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Basics of the Shiloh Shepherd: Breed Traits and Background

Welcome to our About the Breed page! Here you’ll find general information about Shiloh Shepherds. We’ll be expanding the links off of this page as we develop our site.

GENERAL INFO

The Shiloh Shepherd is a large companion shepherd dog originally derived from a combination of herding and working breeds. Breed founder Tina M. Barber began working on the Shiloh in the 1970's, and in 1991 it was recognized as its own rare breed by ARBA (the American Rare Breed Association). The Shiloh is large, calm, and generally easier to handle than many working shepherd breeds. However, as with any dog, they do require significant socialization and structure from the time they are puppies. They are highly intelligent and can be protective of their family and home.

Shiloh Shepherds are not currently recognized by the AKC, UKC, or FCI. Because they are still under development, stewardship of the breed falls to Shiloh Shepherd registries and clubs such as us here at the ISSA. The background and qualities of Shiloh puppies may vary between organizations and breeders depending on their differing goals. It’s a great idea to do a bit of research into finding a reputable breeder who understands what you are looking for.

WHERE DID THEY COME FROM? HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN AROUND?

Tina Barber started out training German shepherds for personal protection in upstate New York in the mid-1970’s. Early on, though, she saw that many of them were too difficult for the average family to handle. Tina wanted a shepherd that could be trusted with, and safely handled by, a small child. She also discovered issues with hip dysplasia in her lines, and started to get some ideas about how to reduce it.

This began her quest to create a dog like the ones she remembered from when she was a child in Germany: big, healthy, family-friendly shepherds. Along the way, other breeds were introduced into the Shiloh lineage, to develop the qualities she was looking for.

Tina was our breed founder, and Shilohs separated from the AKC and became their own rare breed in 1991. Tina accomplished an additional 20 years of breed development before she passed away from cancer in 2011.

WHAT WERE SHILOHS BRED FOR?

The Shiloh Shepherd is a well-rounded breed notable for its intelligence, empathy, and gentle temperament. The Shiloh is not an aggressive breed, and is not suitable for protection or bite work. They can be protective of their homes and families, but their sheer size and big bark is usually a sufficient deterrent--for those who don’t know about the heart of gold beneath that impressive bearing, anyway!

Shilohs excel in therapy and service dog work. Their incredible intuitiveness leads them to serve in specialized roles as diabetes and seizure alert dogs. The breed also participates in dog sports such as rally obedience, agility, tracking, dock-diving, trick-training and even lure-coursing. Even with such diverse potential, Shilohs are truly happiest when they are hanging out with their families.

SHILOH TEMPERAMENT

The general Shiloh temperament is social, human-focused, and gentle with children and other animals. That said, there is a range of temperaments and energy levels within the breed. There are pups born that have the independence and energy to do Search-and-Rescue work, the aloofness to be a good working Service dog, or the nimbleness and drive for Agility.

Shiloh people love our breed’s versatility. Our ISSA Licensed breeders perform extensive temperament testing on their litters at eight weeks, to determine each pup’s base aptitudes and drives. We then use this information to help YOU get the best pup for your family!

Read more in-depth about the Shiloh Shepherd temperament here, in our Temperament Guide!

HOW ARE THEIR HIPS? (BREED HEALTH)

One of the key goals of our breed founder was to reduce hip dysplasia, and after four decades of work the Shiloh does indeed have better hips! We focus on other programs and health initiatives as well, because hips are only one part of getting you a healthier dog.

As we continue to develop the site, you’ll be able to read about our other health initiatives, including our Holtering program and the health testing we mandate on all ISSA breeding stock.

SHILOH SHEDDING (GROOMING)

“Do they shed?” Yes, yes they do. If shedding is a deal-breaker, then the Shiloh is probably not the breed for you. However, the two coat types shed very differently, and require different levels of grooming commitment.

The smooth (shorter) coat sheds a bit throughout the year. Twice a year it will “blow coat,” at which times you will bless the people who invented the Furminator. However, it’s a very wash-and-wear coat, easy to care for. It requires only a quick brushing here and there to keep looking nice, and it’s generally simple to keep clean since dried mud and other debris brushes right out! We only find it necessary to bathe our smooths a couple times a year. This coat does well during the hot summers and is still thick enough to block winter cold. It’s an all-purpose coat for all weather—and it’s still beautiful.

The plush (long) coat sheds very little throughout the year, but will “blow coat” twice a year and it can be epic. The longer coat will “catch” the shedding hairs, so you MUST brush during these times or the coat will matt.

Otherwise the long coat is easier to care for than it looks, doing well with a brisk brushing two or three times a week. It does seem to require a bit more frequent bathing than the smooth, generally every 2-3 months depending on how much stuff your dog gets into! This coat is not so good in the hotter summers (your dog will typically become an A/C-seeking-missile when the mercury rises above 80 degrees) but can adapt to heat if you work up to it. The plush coat LOVES the cold. You may experience this, when it’s 10 degrees Fahrenheit and your plush Shiloh refuses to come inside!

EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS

Most Shilohs have a definite “off switch” and many are downright couch potatoes. One good walk a day or other equivalent exercise session is usually adequate. However, remember that the energy levels do vary in this breed, so if your pup is more energetic, you may want to do a bit more. Younger puppies also have more energy. Don’t over-exercise, though—when your pup is still growing (up to one year) too much exercise can impact developing joints.

Remember to also exercise your Shiloh’s very active brain—obedience and trick-training can be super fun and rewarding for both of you, and a treat-dispensing ball or puzzle is a good way to engage your dog when you’re otherwise busy.

IS A SHILOH RIGHT FOR ME?

If you are a person who as a kid dreamed of having your very own Rin Tin Tin, Lassie or Littlest Hobo, this could be the breed for you! A few things to consider:

Shilohs bond tightly to their people and are so intelligent that sometimes you’d swear they’re trying to read your mind! Because of this attachment to their family, they aren’t happy being chained out in the yard all day away from their people. They want to be with you wherever you go, and involved in your life.

Their sensitivity and intelligence mean that socialization at an early age is NOT optional for this breed! If you want a dog that will be comfortable everywhere, you’ll want to start exposing your pup to positive experiences with new things right away, continuing weekly throughout their first year.

Because they’re so smart, a Shiloh puppy will learn early on how to wrap you around their little paw! They’re adorable, and it’s easy to be permissive, but (gentle) firm ground rules are a must from 8 weeks on. Remember, this dog may be well over one hundred pounds when they’re full grown. The earlier you establish rules of acceptable behavior, the less chance that you’ll be frustrated down the road.

YOU AREN’T RECOGNIZED BY THE AKC, UKC, OR FCI. ARE YOU GOING TO BE, SOMEDAY?

Maybe! For now, though, we want to keep a tight control on our breed's health and development while we work on expanding our gene pool and gaining a bigger following. Thank you for your interest in our breed!


© 2016 International Shiloh Shepherd Alliance, Inc.