The Shiloh Shepherd is a large, intelligent, and loyal hybrid breed. Because of their unique ancestry, they are highly compatible with families and respond well to training. Additionally, their gentle personality makes them excellent service dogs or therapy dogs. At first glance, they may appear somewhat wolf-like or even resemble a larger, fluffier German Shepherd. The Shiloh Shepherd has a combination of a few breeds in their genetic makeup, including the Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd Dog. This big pup is a softie and is often described as affectionate and loving.
Shiloh Shepherds are super smart and can easily adapt to do various jobs, including flock guarding, child companion, police dog, search and rescue work, guide dog, and much more. They get along great with other dogs, but early socialization is important for raising a friendly, sociable dog. They need plenty of exercise and room to stretch their legs. It’s worth noting their care requirements if you’re considering adding a Shiloh Shepherd puppy to their home. While they can be adaptable to apartment living, a house with a big yard would be an ideal situation for this sweet pup. As long as they have a job to do and get daily exercise and stimulation, they will be very happy.
Shiloh Shepherd characteristics
- Height: 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder
- Weight: 80 to 130 pounds
- Lifespan: 9 to 14 years
Coat and color variations
The Shiloh Shepherd is known for their luxurious, dense coat that comes in two coat types: smooth and plush. The smooth coat has a thick, double-layered structure with a shorter outer layer, providing easy maintenance while still offering protection from harsh weather. The plush coat, on the other hand, is longer and softer, with a prominent mane around the neck and feathering along the tail and legs. Shiloh Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including sable, black and tan, gray, black, and even bi-color variations. Sable is particularly striking as it can range from light silver to deep red, with individual hairs that are banded in multiple colors.
Physical traits and appearance
The Shiloh Shepherd is known for their striking, somewhat wolf-like appearance, a result of their unique genetic heritage.
Size and build
- Size: Large to giant, with males standing 28-30 inches and females 26-28 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: Ranges from 80-130 pounds
- Build: Strong, muscular, and well-balanced, with a broad chest and powerful legs
- Tail: Long and bushy, reaching to the hock, carried low when relaxed, and slightly raised when in motion
Facial features
- Head: Strong, well-proportioned, with a gently sloping forehead
- Eyes: Medium-sized, almond-shaped, often brown or amber, with an intelligent and gentle expression
- Ears: Medium to large, triangular, and upright, giving them an alert look
Coat characteristics
- Coat Types: Smooth or plush, with a double layer providing insulation and protection
- Color Variations: Includes sable, black and tan, gray, bi-color, and solid black or silver
What breeds make a Shiloh Shepherd?
The Shiloh Shepherd was developed primarily from German Shepherd lines, but their breeder, Tina Barber, also incorporated other breeds to achieve specific physical and temperamental qualities. Early Shiloh Shepherd breeding involved infusions of Alaskan Malamute to enhance size, strength, and more balanced temperament, as well as some influence from Canadian White Shepherds and Czech and East German working lines. These selective additions helped create a breed that combines the loyal, intelligent nature of the German Shepherd with a calmer, more family-oriented disposition, as well as a larger frame and a distinct, lush coat.
Shiloh Shepherd personality
The Shiloh Shepherd is a gentle, intelligent, and loyal breed with a personality that balances the working drive of a traditional shepherd with a calm, family-friendly demeanor. They are known for their devotion to their owners, strong protective instincts, and gentle approach to children and other animals. This breed is particularly attuned to its family’s needs, often showing a natural ability to sense emotions and provide comfort, which makes them excellent therapy and companion animals. Although they are large and capable of working, Shiloh Shepherds are typically less intense than German Shepherds, which makes them well-suited for families and individuals who want a loyal companion that is both gentle and alert.
Temperament and behavior
- Loyal and Devoted: Strongly bonded to their families, often exhibiting a protective and attentive nature.
- Gentle with Children: Known for being patient and gentle, making them good with kids and family members of all ages.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Highly intelligent with a willingness to learn, often excelling in training and obedience.
- Calm and Balanced: More laid-back than some working breeds, with a balanced disposition suited to home life as well as work.
- Protective: Naturally wary of strangers, making them good watchdogs without being overly aggressive.
- Emotionally Sensitive: Attuned to human emotions, often used as therapy and support animals due to their compassionate nature.
- Moderate Energy Level: Energetic and playful but not hyperactive, needing regular exercise without extreme demands.
Training and socialization
Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are crucial due to their intelligence and potential stubbornness. Of course, their intelligence allows them to pick up commands quickly, so early training is key to establishing good behavior from the start. Use praise, treats, and affection to reward desired behavior. Shiloh Shepherds respond well to positive reinforcement, and this approach will keep them motivated and engaged.
Training tips:
- Be Consistent: Consistency is crucial in training. Use the same commands and routines to avoid confusion. This helps your Borderdoodle understand what is expected of them.
- Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Shiloh Shepherds are intelligent but can lose interest if training sessions are too long or repetitive. Keep sessions short (10-15 minutes) and engage with varied activities.
- Mental Stimulation: Incorporate puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games into their routine to challenge their mind. A bored Shiloh Shepherd can become restless or destructive. Once basic obedience is established, teach more advanced commands or tricks. Their intelligence makes them excellent candidates for agility training, fetch, or scent games.
Shiloh Shepherd care
Caring for a Shiloh Shepherd requires commitment to regular exercise, grooming, and mental stimulation, as well as a nurturing, consistent training environment. This breed thrives in a setting where it can be close to its family members, as they are naturally social and emotionally sensitive. Because Shiloh Shepherds are large, active dogs, they need a balanced diet to support their energy and a good amount of daily physical activity to keep them happy and healthy. Mental engagement is also key for Shiloh Shepherds, as their intelligence and curiosity are best channeled through training, puzzle toys, and engaging playtime.
Shiloh Shepherd grooming needs
Shiloh Shepherds have two coat types—smooth and plush—that each have specific grooming needs, though both types require regular upkeep to maintain a healthy coat and reduce shedding. A Shiloh Shepherd’s plush coat is longer and more prone to tangling and matting, especially around the neck, tail, and legs, so it typically requires more frequent brushing. The smooth coat, while shorter, still has a dense undercoat and benefits from consistent grooming, particularly during seasonal shedding periods. Regular grooming not only keeps their coat looking its best but also helps to minimize shedding around the house and allows for early detection of any skin issues.
How to groom a Shiloh Shepherd
- Brushing: Brush your Shiloh Shepherd two to three times a week with a slicker brush or undercoat rake to remove loose fur, prevent tangles, and reduce shedding. For plush-coated Shiloh Shepherds, focus on areas prone to matting, such as the neck, chest, and legs.
- Bathing: Bathe your Shiloh Shepherd every 4-6 weeks or as needed to keep the coat clean and fresh. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo to avoid irritating their skin, and ensure thorough rinsing to remove all soap residue.
- Nail Trimming: Trim your dog’s nails every 3-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth and cracking. Use a dog nail clipper or grinder, and take care not to trim too close to the quick.
- Ear Cleaning: Check and clean their ears weekly to prevent wax buildup and infections. Use a dog-safe ear cleaner and cotton ball, gently wiping the inner ear without going too deep.
- Teeth Brushing: Brush their teeth at least two to three times a week with a dog-safe toothpaste to maintain oral hygiene and prevent plaque buildup.
Flea, tick, and parasite control
Keep up with flea and tick prevention treatments, especially if your Shiloh Shepherd spends much time outdoors. Regular grooming allows you to spot parasites early.
Early acclimation is key
Getting your Shiloh Shepherd accustomed to grooming procedures from a young age makes the process easier and more enjoyable for both of you. Handle their paws frequently, examine their mouth and ears, and reward them for good behavior during grooming sessions. This positive foundation sets the stage for stress-free veterinary exams and handling throughout their lives.
Feeding and nutrition
Shiloh Shepherds, being large and active dogs, require a well-balanced diet that supports their energy levels, promotes healthy growth, and maintains a lean physique. High-quality, protein-rich dog food with moderate fat levels and balanced carbohydrates is essential for these dogs, as it provides the nutrients they need for muscle support and sustained energy. Shiloh Shepherd puppies should receive specially formulated puppy food to support healthy bone and joint development, while adults benefit from food designed for large breeds to help maintain joint health and an appropriate weight.
- Puppies: Feed a high-quality large-breed puppy formula 3-4 times daily to support growth, joint, and bone development.
- Adults: Feed a large-breed adult dog food twice daily, providing a balance of protein, moderate fat, and essential nutrients. Total daily intake typically ranges from 4 to 6 cups, depending on activity level, age, and size.
- Seniors: Transition to a senior formula with adjusted protein and fat levels as they age, feeding smaller, more frequent meals if needed to aid digestion and weight management.
Shiloh Shepherd family compatibility
Because of their gentle, patient, and loyal nature, Shiloh Shepherds are well-suited for family life. They tend to bond closely with their families and are especially gentle with children, making them excellent companions for households of all sizes. Shiloh Shepherds are protective without being overly aggressive, giving them an instinct to watch over their loved ones and an alertness that can make families feel secure. Their intelligence and sensitivity allow them to quickly adapt to the dynamics of the family and intuitively respond to their owners’ emotions, making them wonderful therapy and support animals as well.
Health issues
Shiloh Shepherds are typically a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be predisposed to certain health conditions, highlighting the importance of proper care and regular veterinary checkups. Among the more common health concerns seen in Shiloh Shepherds are:
- Panosteitis: This condition involves intermittent lameness and bone pain, primarily affecting young dogs during their growth phase.
- Megaesophagus: Megaesophagus is a condition where the esophagus becomes enlarged and weakened, making it difficult for food to pass into the stomach properly.
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition that affects the hip joints, potentially leading to mobility issues and arthritis.
- Bloat: Also known as gastric torsion or twisted stomach, it’s a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
- Perianal Fistula: These are painful, chronic infections or sores located around the anus, which can be challenging to manage.
Shiloh Shepherd rescue groups
Some people purchase Shiloh Shepherds without understanding the breed or what goes into raising and caring for such a large, energetic dog. As a result, many Shiloh Shepherds may end up in the care of shelters and rescue groups. Rescues for Shiloh Shepherds may be hard to come by, but sometimes German Shepherd Dog rescues will also care for Shiloh Shepherds. If you’re looking to adopt, here are some breed-specific rescues you can try:
- International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club – Rescue and Rehome
- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC)
- Shiloh Shepherd Rescue & Rehome
How much are Shiloh Shepherd puppies?
Shiloh Shepherd puppies typically range in price from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on various factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s lineage, and geographical location. Puppies from reputable breeders who focus on health testing, temperament, and conformation to breed standards may be at the higher end of this range.
When considering a Shiloh Shepherd Dog, it’s advisable to prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters. However, if you do decide to purchase a Shiloh Shepherd puppy, choosing a reputable breeder is crucial. Conduct thorough research to ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their dogs to avoid contributing to inhumane breeding. Reputable breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs. They also conduct necessary health screenings and provide a nurturing environment for their puppies.
