The Shiloh Shepherd is a variation of the U.S. German Shepherd which came about beginning in the 1960s. Shilohs were bred to be larger than Germans, with Alaskan Malamute in their heritage. They are recognized as an official breed by the International Shiloh Shepherd Registry, Inc. (ISSR), which was founded in 1991. This is a herding and working dog.
Shiloh Shepherds grow to a height of between 28 and 30 inches. Males weigh 100 to 130 pounds, while females weigh 80 to 100 pounds. This dog has a heavy appearance. It features a solid, strong back, broad head, strong cheekbones, tapered black muzzle, muscled thighs, long bushy tail, with a coat that can either be smooth or plush. The plush coat is medium in length, while the smooth coat is thick and medium in length with a rough feel.
Personality
Similar in temperament to a German Shepherd, the Shiloh Shepherd is bigger. It makes for a good companion dog and is very smart, with a self-confident air about it. This courageous breed will go to any lengths to protect its family, but it is still friendly overall to friends of the family. Perfect as a guard dog and watchdog, Shilohs show loyalty in all situations. They're calm for the most part but can be quite serious. They are close to their masters but should be trained early on with firm discipline. Becoming and remaining the master is imperative to establish dominance.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 14 years |
| Nicknames: | Shiloh, Plush-coated Shiloh Shepherd |
Shiloh Shepherd Build Information
Shiloh Shepherds grow to a height of between 28 and 30 inches. Males weigh 100 to 130 pounds, while females weigh 80 to 100 pounds. This dog has a heavy appearance. It features a solid, strong back, broad head, strong cheekbones, tapered black muzzle, muscled thighs, long bushy tail, with a coat that can either be smooth or plush. The plush coat is medium in length, while the smooth coat is thick and medium in length with a rough feel.
| Size: | Large |
Behaviour and Personality
Similar in temperament to a German Shepherd, the Shiloh Shepherd is bigger. It makes for a good companion dog and is very smart, with a self-confident air about it. This courageous breed will go to any lengths to protect its family, but it is still friendly overall to friends of the family. Perfect as a guard dog and watchdog, Shilohs show loyalty in all situations. They're calm for the most part but can be quite serious. They are close to their masters but should be trained early on with firm discipline. Becoming and remaining the master is imperative to establish dominance.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
There are different grooming requirements depending on the type of coat your dog has: smooth or plush (Plush-coated Shiloh Shepherd). With a plush coat, you'll need to brush it regularly so it stays clean and free of tangles. For the smooth coat, only minimal grooming is required. This seasonally heavy shedder is not recommended for those with allergies. Just give your dog a quick brush each day to keep the hair under control. Bathe once or twice per year so skin oils don't get depleted.
| Shedding: | Heavy |
| Grooming: | Medium maintenance |
Shiloh Shepherd Common Health Conditions
The Shiloh Shepherd tends to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis, panosteitis, heart disease, skin problems, allergies, digestive problems like chronic diarrhea and colitis, bloat and cancer.
Shiloh Shepherd Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Shiloh Shepherds do well in all climates thanks to their all-weather coats. They can live largely outdoors but they also enjoy being inside with their masters. If he does spend the majority of his time outside, make sure he has plenty of shade and water. They enjoy getting lots of playful exercise as well as walking and jogging with their owners. They love a good challenge so make sure he gets enough exercise each day. This dog doesn't have any known nicknames but is often shortened to Shiloh. The life expectancy of the Shiloh Shepherd is between 12 and 14 years.
| Training: | Easy to train |