do not select for the trait.
The plush coat is
the most common variety of Shiloh Shepherd, however there is also a smooth coated
variety.
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Do they
shed?
Yes!!!
Shilohs have a
double coat- a harsh outer coat with a soft downy undercoat.
Sometimes the smooth coat lacks an undercoat. The smooth coats seem
to shed a bit more, but that is not to say the plush coats don't
shed...and the hair is longer. If you can't stand dog hair on your
belongings this is not the breed for you! However a weekly grooming
session usually keeps the hair under control. The dog will go
through a massive shedding called "blowing their coat" twice a
year, during the spring and fall. Unaltered females will also blow
their coats after each heat cycle.
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How old do
they get?
The average
lifespan for a Shiloh Shepherd is 10-12 years.
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How do I
find a breeder?
Do your
research!!!! Check out different breeders. Ask for
references. Ask about health testing, temperament, guarantees,
and how they raise their puppies. Find a breeder that you are
comfortable with and that answers your questions honestly.
See our breeders page:
TSSR Breeders
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 How much
exercise do they need?
Shiloh pups
exercise themselves and take naps often. As they grow they need
muscular activity to develop properly- but will become couch
potatoes if you let them. Exercise develops coordination, muscular
fluidity, and tightness. Running, walking, swimming, and fetching
are good methods Some lines are more active than others- be sure and
ask your breeder about their dog's activity level.
It is important to
know the amount and the type of exercise to do for the age of your
dog. One must start slow and increase accordingly. A puppy's first
year is closely parallel to a persons; a puppy that is one month is
equal to a child of one year, two months equals two years, and so
on. Never expect more from you puppy than you would from a child at
the same age level. They don't become a full adult until 3 years
of age, before this time, they are still developing their bones and
muscles.
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Are they
recognized by the AKC?
No. In 1991 the
breed founder and some satellite kennels decided to separate from
the AKC to form a new breed- Shiloh Shepherds, named after the
kennel of origin. We are recognized by several rare breed show
organizations including ARBA and FORB.
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Why are
there so many registries?
It's a long
story...
The original
club (SSDCA) ran into financial difficulties and after several
attempts to rectify them, the breed founder decided to shut down the
club, and asked that a new one be started (ISSDC). Right before
the SSDCA was to permanently close, the breed founder changed her
mind and the SSDCA remained open. However, many people chose to go
forward with the new club, hoping to avoid the problems they had
encountered in the past. Unfortunately, the ISSDC was plagued with
political strife, and eventually split into three main registries
SSBA, NSBA, and TSSR. Each registry has their own set of
rules. Copies of TSSR rules can be found by going to
Forms.
***Since
2005 a club under the ISSDC banner has been established and is
working very hard to pull all the registries together under one
club. Information on the new ISSDC can be found at:
http://www.shilohs.org
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What kinds
of health problems are common in the breed?
Health problems in
Shilohs are much like the health problems in German Shepherds and
other large breed dogs including: hip dysplasia, pancreatic
insufficiency,
hypothyroidism, bloat/torsion, mitral valve murmurs, SAS, and
allergies.
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 Are Shiloh Shepherds good with
kids/ small animals?
Shiloh Shepherds
can make wonderful family companions. They do well with children and
other small pets but need supervision until they are grown. Shilohs
grow very quickly and can outweigh small children well before they
reach 6 months old.
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Are Shiloh Shepherds easy to
train?
Shiloh
Shepherds are eager to please and learn very quickly with
repetition, consistency, and positive reinforcement. As with any
large dog, socialization and basic obedience training is essential
to having your own canine good citizen. There are Shilohs who go
on to compete in obedience, and some have gone to be Service Dogs as
well as work in Search and Rescue.
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 Is there a difference
between males and females?
Physically, males
are larger than the females. As far as temperament, the guys tend
to be more outgoing with strangers, with the females more reserved,
and more territorial. Not to say they are unfriendly, but that they
like to take their time before making a new best friend. Females
are also more obedient and are a little more sensitive to the moods
of their human family. Both make excellent companions.
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