Shiloh Shepherd, originating from New York in the 1970s, epitomises a breed adored for its intelligence, unwavering loyalty, and gentle disposition. This unique blend of German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute genetics, cultivated by dedicated enthusiasts, has garnered acclaim for its remarkable attributes.
With their captivating appearance and versatile abilities, Shiloh Shepherds have found their place playing various roles, ranging from service and therapy dogs to cherished family pets.
This comprehensive guide offers a captivating exploration into the world of Shiloh Shepherds, furnishing invaluable insights for prospective and current owners.
What is Shiloh Shepherd?
The Shiloh Shepherd, known for its intelligence, is an ideal companion that readily embraces training. With its gentle nature, it excels as a service or therapy dog. Bearing a striking resemblance to German Shepherds but with a larger stature, Shiloh Shepherds boast a genetic mix including the Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd Dog.
Despite their imposing size, these canines are soft-hearted and renowned for their affectionate disposition. Shiloh Shepherds are versatile workers, adept at tasks ranging from flock guarding to serving as companions for children. They also excel as police dogs, in search and rescue missions, as guide dogs, and more. While they typically get along well with other dogs, early socialisation is crucial for nurturing a friendly, sociable nature.
ALSO READ: Mini Golden Retriever: Cute dog that’s excellent for families, loyal to a fault
Adequate exercise and space are essential for these active dogs to thrive. Consideration of their care needs is vital before bringing a Shiloh Shepherd puppy into your home. Though they can adapt to apartment living, a spacious house with a large yard would be preferable for this affectionate canine. As long as they have a sense of purpose, regular exercise, and mental stimulation, they will lead contented lives.
When contemplating acquiring a Shiloh Shepherd, it is wise to consider adoption from rescue centres or shelters to offer a caring environment to a dog requiring a home. Alternatively, if opting to buy, selecting a trustworthy breeder is paramount.
It is essential to conduct comprehensive research to ascertain that the breeder adheres to ethical standards and prioritises the welfare of their dogs. Esteemed Shiloh Shepherd breeders emphasize the health and temperament of their dogs, undertake essential health assessments, and cultivate a nurturing atmosphere for the puppies.
This proactive approach ensures the acquisition of a lively and contented pup, whilst discouraging unethical breeding practices.
Shiloh Shepherd Dog
History
Originating in New York during the 1970s, the Shiloh Shepherd breed owes its existence to the dedication of German Shepherd enthusiast, Tina Barber. It gained official recognition as a distinct breed in 1990, emerging as a fusion of German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute genetics. This unique combination aimed to preserve the German Shepherd’s qualities but in a larger size with a milder temperament.
Presently, various organisations, such as the 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), and TSSR (The Shiloh Shepherd Registry), acknowledge and register the Shiloh Shepherd.
However, it is noteworthy that the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognise the Shiloh Shepherd breed.
Shiloh Shepherd Size
The Shiloh Shepherd, a relatively recent addition to the dog breed spectrum, awaits recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC), yet adheres to a defined breed standard.
For females, the ideal height at the shoulder ranges from 26 to 28 inches, with a weight between 80 to 100 pounds.
Males, on the other hand, should measure between 28 to 30 inches in height and weigh between 100 to 130 pounds.
Nevertheless, individual dogs may vary in size, occasionally deviating from the established standards.
Personality
Shiloh Shepherds excel as beloved members of the family unit. Their versatility extends to various roles, including service, therapy, guiding and vigilant watchdog duties. They relish spending time with their families, eagerly participating in shared activities such as hiking, and cycling, or engaging in games like frisbee.
Known for their intelligence and trainable nature, Shiloh Shepherds possess the capability to master a wide array of tasks. Positive reinforcement proves most effective in their training regimen. These dogs thrive when engaged in meaningful activities, regardless of scale. Providing them with a sense of purpose contributes significantly to their overall contentment.
Leaving them alone for extended periods is ill-advised, as they are prone to boredom, despondency, and frustration, potentially leading to undesirable behaviours.
Outdoors, Shiloh Shepherds exhibit high levels of activity, while indoors, they adopt a calmer demeanour, content to partake in family activities such as movie nights or simply being in the company of their loved ones.
Shiloh Shepherd Health
Shiloh Shepherds typically enjoy good health yet, like all canines, they may have a predisposition to certain health issues. This underscores the significance of attentive care and regular veterinary examinations.
Common health issues observed in Shiloh Shepherds include:
- Panosteitis: A condition characterised by sporadic lameness and bone discomfort, commonly impacting young dogs during their growth phases.
- Megaesophagus: This ailment involves the enlargement and weakening of the oesophagus, hindering the proper passage of food into the stomach.
- Hip Dysplasia: An inherited condition affecting the hip joints, potentially resulting in mobility challenges and arthritis.
- Bloat: Also referred to as gastric torsion or twisted stomach, this is a critical condition where the stomach becomes distended with gas and twists upon itself, necessitating immediate veterinary intervention.
- Perianal Fistula: These painful, persistent infections or sores develop around the anus, posing management challenges.
Though these ailments may afflict certain Shiloh Shepherds, it’s crucial to seek guidance from a veterinarian to monitor and address any specific health issues affecting your dog, thus ensuring their overall well-being.
ALSO READ: Mini Goldendoodles: Dog which’s fluffiest stealers of hearts
Care
Just like with any dog, it is important to maintain regular veterinary check-ups for your Shiloh Shepherd to promptly detect any potential health issues. Your vet can assist in devising a care regimen to ensure your dog’s well-being.
Shiloh Shepherds tend to gain weight, so opt for high-quality food and adhere to a consistent feeding schedule. Providing your dog with a minimum of 60 minutes of daily exercise will help them stay in good shape.
Inspect your dog’s ears daily for debris and pests, and clean them as advised by your vet. Trim their nails every month to prevent them from becoming too long and uncomfortable, seeking assistance from your groomer if needed.
Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial for any pet. Aim to brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week, following guidance from your vet on proper technique.
When raising a Shiloh Shepherd puppy, take care to avoid letting them play on hard surfaces like pavement until they’re at least two years old and their joints are fully developed. Normal play on grass is suitable, as is engaging in puppy agility with small jumps.
To keep Shiloh Shepherds mentally stimulated, provide them with one challenging task per day to prevent boredom and restlessness. Teaching them new tricks can be particularly enjoyable, as they thrive on learning new things.
Shiloh Shepherd Feeding
A well-balanced diet for a Shiloh Shepherd should cater to the needs of a large breed with moderate to high energy levels. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain, so it’s important to maintain a consistent feeding schedule and avoid leaving food out throughout the day.
Additionally, limit the amount of treats given to them. Like all dogs, the dietary requirements of a Shiloh Shepherd evolve from puppyhood through adulthood and into their senior years.
It’s advisable to seek guidance from your vet regarding your Shiloh Shepherd’s diet, as individual dogs vary significantly in factors such as weight, energy levels, and overall health, making it challenging to provide specific recommendations without professional input.
Coat Colour and Grooming
Shiloh Shepherds exhibit a diverse range of coat colours, including black, brown, silver, grey, red and pied, often featuring a blend of two or more hues. Their coats typically boast medium-length, straight hair with a normal density. While not recommended for allergy sufferers, their coats are relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing, ideally done daily, can help minimise shedding around the house.
Bathing should be carried out only when necessary, using a mild shampoo to avoid stripping the coat of its natural oils. With their double coat, shedding is expected, especially during seasonal changes, necessitating additional grooming sessions. A reliable vacuum cleaner is a must-have for Shiloh Shepherd owners.
Their double coat provides insulation in extreme weather conditions, making them particularly fond of romping in the snow during winter and enjoying water activities in the summer. It’s important not to trim their coats, as the double layer helps regulate their body temperature, keeping them cool in hot weather.
While they enjoy outdoor activities, Shiloh Shepherds are primarily indoor dogs and should reside indoors. Their all-weather coats make them a popular choice in Canada.
How to identify a Shiloh shepherd
Size and build
Look for a large, muscular dog. Shiloh Shepherds are typically bigger than their German Shepherd cousins. They stand between 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 cm) at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 80 to 130 pounds (36 to 59 kg).
Head
The head should be broad and noble in proportion to the body, with a slightly domed shape. Look for triangular ears that stand erect when alert. Their eyes are usually dark or light brown.
Body
Shiloh Shepherds have a well-balanced, athletic build, exuding power and elegance.
Their tail is long and bushy, with thick fur creating a plume-like effect.
Coat
Shiloh Shepherds come in two coat varieties: smooth and plush.
Smooth coats are medium-length, thick, and have a harsh texture.
Plush coats are also medium-length but with a denser undercoat and a distinct mane around the neck and shoulders.
Colour
Shiloh Shepherds come in a wider variety of colours compared to German Shepherds. You might see them in black and tan, solid black, red and tan, silver and grey, or even blue.
ALSO READ: Blue French Bulldog: Miniature pets with calm temperament, ideal for companionship