Shiloh Shepherd: Your Complete Guide
Have you ever seen a German shepherd that looks a little too big? If so, you might be looking at a Shiloh Shepherd. These dogs are larger than German shepherds but share many of the same qualities that make German shepherds such good dogs. Plus, their large size makes them great for working as service dogs or guard dogs and being a comfortable pillow.
Size aside, these dogs have the same temperament as German shepherds paired with their intelligence. This makes them one of the smartest and easiest dog breeds to train. Plus, if you like things made in the USA, you’ll love that Shiloh shepherds originated in the States.
Whether you are looking for a new family dog or a work dog, you’re in the right place. We’ll take you through what you need to know about Shiloh shepherds to help you determine if they’re the right fit for you or your family.
Read on to learn more about their size, history, temperament, etc.
Quick Look at the Shiloh Shepherd
Below is a glance at the Shiloh shepherd breed regarding their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 80-160 pounds, 26-30 inches |
| Coat Type | Medium length, multiple layers, multiple colors |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Affectionate, loyal, smart |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals |  |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 9-14 years |
What Is the History of a Shiloh Shepherd?
The Shiloh shepherd is a newer breed that came from the breeding of German shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes.
Tina Barber is the first breeder to breed this dog successfully, and the dog breed is named after her kennel. Her mission was to create a dog breed that looked similar to the German shepherds that she grew up with in Germany. While the results differed, she began her work in the 1970s.
Unfortunately, Tina Barber didn’t have success immediately. She overcame many challenges that German shepherds and Alaskan malamutes face, including hip dysplasia and temperament issues. Moreover, Barber had to predict what these new dogs could look like and get consistent results.
Thankfully for Barber and anyone who loves the Shiloh shepherd, breeding became consistent during the early 1990s.
Shiloh shepherds are a recent breed, so they’re not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Furthermore, the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) also recognizes this breed as its own rare breed.
What Do Shiloh Shepherds Look Like?
Shiloh shepherds are big dogs, and we mean big. They’re about 40 pounds heavier than German shepherds, so you’ll see them from a mile away.
That said, they do have some distinct features other than their size. The most notable example is their color pattern. Unlike German shepherds, you’ll find some hints of silver, red, and even blue. Their coats are also longer than the coats of German shepherds, likely because of their malamute genes.
As for their facial features, they have the same long, pointy ears that you’ll find on German shepherds. They also have a long snout and dark brown eyes.
What Size Is a Shiloh Shepherd?
Shiloh shepherds are one of the largest dog breeds that you can find. They’re bigger than huskies, German shepherds, and most other dog breeds. In fact, many mistake them for wolves because of their wolf-like appearance.
To provide perspective, the average male Shiloh shepherd weighs between 120 and 180 pounds, about the size of an average man. These dogs are also tall and measure up to 30 inches at the shoulder.
Female Shiloh shepherds are also big. They weigh between 79 and 120 pounds, which is still more than the average male German shepherd. Female Shiloh shepherds are also tall and measure around 26 inches at the shoulder.
What Is a Shiloh Shepherd’s Coat Type and Length?
Shiloh shepherds come in two distinct cost types. First and foremost, you have a smooth coat. The smooth coat is a thick, medium-length coat with a harsh layer of outer hair. Shiloh shepherds with this coat will also have more hair sticking out from their hind legs. Aside from hair length, it’s usually straight or wavy hair.
On the other hand, the plush coat of the Shiloh shepherd is a bit different. While the cost is still medium in length, the dog will have more hair around the head and neck. The undercoats on these Shiloh shepherds are also denser than the undercoats on smooth Shiloh shepherds.
What Is a Shiloh Shepherd’s Temperament?
Shiloh shepherds were bred to be more mild in temperament than traditional German shepherds, even though they are massive. Shiloh shepherds are typically calm, quiet, gentle, and social. Plus, they are smart and easy to train.
Some other notable traits of the Shiloh shepherds include:
- Easy to train
- Courageous
- Brave enough to protect someone from harm
- Active and energetic outdoors but calm and quiet indoors
- Self-confident
- Sweet with children and the elderly
- Loyal
- Outgoing
- Gentle
Aside from these traits, Shiloh shepherds are also bondable. They form strong bonds with their owner that can last a lifetime.
Are Shiloh Shepherds Good With Kids?
Shiloh shepherds are good with children of all ages, but it’s a good idea to keep children under five away from them because of their size. Otherwise, you shouldn’t have any issues with a Shiloh shepherd and your children.
In fact, these dogs are known for being gentle and kind to children of all ages. Plus, they have protective instincts and protect children or other members of the family from harm.
Are Shiloh Shepherds Good With Other Animals?
Shiloh shepherds are good with other animals, but you have to socialize them from a young age for the best results. A socialized dog will also perform better than an unsocialized dog around new or existing animals.
We recommend starting this training at around three to six months of age for the best results. Shiloh shepherds are easy to train at any age, so you shouldn’t have any issues teaching them.
Additionally, you can train them with specific commands to help them behave better around animals. These commands can also work if you use a Shiloh shepherd for hunting and don’t want them to run off the second they see a squirrel. Therefore, Shiloh shepherds are generally good with other animals.
Are Shiloh Shepherds Aggressive?
Shiloh shepherds aren’t known for being aggressive unless trained to be or if someone is in danger. Typically, these dogs are calm and quiet, especially inside their home. The only time they get aggressive is when they’re outdoors and around people or other animals that might cause harm.
That said, some Shiloh shepherds are trained as watchdogs or guard dogs. In these cases, their aggression levels might be higher. Remember that this only occurs when the dog is conditioned that way, and it’s unlikely for a random Shiloh shepherd to display signs of aggression, especially towards you or your family.
Do Shiloh Shepherds Bark?
Shiloh shepherds don’t bark often but bark when provoked or see something unusual. This makes them a good fit for apartments, even with noise restrictions (as long as you have the space).
They bark deep and loud, so you’ll know when they’re barking. The good news is that you can train them not to bark unless it’s an emergency. This will take time, so it’s best to start when your Shiloh shepherd is a young age. You can also make them bark on command with the right training. For these reasons, their level of barking comes down to how they’re trained.
Are Shiloh Shepherds Affectionate?
Shiloh shepherds are affectionate dogs with the person or people they bond with. It’s unlikely that they’ll cuddle up to a stranger, but it’s not uncommon for them to insert themselves into the bed with their owners. Shiloh shepherds are also affectionate towards young children and older adults.
So, if you want to cuddle, they will be more than happy to oblige!
Are Shiloh Shepherds Intelligent?
Shiloh shepherds are one of the most intelligent dog breeds you can find. While they’re smart enough to hang around the house all day, they’re also used as work dogs. Police stations train them to be police dogs, and they’re known for being good service dogs.
Shiloh shepherds are also used as search and rescue dogs and can be trained to guard children or your home. This makes them one of the most flexible dog breeds because of their size and intelligence.
Are Shiloh Shepherds Energetic?
Shiloh shepherds are energetic and need to stay active to remain healthy. These dogs love to run around, play, and explore the great outdoors. If you keep them inside all day, they can end up getting restless and overweight, which can lead to several health problems.
You’ll also want to ensure you have enough space to let them run and play when you’re not up for a walk. Therefore, it’s best to have a large background or a dog park nearby.
The best way to make sure a Shiloh shepherd is getting the right amount of exercise is to take them for a 20-30-minute walk at least two times per day. You can also take them running for 30 minutes if you don’t have time for two separate walks.
Are Shiloh Shepherds Easy to Train?
Shiloh shepherds are one of the easiest dogs to train. You can teach them to do just about anything, including complex tasks. So, you won’t just be commanding them to sit, give you a paw, or play fetch. If you want, you can even train them to perform elite agility tasks and other unique types of training. With their high intelligence, the sky’s the limit regarding training.
You also don’t need a professional to train them, but it’s not a bad idea to work with one if you plan on teaching them advanced techniques. Advanced training can help them become guard dogs, hunting dogs, or dogs for any task you need.
Are Shiloh Shepherds Good Watchdogs?
Shiloh shepherds are some of the best watchdogs you can find. They make a good watchdog and can be trained to protect your home, family, children, or business. Depending on what you need, they can also be trained to protect you if you’re hunting in the wild. Therefore, it comes down to what you need and the type of training you’re willing to provide.
Aside from training, Shiloh shepherds are inherently good watchdogs because of their personalities. They’re brave, bold, and courageous enough to charge into danger but smart enough to recognize when it’s better to hang back and bark.
Are Shiloh Shepherds Good Service Dogs?
Service dogs are trained to help someone with a disability perform a specific task, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While any dog can be a service dog, some breeds are better than others. Luckily, Shiloh shepherds are a great example of an excellent service dog when properly trained.
They can be trained to help people with physical disabilities because of their size, but they can also help people with mental health problems because of their intelligence. This makes them suitable candidates to be guide dogs and psychiatric service dogs.
Aside from more general service dog roles, Shiloh shepherds can also be trained to be guard dogs, police dogs, military dogs, or anything else. Their size and intelligence make them flexible when it comes to roles they can do as service dogs.
The last thing to note is that Shiloh shepherds can be decent emotional support animals (ESA), but it depends on your needs. While they can keep you comfortable at home, they’re too big to take out in public most of the time unless you’re visiting pet-friendly places.
How to Care for a Shiloh Shepherd
Shiloh shepherds aren’t too challenging to care for as long as you consider their needs. Some quick things to consider about caring for Shiloh shepherds include:
- Daily brushing when possible
- Feeding them high-quality food
- Making sure they get 60 minutes of exercise per day
- Give them toys to play with
- Make sure they have enough space
Following these quick tips can help you care for your Shiloh shepherd without putting too much thought into it.
As long as you feed them properly, brush their coats, and bring them to the vet regularly, you shouldn’t have any issues caring for Shiloh shepherds.
Do You Need to Groom a Shiloh Shepherd?
Yes, you need to groom a Shiloh shepherd. It’s important to groom them because failing to do so can result in dirty or matted coats. Also, make sure you trim the hair around their neck, inside their ears, and between their toes. Fortunately, most of this can be done at home if you have a dog brush.
Aside from brushing your Shiloh shepherd, it’s also important to bathe them when needed. Use a mild shampoo that’s not too rough on their hair – it’s better to give them two baths than shampoo that harms their coat.
Bathing and brushing should help you keep their coat healthy and prevent shedding. Plus, you don’t usually need to visit a professional groomer with a Shiloh shepherd.
Do Shiloh Shepherds Shed?
Yes, Shiloh shepherds shed. They shed as much as German shepherds and malamutes, which is consistent but not excessive.
However, their shedding will get worse over the spring and summer. This is because they will start to shed their winter coat, a layer of dense fur beneath their top coat. The shedding from this coat won’t happen all year, so you’ll get a break during the winter and fall.
What Health Problems Do Shiloh Shepherds Have?
Shiloh shepherds share many genes with malamutes and German shepherds, so the health conditions they develop are similar. Some of the most notable health conditions to look for include:
- Hip Dysplasia: Issues with the hip joint becoming inflamed
- Elbow Dysplasia: Issues with the elbow joint becoming inflamed
- Bone Disease: Problems with bone health and density
- Stomach Disorders: Problems with digestion and ulcers
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Problems with the pancreas and intestines
- Heart Problems: Irregular heartbeat and other cardiovascular disease
Some Shiloh shepherds also have an increased risk of developing an eye disease called pannus. This condition can result in partial or full blindness.
How Long Do Shiloh Shepherds Live?
Shiloh shepherds live for around 9-14 years. Their average lifespan is shorter than malamutes and German shepherds because of their large size. Unfortunately, most large dog breeds have more health problems and shorter lifespans when compared to smaller breeds. One possible reason is that the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body.
What Should a Shiloh Shepherd Eat?
Shiloh shepherds should eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and minerals. Healthy fats and vitamins should also be mixed in if their food does not come with it. To make sure they get the nutrition they need, they should eat kibble or wet dog food at least twice per day.
That said, they do need to eat more as a puppy. As puppies, they should eat around 5,000 calories daily to support their growing bodies. Also, puppies should be fed at least four times daily instead of two.
Make sure you limit their amount of treats and avoid leaving food out during the day because they tend to overeat when given the chance.
Is a Shiloh Shepherd the Right Dog for Me?
The Shiloh shepherd is a well-rounded breed that can be a good fit for anyone willing to put the time and care in.
As long as you have plenty of space and the time to train and exercise with them, you shouldn’t have any issues with this breed. If you’re looking for a service dog or guard dog, the Shiloh shepherd is also a great option. Just remember to brush out their coats when you can to prevent matting.
That said, these dogs are not right for everyone. If you live in a small apartment, it’s best to avoid this breed because they’re massive and take up a lot of space. You’ll also need to maintain their health and diet through regular vet visits, which can get expensive because of their size.
Lastly, if you’re not a fan of shedding or allergic to dog hair, you’ll want to avoid the Shiloh shepherd.
Overall, Shiloh shepherds are a great breed that gives you the best of German shepherds and Alaskan malamutes.