Shiloh Shepherd Dog Breed Traits & Facts

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

Quick Summary: In 1989, German Shepherd breeder Tina Barber mixed the German Shepherd with the larger Alaskan Malamute (these two breeds make up the basis for the Shiloh Shepherd). The Shiloh Shepherd is much bigger than the German Shepherd and larger than his Alaskan Malamute mother. Like any dog, especially a large one like the Shiloh, he must always be watched when he’s with children due to his size and the possibility of accidents. The Shiloh Shepherd has health issues inherited from his German Shepherd father, but keep in mind that he’s slightly healthier due to the process of selective breeding. The average lifespan for the Shiloh Shepherd is 9 to 14 years.

The Shiloh Shepherd might be a breed name you’ve never known before; however, if you’ve observed a German Shepherd and thought, “wow, he’s a really big dog,’ then there’s an excellent chance it was, in fact, a Shiloh Shepherd.

Shiloh Shepherd was created with the aim of creating a more friendly, healthier version of the German Shepherd while maintaining a gorgeous and elegant appearance. This dog is energetic and needs a lot of exercise. And due to his bigger stature and larger size, he needs a bigger house with a yard.

In addition, for those trying to figure out how to pronounce this dog’s name, Shiloh is pronounced ‘shy-low.’

If you’re wondering if this dog breed you’ve never heard of is right for you, worry not because we’ve got you covered! So, relax as you go through this complete information about the Shiloh Shepherd.

Breed History and Background

The Shiloh Shepherd is a new crossbreed puppy still developing, but his journey began in the late 1970s in New York. The German Shepherd breeder Tina Barber was becoming increasingly worried about the health of the German Shepherd and his issues and appearance – especially his back that slops.

Tina was a fan of the ideal German Shepherd, so in 1989, she mixed the German Shepherd with the larger Alaskan Malamute, the two breeds that make up the basis for the Shiloh Shepherd. In the latter part of 2000, Tina added Canadian White Shepherd and The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog to the mix to provide genetic diversity in the hopes that it would improve her dog’s health.

In 1991, Tina removed her breeding lineage with her American Kennel Club (AKC) membership. However, it was not until 2007 that she was able to create her ideal puppy. While he’s not considered an individual breed of his own by the main kennel clubs, it is recognized as a breed by ARBA (American Rare Breed Association).

In spite of being quite a new breed, the Shiloh Shepherd has been awarded numerous ‘best-in-show’ awards throughout the years and is definitely beginning to make waves within the dog world.

Appearance and Size

The Shiloh Shepherd and the German Shepherd are identical pups; however, there are some distinct differences that distinguish the Shiloh Shepherd from the German Shepherd.

Because of selective breeding, they are blessed with straighter backs and more supple hips compared to the German Shepherd. And not only is this appearance important for aesthetic reasons, but it also offers advantages for their health. Because of his size, it is often confused with another breed closely related to it (the King Shepherd) as well as is often mistaken for the Caucasian Shepherd ( aka the Russian Bear).

Shiloh Shepherd is also much bigger than the German Shepherd, and he is larger than his Alaskan Malamute mother. Male and female Shiloh Shepherds will be between 26 to thirty inches in height, from shoulder to paw, and weigh between 80 to 130 pounds. If you compare this with the weight of a German Shepherd, who weighs between 50 and 90 pounds, it’s much simpler to put his additional weight into perspective.

The Shiloh Shepherd is wolf-like in appearance due to its large head and an elongated muzzle. The ears are large and triangular, which are usually erect. He has dark golden brown eyes that provide him with a serene and peaceful look. He has a long, pluming tail that is similar to that of the Alaskan Malamute and large paws.

Coat and Colors

Shiloh Shepherd has two coat colors: either soft or luxuriously fluffy. Whatever form they have, both coats are covered with a dense and thick undercoat that protects them from frigid and cold elements.

The Shiloh Shepherds with a fluffy outer coats are likely to have a soft mane on their necks. A smooth coat will generally be rough to the touch (not smooth and silky).

Shiloh Shepherds are known to have the same coat colors as German Shepherds. The most popular shade can be described as a two-colored black and brown color; however, on rare occasions, they will sport one solid color.

Colors that are diluted, such as liver or blue, which are like those of the German Shepherd, are considered a genetic defect, and breeders won’t make use of them for breeding. Other colors that are seen with black include sable gold, red, and brown.

Temperament and Personality Traits

As he was designed to be just like he was intended to be, the Shiloh Shepherd is relatively tranquil and gentle. Although he’s an active dog, he is also able to take advantage of the afternoon to have an afternoon nap. If you are looking for a cuddle bug, the Shiloh Shepherd is definitely the dog for you.

They’re calm and slumbering inside, which makes them an ideal companion for your home because you don’t need to worry about the zoomies or their ability to knock objects over. But, that being stated, you shouldn’t skimp your daily exercise routine as they’ll become bored and restless and ruin your belongings within moments. They are big and powerful pets that should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Their gentleness perfectly matches their social and friendly manner of conduct. And he is warm and loving with his entire family. Contrary to other German Shepherds, he does not stick to one family member. He is very attracted to children and is often found cradling his body with them.

Like any dog, especially a large one like Shiloh Shepherd, he must always be watched with children due to his size and possible accidents.

Like any crossbreed, one must keep in mind that some Shiloh Shepherds will conform to the standard, and some might retain their tendency to guard (inherited from the breed’s German Shepherd parents). With their additional genetics thrown into the mix, it shouldn’t take much effort to teach them that their guarding tendencies can be controlled and return their personality to the way it should be, that of being a big gentle dog.

Training and Socialization

When your Shiloh Shepherd puppy is in your home, begin the training process immediately. The most effective way to start is by introducing him to the early stages of socialization, where you expose your puppy to as many different scenarios as possible, including encountering different dogs and people with different dimensions and shapes.

Exposing him to different surroundings and new sounds is essential, like the hoover or the hairdryer. This experience will help him become confident no matter what circumstance is presented to him.

When the Shiloh Shepherd exhibits desired behavior or picks the command, give him a reward because he is likely to repeat the behavior. This is called Positive reinforcement training and has been confirmed by research as the best method to teach a dog.

In general, it is clear that the Shiloh Shepherd is intelligent, and he is determined to be a good dog for his owner. Even though he might not be as smart as the German Shepherd parent, his intellect is far superior to the average dog’s intelligence. This is why Shiloh Shepherd is a great dog for first-time owners.

Exercise and Living Requirements

Despite its relaxed lifestyle, the Shiloh Shepherd is a medium to a high-energy dog that requires around sixty minutes of exercise per day. Do not take his calm indoor temperament as lazy, when you step out and start your walk, he’ll nearly begin to skip along with joy and appreciation.

He is curious and inquisitive, which is why it is recommended that he always be kept on a leash when in public areas. He is a fantastic running partner (once fully mature), and is an excellent way to wear him out. Playing interactive games will also delight him.

Due to his bigger size, he needs a house that is big enough to accommodate the huge fluff ball that he is. Also, he will require access to a huge backyard that allows him to roam around and breathe fresh air. Be sure to secure it with a reinforced fence (keep in mind that the Shiloh Shepherd is an escapist).

Although he has an attraction to children, he is more suited to families with older children who can’t get crashed due to his size. He also gets along with dogs and other animals when he’s socialized properly as a puppy. Consequently, he is an excellent companion to a family with multiple pets. Just be certain to allow them to meet prior to bringing your new dog home to avoid any clashes among personalities.

Grooming Requirements

Like the majority of Shepherd dogs, the Shiloh Shepherd is a self-cleaner and can take charge of his own fur, but every two or three months, he’ll need you to lend a hand to bathe him completely.

The Shiloh Shepherd is an moderate shedder and so he’ll require daily brushing to ensure that you get rid of all dead hair and increase blood circulation and encourage hair growth. In addition, during the shedding season, as the weather warms up, you must expect to brush him every day at least twice since the dog sheds its entire coat in a span of two to three weeks. He also has lots of hair!

Regarding other grooming routines like cleaning ears and teeth, be sure to check your dog regularly to ensure that the dog is healthy and all is exactly as it should be.

Nutritional Guide

The Shiloh Shepherd requires approximately three to 3 1/2 cup of food per every day. This might be lower than the typical large dog, but he’s very sedentary during the day, with only his primary workout routine.

Like the German Shepherd parent, because of his tendency to bloat and bloat, he should be fed in two separate meals and not just prior to or following exercise.

If you are unsure about his nutritional requirements or the possibility of bloating, be certain to consult your vet, who will gladly guide you in the correct direction.

Health Issues and Lifespan

The Shiloh Shepherd has health issues inherited from his German Shepherd father, but keep in mind that he’s slightly healthier than his father, and that’s great news for the Shiloh Shepherd owner.

It is important to note that the German Shepherd is particularly known to be afflicted with hip Dysplasia, which is a condition that affects all large breeds. While the hips of the Shiloh may be healthier, the dysplasia issue isn’t completely eliminated. Therefore, it is important to look out for any dragging or limping of his legs because these are certain signs that he could be affected by Hip Dysplasia.

Two other health concerns to consider are gastric Torsion which is often referred to as bloat and is defined as an unnaturally twisted stomach due to eating right after or prior to an intense exercise session. Another issue to be concerned about is degenerative Myelopathy which is the gradual decline of the spinal cord that can lead to paraplegia.

The average lifespan for the Shiloh Shepherd pup is 9 to 14 years which is significantly more than most Shepherd puppies. This is due to the selective breeding of most healthy German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, and other breeds.

Shiloh Shepherds as Family Pets

• The Shiloh Shepherd can be described as a peaceful and gentle indoor pet who loves cuddling on the couch.
• However, he’s still an active dog and requires at least 60 minutes of exercise every day.
• He is a very social and affectionate dog.
• He may release one or two barks when someone arrives at the home.
• Shiloh Shepherd is wonderful with children, but it should be watched due to its size.
• He also gets along with other pets in the family as long as he is socialized.
• The Shiloh Shepherd requires regular brushing due to their fluffy fur.
• Expect more than the normal grooming and bathing requirements, too.
• It is recommended to regularly de-shed with a tool such as Dakpets de-shedder.
• Since he is an average to high shedder, he’s not hypoallergenic.
• It is recommended to different research breeds if you suffer from allergies.
• The Shiloh Shepherd isn’t suitable for living in apartments.
• The dog must be kept in a spacious home with a fenced backyard.

Reputable Breeders and Puppy Prices

It is worth noting that the International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club (ISSDC) provides a list of reliable breeders from different states and lists Stud-only kennels for those looking to breed with the Shiloh Shepherd. If you are unable to find breeders that are suitable for your situation, you may look for breeders closer to you on the internet, but make certain to look through other reviews and do your research prior to making a decision.

Another excellent way to locate specific breeders is to talk to people on Shiloh Shepherd online forums since the majority of people on the forums are enthusiastic supporters of Shiloh Shepherd and will be aware of the top breeders and kennels in the area. In the end, however, you must do your own research and don’t make any decisions without thinking about it as buying a pet is among the most rewarding yet most crucial choices you’ll make.

The cost of a Shiloh Shepherd puppy starts from approximately $1000 and may rise when the puppy is from a lineage that has won awards. It is important to note that the Shiloh puppy is rarer than the German Shepherd, and therefore, there are fewer breeders. Based on your location, there is a possibility that the price of the puppy could be over the cost of a typical puppy.

The average amount of Shiloh Shepherd puppy litter ranges between 6 and 12. If you are considering the right puppy, it’s recommended to contact the breeder as quickly as possible as you’ll then get the first option in choosing a puppy.

To find an animal with a healthy personality, it’s recommended to select a puppy who isn’t shy from his family members or pushing others into corners. it is best to select a puppy that has an attitude that is between the two.

Adopting From Rescue Centers and Shelters

The ISSDC can also assist those looking to adopt a Shiloh Shepherd, as they have a vast network of rescue centers that will examine your application online and contact you when an appropriate Shiloh Shepherd comes up for adoption. Make sure you fill out the application form in order to begin the process.

Another option to begin the adoption process is to reach out to your local German Shepherd rescue centers since they’re dedicated to Shepherds and mixed breeds alike. Some rescue facilities will permit you to test the dog for several weeks, which allows you and your family members to determine if the dog fits in the group well.

Many rescue organizations also use social media’s potential to inform people about puppies available for adoption, so make sure to look for rescue centers’ websites on Facebook and Twitter and then follow them to receive the most up-to-date news.

Conclusion

The Shiloh Shepherd can be described as a gorgeous and magnificent dog that truly ticks every box. This dog is not only calm and gentle, but it is also an absolute pleasure to be around. However, as soon as you leave the house, he transforms into a bouncy joy-seeker who can’t be bored!

He can keep the whole family entertained for hours He also makes the most perfect hot water bottle to snuggle in the evening. He’s much more friendly and tolerant than the German Shepherd, which also makes him a little more trainable. In addition, he’s more healthy than the German Shepherd.

All in all, the Shiloh Shepherd is a decent dog that can provide your family joy and love. If you are able to give him the energizing daily exercise routine that is required every day, then you’ll be in an enjoyable partnership with your new best friend for the years to come.