Please read our History. Shiloh Shepherds originated from AKC German Shepherds, with the addition of a malamute/white shepherd outcross in the early 90’s. However, the Shiloh is still a breed in development, and most registries are trying to add depth to the gene pool by bringing in outcrosses.

The Shiloh Shepherd Dog and the German Shepherd Dog share high intelligence, problem solving ability, and loyalty to their owners in common.

Physically, Shilohs are larger than GSDs, and lack the sloping topline and extreme angulation seen in many American GSDs.

Behaviorally, Shilohs tend to have lower prey and play drives than GSDs. Of course this is a generalization, as some lines have more drive than others. There are some Shiloh Shepherds involved in SAR, therapy dog work (both in animal assisted therapy and animal assisted activities), agility, tracking, service dog work, and obedience work. However, in general Shilohs are more suited to being companion dogs as opposed to working dogs.

Most male Shilohs range in size from 28-30″ and weigh approximately 100-120 lbs.
Most female Shilohs range in size from 26-28″ and weigh approximately 75-100lbs.

Keep in mind that size is measured at the top of the shoulder, not the top of the head, and that they are usually longer than they are tall.

The above sizes are an HONEST average. The sizes listed in the breed standard are the sizes strived for/hoped for, but are generally not the norm.

No. The gene for the plush coat is present in GSDs, however it is considered a fault and most breeders do not select for the trait.

The plush coat is the more common variety of Shiloh Shepherd, but there is also a smooth coated variety.

Yes!!!

Shilohs have a double coat, a harsh outer coat with a soft downy undercoat. Sometimes the smooth coat lacks an undercoat. The smooth coats seem to shed a bit more, but that is not to say the plush coats don’t shed as they certainly do and the hair is longer. If you can’t stand dog hair on your belongings this is not the breed for you! A weekly grooming session usually keeps the hair under control. Shiloh Shepherds go through a massive shedding called “blowing their coat” twice a year, during the spring and fall. Unaltered females will also blow their coats after each heat cycle.

The average lifespan for a Shiloh Shepherd is 10-12 years.

Do your research. Check out different breeders. Ask for references. Ask about health testing, temperament, guarantees, and how they raise their puppies. Find a breeder you are comfortable with and answers your questions honestly.

See our breeders page

Shilohs pups exercise themselves and take naps often. As they grow they need muscular activity to develop properly — but will become couch potatoes if you let them. Exercise develops coordination, muscular fluidity, and tightness. Running, walking, swimming, and fetching are good methods. Some lines of Shilohs are more active than others, be sure and ask your breeder about their dog’s activity level.

It is important to know the amount and the type of exercise to do for the age of your dog. One must start slow and increase accordingly. A puppy’s first year closely parallels a persons; a puppy that is one month is equal to a child of one year, two months equals two years, and so on. Never expect more from you puppy than you would from a child at the same age level. They don’t become a full adult in till three years of age, until then, they still are developing their bones and muscles.

No. In 1991 the breed founder and some satellite kennels decided to separate from the AKC to form a new breed, Shiloh Shepherds, named after the kennel of origin. We are recognized by several rare breed show organizations including ARBA, NAKC, IABCA, RBCSWO and ABIDS.

It’s a long story …

The original club (SSDCA) ran into financial difficulties and after several attempts to rectify them, the breed founder decided to shut down the club, and asked a new one be started (the original ISSDC*). Right before the SSDCA was to permanently close, the breed founder changed her mind and the SSDCA remained open with the ISSR registry. Regardless many people chose to go forward with the new club, hoping to avoid the problems they had encountered in the past. Unfortunately, the original ISSDC club was plagued with political strife, and eventually split into three main non-ISSR registries: SSBA, NSBR, and TSSR with each registry having their own set of rules. In 2009 the SSBA ceased doing business and many of their breeders/owners are now either NSBR or TSSR.

*Since 2005 a club under the ISSDC banner has been re-established and is working very hard to pull all the registries together under one club, it is currently the parent club of the NSBR & TSSR. Information on the new ISSDC can be found at www.shilohs.org.

Health problems in Shilohs are much like the health problems in German Shepherds and other large breed dogs including: hip dysplasia, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, bloat/torsion, mitral valve murmurs, SAS, and allergies.

Shiloh Shepherds can make wonderful family companions. They do well with children and other small pets but need supervision until they are grown. Shilohs grow very quickly and can outweigh small children well before they reach 6 months old.

Shiloh Shepherds are eager to please and learn very quickly with repetition, consistency, and positive reinforcement. As with any large dog, socialization and basic obedience training is essential to having your own canine good citizen. There are Shilohs who go on to compete in obedience, and some have gone to be Service Dogs as well as work in Search and Rescue.

Physically, males are larger than the females. As far as temperament, the males tend to be more outgoing with strangers, with the females being more reserved, and more territorial. Not to say they are unfriendly, but they like to take their time before making a new best friend. Females are also more obedient and are a little more sensitive to the moods of their human family. Both make excellent companions.