Shiloh Shepherd

The Shiloh shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog, developed in the 1970s in the United States by combining several herding and working breeds. This gorgeous large breed looks similar to the German shepherd but is about 30% larger and heavier, with a more wolf-like appearance. They have instincts to herd and guard, but have been specifically developed to have a calm and kind temperament. In this way, they are more of a companion dog than a working breed. They are sociable, affectionate, and non-aggressive. Reinforcing these positive personality traits requires patient, consistent, and loving training from caring owners. Fortunately, Shiloh shepherds are intelligent and easily trained and are excellent with children and other pets.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Shiloh Shepherds

The Best Dog Food

Food choices for Shiloh shepherds should not be based solely on cost but on providing your pet with a high-quality diet appropriate to their developmental level. Good food can help prevent health issues that may be expensive to treat and shorten the lifespan of your companion.

Younger dogs can eat wet or dry food as well as meat scraps or meat broth in moderation. As dogs age and become less active, they need a diet specially formulated for adult or senior dogs that will help them maintain a healthy weight and provide vitamins and minerals to keep their systems as strong as possible.

Size and Weight

Shiloh shepherds are large dogs, with full-grown males ranging from 28 to 30” tall and weighing 100 to 120 lbs, and females 26 to 28” tall and weighing 80 to 100 lbs. Their large size is visually enhanced by their blocky heads and heavy, powerfully built bone structure. Those with plush coats appear even larger. Their appearance can be intimidating to strangers, which helps them protect their family without any aggressive behavior.

Common Health Issues

Shilohs may have similar health problems as other larger breeds. Careful breeding to create a heavier, squarer bone structure has reduced the problem of hip dysplasia, but has not completely eliminated it. This is a painful issue that can cause lameness in dogs and may require expensive surgery to correct.

Some owners are tempted to overfeed large breeds. However, feeding should be carefully regulated, especially as the animal reaches old age, to prevent obesity-related health problems.

Shiloh shepherds may also experience degenerative myelopathy, which can lead to paralysis; bloat, a gastrointestinal syndrome; allergies that may cause itchy skin, scratching, and bacterial infections; heart disease, including an irregular heartbeat, or pannus, an eye disease that can cause blindness. However, these are issues that can affect any large breed, not only shiloh shepherds. Ask your veterinarian to check for signs of any of these diseases and disorders.

Temperament and Behavior

These dogs are part of the herding dog group and still retain herding and protective instincts. However, they are calmer, softer, and easier to handle than German shepherds and others of this group. They are a better active companion dog, while the German Shepherd is a better working dog. This breed is confident, energetic, outgoing, and friendly. They are gentle, loving, and loyal to their owners, and they get along well with children and pets. Additionally, these dogs are highly social and do not like being alone for long periods of time. They do bark, but not excessively.

How To Take Care of Shiloh Shepherds

Maintenance and Grooming

Shiloh shepherds can have plush or short, smooth coats. They come in various colors, including all black, dark brown, red, golden, silver, and many other variations. They shed and require a moderate amount of grooming to keep their coats neat and healthy. However, regular brushing will help control shedding.

Training

Shiloh shepherds are easier to train than similar breeds, having been developed specifically as calm companion dogs through selective breeding. Owners can successfully train them for search and rescue, herding, or as therapy or service dogs. Properly socialized as puppies, they do well with children and other pets. They are highly social and intelligent, so they enjoy play, training, and various tasks.

Exercise

This breed needs mental stimulation, attention, and exercise. They should have a 60-minute walk or similar level of activity every day, and they enjoy puzzle toys and training sessions that keep them alert. If they are not given enough stimulation, they may try to entertain themselves by barking and chewing. However, it is also important not to give them too much exercise, especially in their first two years. Over-exercise can damage their growing joints and bones.

Shiloh Shepherds and Children

Shiloh shepherds are gentle, affectionate, and protective of children, and they get along well with other pets. However, as with any breed, they need training and adult supervision as they learn the rules and their place in the “pack.”

Dogs Similar to Shiloh Shepherds

Other similar dog breeds include the German shepherd, Alaskan malamute, and the Siberian husky.

• German Shepherd: This breed is similar in appearance to the Shiloh shepherd. However, it is smaller, more excitable, and better equipped to be a working dog.
• Alaskan malamute: This is a large-breed working dog native to Alaska, bred for strength, endurance, and hauling heavy loads on sleds.
• Siberian husky: A medium-sized working dog related to the spitz, this breed has a beautiful, thick coat and is intelligent, friendly, and known for being dramatic and funny family pets.