Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd breed was developed in New York by mix-breeding the German Shepherd. It's a large and intelligent dog with a calm temperament, great loyalty, and trainability.
Shiloh Shepherd Breed overview
The Shiloh Shepherd is a loyal and loving breed that is great for active families. They are highly intelligent and excel in working roles. They require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation, but can be loving and affectionate companions when properly trained and socialized.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Shiloh Shepherd
Health
Shiloh Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, and thyroid issues.
Regular health checkups to monitor for any potential issues and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Grooming
Shiloh Shepherds require regular brushing, especially during shedding season, to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
They only need to be bathed when necessary and do not require any professional grooming.
Nutrition
Shiloh Shepherds require a balanced diet that contains all essential nutrients to keep them healthy and active.
They can be fed either dry or wet dog food, and the amount should be adjusted according to their age, weight, and activity level.
Exercise
Shiloh Shepherds are an active breed that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation.
They love to play and go for long walks or hikes with their family.
Training
Shiloh Shepherds are intelligent and trainable, which makes them great candidates for obedience and agility training.
Positive reinforcement techniques that involve treats and praise work best for these dogs.
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Shiloh Shepherd Traits & Characteristics
The male Shiloh Shepherd can grow up to 30 inches tall and weigh around 125 pounds whereas females can grow up to 27 inches and weigh around 80 pounds.
Their broad chest, strong legs and a straight back give them a sturdy and agile appearance.
They have almond-shaped eyes that come in various colors, and their ears are erect and pointed.
The ideal temperament of a Shiloh Shepherd is friendly, confident, and trainable without any aggressive behavior.
Shiloh Shepherds have a life span of around 12-14 years.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Shiloh Shepherd is a breed that is known to be loving and affectionate towards their human family members. They crave attention and are always eager to please their owners, making them wonderful companions.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Shiloh Shepherds are known to be patient around children and are gentle playmates for kids. They enjoy playing with kids and are very loyal to their family, making them great family dogs.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
While they tend to be protective of their family, Shiloh Shepherds are typically friendly and sociable with other dogs. They enjoy socialization, but early training and socialization is key to ensure they get along well with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Shiloh Shepherds can be reserved around strangers, but early socialization can make them more comfortable and lead to a friendly demeanor. They make excellent watch dogs as they are vigilant and alert.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Shiloh Shepherds are very energetic and enjoy playing games, fetching, and other physical activities. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Shiloh Shepherds are incredibly alert and aware of their surroundings. They make excellent watchdogs and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, including search-and-rescue operations.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Shiloh Shepherds are adaptable and can easily adjust to new environments, but may require time to warm up to new people and situations. Owners should make socialization and training a priority.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Shiloh Shepherds are moderate shedders and require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and shiny. Owners should brush their coats regularly to prevent excess shedding.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
While they don't have high grooming needs, the Shiloh Shepherd's coat requires regular brushing, especially during seasonal shedding. They require basic grooming such as nail clipping and ear cleaning, as well as occasional bathing to keep them looking good.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Shiloh Shepherds don't drool excessively and have relatively dry mouths. They require simple dental care, such as regular chewing on safe toys or bones to clean their teeth.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Shiloh Shepherds are large dogs, with males weighing between 85-125 pounds and females weighing between 65-100 pounds. They have a muscular build and a thick coat that provides insulation.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Shiloh Shepherds have high energy levels and require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities such as jogging, hiking, and swimming.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Shiloh Shepherds have high exercise needs and require plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities such as jogging, hiking, and swimming.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Shiloh Shepherds excel in working roles, including search and rescue, service dog work, and police and military work. Their intelligence and work ethic make them excellent at performing tasks.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Shiloh Shepherds were not bred for hunting and do not typically display strong hunting instincts. However, they can be trained to perform tasks such as tracking and scent detection.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Shiloh Shepherds are known for their high vigor and energy levels. They have excellent physical stamina and endurance and excel at tasks that require physical strength and endurance.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Shiloh Shepherds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and bloat. It is important for owners to get regular check-ups from a veterinarian.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Shiloh Shepherds can be prone to obesity if overfed or under-exercised. They require plenty of physical activity and a healthy diet to maintain a healthy weight.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Shiloh Shepherds have high cold tolerance and can withstand colder temperatures comfortably. They have a thick coat that provides insulation and protects them from the cold.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Shiloh Shepherds have a moderate heat tolerance and may become uncomfortable in hot temperatures. They should be kept hydrated and provided with shade when outside in hot weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
The Shiloh Shepherd is not typically suited for apartment living due to their high energy levels and large size. They require plenty of space to run and play.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Shiloh Shepherds can be prone to wanderlust and may attempt to explore beyond their boundaries. Owners should ensure their property is secure and consider using extra barriers such as fences or cables.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Shiloh Shepherds tend to be sensitive and can become stressed or anxious with criticism or negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with this breed.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Shiloh Shepherds may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They enjoy being with their human family members and should not be left alone for extended periods.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Shiloh Shepherds tend to be vocal and may bark to alert their owners of potential dangers. Owners should train them to control their barking to prevent excessive noise.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Shiloh Shepherds are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Activities such as puzzle toys, obedience training, and trick training can help stimulate their minds.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Shiloh Shepherds are not typically recommended for novice dog owners, as they can be strong-willed and require a firm but gentle owner to train and socialize them properly.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Shiloh Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn, but require an experienced trainer who is firm and consistent with commands. Positive reinforcement training methods work best for this breed.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Shiloh Shepherd is a breed that is known to be loving and affectionate towards their human family members. They crave attention and are always eager to please their owners, making them wonderful companions.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Shiloh Shepherds are known to be patient around children and are gentle playmates for kids. They enjoy playing with kids and are very loyal to their family, making them great family dogs.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
While they tend to be protective of their family, Shiloh Shepherds are typically friendly and sociable with other dogs. They enjoy socialization, but early training and socialization is key to ensure they get along well with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Shiloh Shepherds can be reserved around strangers, but early socialization can make them more comfortable and lead to a friendly demeanor. They make excellent watch dogs as they are vigilant and alert.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Shiloh Shepherds are very energetic and enjoy playing games, fetching, and other physical activities. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Shiloh Shepherds are incredibly alert and aware of their surroundings. They make excellent watchdogs and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, including search-and-rescue operations.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Shiloh Shepherds are adaptable and can easily adjust to new environments, but may require time to warm up to new people and situations. Owners should make socialization and training a priority.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Shiloh Shepherds are moderate shedders and require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and shiny. Owners should brush their coats regularly to prevent excess shedding.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
While they don't have high grooming needs, the Shiloh Shepherd's coat requires regular brushing, especially during seasonal shedding. They require basic grooming such as nail clipping and ear cleaning, as well as occasional bathing to keep them looking good.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Shiloh Shepherds don't drool excessively and have relatively dry mouths. They require simple dental care, such as regular chewing on safe toys or bones to clean their teeth.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Shiloh Shepherds are large dogs, with males weighing between 85-125 pounds and females weighing between 65-100 pounds. They have a muscular build and a thick coat that provides insulation.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Shiloh Shepherds have high energy levels and require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities such as jogging, hiking, and swimming.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Shiloh Shepherds have high exercise needs and require plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities such as jogging, hiking, and swimming.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Shiloh Shepherds excel in working roles, including search and rescue, service dog work, and police and military work. Their intelligence and work ethic make them excellent at performing tasks.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Shiloh Shepherds were not bred for hunting and do not typically display strong hunting instincts. However, they can be trained to perform tasks such as tracking and scent detection.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Shiloh Shepherds are known for their high vigor and energy levels. They have excellent physical stamina and endurance and excel at tasks that require physical strength and endurance.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Shiloh Shepherds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and bloat. It is important for owners to get regular check-ups from a veterinarian.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Shiloh Shepherds can be prone to obesity if overfed or under-exercised. They require plenty of physical activity and a healthy diet to maintain a healthy weight.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Shiloh Shepherds have high cold tolerance and can withstand colder temperatures comfortably. They have a thick coat that provides insulation and protects them from the cold.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Shiloh Shepherds have a moderate heat tolerance and may become uncomfortable in hot temperatures. They should be kept hydrated and provided with shade when outside in hot weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
The Shiloh Shepherd is not typically suited for apartment living due to their high energy levels and large size. They require plenty of space to run and play.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Shiloh Shepherds can be prone to wanderlust and may attempt to explore beyond their boundaries. Owners should ensure their property is secure and consider using extra barriers such as fences or cables.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Shiloh Shepherds tend to be sensitive and can become stressed or anxious with criticism or negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with this breed.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Shiloh Shepherds may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They enjoy being with their human family members and should not be left alone for extended periods.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Shiloh Shepherds tend to be vocal and may bark to alert their owners of potential dangers. Owners should train them to control their barking to prevent excessive noise.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Shiloh Shepherds are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Activities such as puzzle toys, obedience training, and trick training can help stimulate their minds.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Shiloh Shepherds are not typically recommended for novice dog owners, as they can be strong-willed and require a firm but gentle owner to train and socialize them properly.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Shiloh Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn, but require an experienced trainer who is firm and consistent with commands. Positive reinforcement training methods work best for this breed.
Similar breeds
History of the Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd breed was developed in the early 1970s by Tina Barber by crossbreeding German Shepherds.
She wanted to create a breed that was larger, with a calm temperament and lower risks of genetic health issues.
The first Shiloh Shepherd litters were born in 1974.
Shiloh Shepherd Puppies
Shiloh Shepherd puppies are born with a soft puppy coat which will change to an adult coat within the first year.
It's important to provide them with socialization and obedience training from a young age to ensure a well-behaved adult dog.