Shiloh Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

54-72 kg

Height

71-76 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Shiloh Shepherd

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Shiloh Shepherd is basically a big, cute, and cuddly teddy bear. They are a mix of all the best qualities in a dog and would make the perfect addition to any home. This breed will protect and love you fiercely – you will have a companion for life with this one!

This guide tells you everything and more you need to know about this wonderful breed. By the end of this, you will know if this pup is your match or not!

What is the history & origin of the Shiloh Shepherd?

Tina Barber, a German Shepherd enthusiast, started developing the Shiloh Shepherd during the 1970s in New York. In 1989 she mixed the Alaskan Malamute with the German shepherd. She later mixed these dogs with the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog and Canadian White Shepherd.

And in 1990, the Shiloh Shepherd was recognised as a breed. Barber wanted to create a breed like a German Shepherd, just bigger, with a softer and more gentle nature. By 2007 she had created her perfect dog.

The breed is recognised by various groups such as the International Shiloh Shepherd Registry, the American Canine Association, American Rare Breed Association, The Shiloh Shepherd Registry, and more. They are yet to be recognised by the American kennel club.

What is a Shiloh Shepherd breed?

They look just like German Shepherd dogs but are quite a lot bigger; they are a mix between a German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute.

The breed is quite sensitive, so they make excellent service support and therapy dogs. They are also used for search and rescue work, police dogs, child companions, flock guarding, and guide dogs.

Who is a Shiloh Shepherd best for?

The Shiloh Shepherd is a great choice for families or owners that live very active lifestyles.

These dogs require a lot of psychological stimulation and physical activity to be happy, so they are the perfect fit for people who will take their dog on walks, hikes, runs, and tons of other activities.

They are great with children, especially when socialised and introduced early on. Therefore, they make a great choice for families with little ones. These dogs are gentle and highly sensitive and they will get along well with other pets as long as they have been socialised.

They require quite a lot of room, so they are well suited to people that live in larger houses with gardens where the pup can run around and play. They make excellent watchdogs as their size can be rather intimidating, but they are in no way aggressive.

Shiloh Shepherd Grooming & Shedding

The Shiloh Shepherd dog’s coat varies from dog to dog. Their coats are either luxuriously fluffy or very soft and smooth. Regardless of the thickness of their fur, this crossbreed is quite the heavy shedder. Brush your dog’s coat daily to prevent it from getting dirty.

Dogs typically shed their winter coat in spring to become lighter and longer during summer. The cycle reverses during autumn when the longer summer coat will be shed, and the double coat will become heavier in the winter.

A bath every month will suffice for your Shiloh Shepherd. The Shiloh Shepherd is a self-cleaning pup, making them much less maintenance than some other breeds. Check their ears on a regular basis and trim their nails if they get too long. This should be done once or twice each month.

We recommend that you brush their teeth at least three times every week, as maintaining their oral health is crucial.

Do Shiloh Shepherds bark a lot?

Shiloh Shepherds will occasionally bark, especially when saying hello or getting excited. However, they do enjoy howling. If you feel that your pup’s barking is becoming a problem, then you can correct this behaviour through training and teaching them commands.

What is the average weight & height of a Shiloh Shepherd?

This dog is quite a large breed, and their size may be a bit much for some. The males are usually a minimum of about 71 centimetres in height and weigh about 54-72 kilograms.

Female Shiloh Shepherds are generally a minimum of 66 centimetres in height and around 45-54 kilograms in weight. Some may be bigger, and some may be slightly smaller.

Are Shiloh Shepherds easy to train?

This breed learns quickly; they are smart and easy to train. They enjoy doing different things, give them a purpose and something to do, and they will be more than happy. Using positive reinforcement is key.

You will need to train this dog the minute you bring it home and socialise them by introducing them to various people, environments, sounds, and places. Use repetition so that they know which behaviours you desire and reward them for this.

This breed is intelligent and loves to please, so you should have no trouble training them!

How do Shiloh Shepherds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Shiloh Shepherd can be quiet, but they become very loving, friendly, and affectionate once they get used to people. They grow very close to their owners. On the one hand, they are docile and calm, but this is also a highly energetic dog.

This may be a big dog, but it is a real softie who loves being around their humans and doing anything and everything with them. This breed is also very intelligent, which explains why they are used for so many different things, from service to emotional needs.

As much as this dog breed loves being active, it will also love cuddling up on the couch and taking it easy just as much. Just beware that this dog will become bored and restless if not given enough exercise and playtime.

This breed is very social and friendly, and they get along with most people and love being around others. This pup is curious and will love exploring.

They have guarding instincts and will protect those they love, but they are one of the most gentle and kindest dogs out there.

Does the Shiloh Shepherd have any common health issues?

Shiloh Shepherds are prone to various health issues that often affect larger dogs. One common illness of a dog this size is Hip dysplasia. Fortunately, various treatment options can be used to treat the joint problem, from lifestyle changes to non-surgical therapies.

Another problem that the Shiloh Shepherd could have is diarrhoea and an upset stomach. This tends to happen when they eat too quickly and exercise too soon after eating.

Some other ailments that a shepherd may face include Megaesophagus, Perianal Fistula, Panosteitis, Hip Dysplasia, and bloating. Take your pup for regular check-ups. This way, you can catch any problems in the early stages and maintain good overall health.

What is the lifespan of a Shiloh Shepherd?

Shiloh dogs can live an average of 12 to 14 years of life. The happier and healthier the dog, the longer it will live. Make sure that they get enough exercise, eat the right food, and get loads of love!

Their lifespan is so high due to selective breeding.

How much does a Shiloh Shepherd need to be fed?

Due to its size, this big boy will need to eat lots of food. The Shiloh Shepherd needs a daily dose of around 3 to 3 ½ cups of food. It is best to spread their food over two meals each day to minimise bloat.

The amount you feed your pup will depend on how old the dog is, how big it is or how much it weighs, its age, activity level, and metabolism. It is important that your Shiloh Shepherd eats dry dog food specially designed for a big breed.

Typically, kibble contains a higher percentage of proteins which is very good for their bone strength. They should have a good feeding schedule. They do tend to gain weight, so avoid overfeeding them.

How much can you expect to pay for a Shiloh Shepherd in Australia?

The price of a Shiloh Shepherd puppy will vary for each breeder, and it is essential that you buy from a reputable, responsible, and registered breeder. These dogs can cost a lot and do not compromise on quality for a reasonable price!

Shiloh Shepherd breeders will sell the pups for different prices depending on their bloodline, but you can expect to pay no less than $1,000 for a puppy.

Shiloh Shepherd FAQs

What is the difference between a Shiloh Shepherd and a King shepherd?

The main difference is that King Shepherds are generally a bit smaller and heavier than Shiloh Shepherds are. Shiloh Shepherds look more like wolves, and King Shepherds look like big and muscular dogs.

Are Shiloh Shepherds good apartment dogs?

They can thrive in apartments as long as they get over 60 minutes of exercise each day. They are better suited to large homes with gardens, but apartments could suffice, it is just not recommended for their wellbeing.