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Shiloh Shepherd | Dog Breed

Last updated May 29, 2024

Size

Varies

Popularity

One of the Most Popular

Typical Lifespan

About 9 years

Exercise

Shiloh Shepherds thrive on daily long walks, vigorous play sessions, and mental stimulation activities.

Grooming Needs

Shiloh Shepherds require regular brushing several times a week to manage their thick double coat and reduce shedding, along with occasional baths and routine nail trimming.

Country of Origin

United States

Adaptability

Shiloh Shepherds are versatile and can thrive in both spacious rural settings and more confined urban environments, provided they receive ample exercise and mental stimulation.

Shedding Level

Shiloh Shepherds experience moderate shedding year-round, with heavier shedding occurring seasonally.

Energiness

Shiloh Shepherds have a moderate to high energy level, needing regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Vocality

Shiloh Shepherds are generally moderate barkers, often vocalizing to alert their owners or express excitement.

Trainability

Shiloh Shepherds are highly trainable, responding well to consistent, positive reinforcement techniques.

Dietary Needs

Shiloh Shepherds need a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients to support their large size and active lifestyle.

Weight Range

36-140 lbs

Child Friendliness

Child-Friendly

Social Needs

Shiloh Shepherds thrive on close interaction with their human families and enjoy forming strong bonds. They are generally friendly with other animals, making them great companions in multi-pet households.

For Whom?

The ideal home for a Shiloh Shepherd would be one where it has plenty of space to move around and be active. This breed enjoys being outdoors and going on adventures, so a detached house with a large yard would be perfect. Although the Shiloh Shepherd is adaptable and can live in an urban environment, its physical and mental needs are best met when it has the opportunity to run and play freely in a safe environment.

This dog is a great fit for an active family that enjoys outdoor activities and spending time together. The Shiloh Shepherd loves to be part of the family and participates in everything the family does. It is also very protective and an excellent watchdog, making it well-suited for families who value a sense of security.

Since the Shiloh Shepherd is intelligent and eager to learn, it needs mental stimulation. Therefore, its home should include people who understand the importance of dog training and are committed to its continuous education and training. Training a dog is not just about teaching tricks, but also about creating a mutual understanding and bond between the dog and its owner.

Ultimately, although the Shiloh Shepherd can adapt to various conditions, it thrives in an environment where it feels loved and valued. It is a family-oriented dog that wants to be close to its people and feel like part of the group. Therefore, the best home for a Shiloh Shepherd is one where it can truly be a member of the family.

Character

Affectionate

Intelligent

Loyal

Protective

The Shiloh Shepherd is a dog breed that combines loyalty, strength, and gentleness in an amazingly harmonious way. It acts like a protector and friend of the family, with a charismatic presence and deep gaze that impresses everyone who meets it.

Shiloh has a calm and balanced nature, which is reflected in its confident and serene behavior. The breed is known for its excellent ability to empathize and it offers comforting presence whenever family members need it. Its warm-hearted and protective nature makes it an excellent companion for both children and adults.

Shiloh Shepherd is intelligent and eager to learn, enjoying the acquisition of new things and cooperation with humans. Training it is rewarding as it wants to please its owner and shows its obedience. This dog breed is also versatile, suitable for both demanding activities and more relaxed family life.

Although Shiloh Shepherd is physically strong and majestic, it also knows how to relax and enjoy quiet moments. It acts like a guardian of the family but knows how to snuggle up when it's time to quiet down and enjoy being together. Its natural instinct to protect and be present makes it a valued and beloved family member.

The heartiness and loyalty of the Shiloh Shepherd are traits that manifest in everyday life. It is a faithful friend that stays by your side through life's storms and fair weather, sharing both joys and sorrows with you. Shiloh is more than a pet – it is the heart of the family, bringing security and love to every day.

History

The Shiloh Shepherd is a relatively new dog breed that began development in the 1970s in the United States. The breed was created by Tina M. Barber, who aimed to develop a breed similar to the German Shepherd, but with better health and a gentler temperament. Barber's vision was to create a large, strong, and intelligent dog that would be an excellent family member and a versatile working dog.

The story of the Shiloh Shepherd traces back to German Shepherds, which were originally strong, capable working dogs. Barber wanted to retain these traits but improve the breed so that it would be less prone to the hereditary diseases observed in German Shepherds. She began crossbreeding German Shepherds with other large breeds to achieve the desired characteristics.

The breeding program for the Shiloh Shepherd was carefully planned, resulting in a dog that was larger and calmer than the original German Shepherd. Shiloh Shepherds are known for their strong and balanced temperament, making them ideal family dogs. They are also highly intelligent and learn quickly, which makes them suitable for various tasks such as therapy dogs or search and rescue missions.

Although the Shiloh Shepherd has not yet received official recognition from all kennel clubs, it has gained popularity worldwide. Breed enthusiasts and breeders particularly value its gentle nature, beautiful appearance, and ability to act as a reliable companion both at home and in work settings.

The history of the Shiloh Shepherd is still short, but during this time, the breed has already proven to be a valuable addition to the dog world. Its development continues, and breeders strive to ensure that the breed remains healthy and retains the unique traits that Tina M. Barber originally set for it. The story of the Shiloh Shepherd is a testament to how passion and dedication can lead to the creation of a new, beloved dog breed.