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Shiloh Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Shiloh Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank347
Reviews1
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Shiloh Shepherd dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Other Names
What other names does the Shiloh Shepherd have?
ShilohShiloh Shepherd dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the Shiloh Shepherd Breed

Shiloh Shepherd Size and Weight

Size
Is a Shiloh Shepherd small, medium or large dog?

How big do Shiloh Shepherd get?

What is the average size of a Shiloh Shepherd?

Giant
Weight
How much does the Shiloh Shepherd weigh? How much should a Shiloh Shepherd weight? What is the normal weight of a Shiloh Shepherd? How much does a full-grown Shiloh Shepherd weight?
Male: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg), Female: 80-100 pounds (36-45 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Shiloh Shepherd?
Male: 115 pounds (52 kg), Female: 90 pounds (40.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Shiloh Shepherd? Shiloh Shepherd height:
Male: 28-30 inches (71-76 cm), Female: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Shiloh Shepherd?
Male: 29 inches (73.5 cm), Female: 27 inches (68.5 cm)

Shiloh Shepherd Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Shiloh Shepherd puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Shiloh Shepherd in the United States? How much money is a Shiloh Shepherd?

Where to buy a Shiloh Shepherd with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Shiloh Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Shiloh Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Shiloh Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Shiloh Shepherd? How many Shiloh Shepherd are there in the world?
Average: The Shiloh Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Shiloh Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Shiloh Shepherd? Is the Shiloh Shepherd breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Shiloh Shepherd ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Shiloh Shepherd dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Shiloh Shepherd?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Shiloh Shepherd good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Shiloh Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Shiloh Shepherd dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Shiloh Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Shiloh Shepherd have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
LovingOutgoingLoyalGentleTrainableCompanionable
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Shiloh Shepherd sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Shiloh Shepherd dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Shiloh Shepherd a good family dog?
Average to High: Shiloh Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Shiloh need? Shiloh Shepherd social needs:
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Shiloh Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Shiloh Shepherd roam?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Shiloh Shepherd have high prey drive?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Shiloh Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Shiloh Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Shiloh Shepherd dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Shiloh bark?
Low to Average: The Shiloh Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Shiloh Shepherd good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Shiloh Shepherd in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Shiloh Shepherd indoors.

Shiloh Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Shiloh Shepherd dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Shiloh Shepherd be left alone? How long can you leave a Shiloh Shepherd alone?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Shiloh Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Shiloh Shepherd has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Shiloh Shepherd? How much bite force does a Shiloh Shepherd have? How strong is a Shiloh Shepherd bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Shiloh Shepherd bite force: The Strongest. The Shiloh Shepherd bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Shiloh Shepherd measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Shiloh Shepherd dogs is impressive, and their Shiloh Shepherd bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Shiloh Shepherd PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Shiloh Shepherd bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Shiloh Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Shiloh Shepherd bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Shiloh? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Shiloh Shepherd? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Shiloh Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Shiloh Shepherd do?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Shiloh Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Shiloh Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Shiloh Shepherd dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Shiloh Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Shiloh Shepherd breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Shiloh Shepherd see the vet?
Frequent
The Shiloh Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Shiloh Shepherd dogs live? How old can a Shiloh Shepherd be? What is the age limit of the Shiloh Shepherd? How many years can the oldest Shiloh Shepherd live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Shiloh Shepherd?

How long is the lifespan of a Shiloh Shepherd?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shiloh Shepherd: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Shiloh Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Shiloh Shepherd have? What is the activity level of the Shiloh Shepherd?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Shiloh Shepherd need? How much exercise do Shiloh Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do Shiloh Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

Shiloh Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Shiloh Shepherd breed need?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Shiloh Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Shiloh Shepherd need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Shiloh Shepherd breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Shiloh Shepherd? How much food should I feed my Shiloh Shepherd?
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Shiloh Shepherd risk for obesity:
Average: The Shiloh Shepherd has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Shiloh Shepherd weight regularly.

Shiloh Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Shiloh Shepherd have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
SmoothDouble
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Shiloh Shepherd coats?
Black White Silver Golden Grey Black & Tan
Grooming
How to groom the Shiloh Shepherd and how often? How often should I take my Shiloh Shepherd to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Shiloh Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Shiloh Shepherd is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Shiloh Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Shiloh? Do Shiloh Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Shiloh Shepherd need a bath? How often should you give a Shiloh Shepherd a bath? Can I bathe my Shiloh Shepherd every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Shiloh Shepherd breed hypoallergenic?
No
Shiloh Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Shiloh Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Shiloh Shepherd drool?
The Shiloh Shepherd is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Shiloh Shepherd Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Shiloh Shepherd dogs get along with other pets? Are Shiloh Shepherd dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Shiloh Shepherd temperament with other people:
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Shiloh Shepherd dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Shiloh Shepherd temperament with children:
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Shiloh Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Shiloh Shepherd breed live with a cat?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Shiloh Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Shiloh Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Shiloh Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Shiloh Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Shiloh Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do Shiloh Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Shiloh Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Shiloh Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Shiloh temperament with senior people? Are Shiloh Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
Shiloh Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shiloh Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Shiloh Shepherd be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Shiloh Shepherd is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Shiloh Shepherd be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Shiloh Shepherd be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Shiloh Shepherd is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Shiloh Shepherd be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Shiloh Shepherd is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Shiloh Shepherd be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Shiloh Shepherd is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Shiloh Shepherd be a boat dog?

Not really

Shiloh Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Shiloh Shepherd be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Shiloh Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Shiloh Shepherd dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shiloh Shepherd Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Shiloh Shepherd pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Shiloh Shepherd breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Shiloh Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Shiloh Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can the Shiloh Shepherd breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Shiloh Shepherd have? How many puppies can a Shiloh Shepherd give birth to?
6-12 puppies

Shiloh Shepherd Recognition

AKC Group
Is Shiloh Shepherd recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Shiloh Shepherd recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Shiloh Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Shiloh Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Watchdog Ability: Shiloh Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Child Friendly: Shiloh Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Shiloh Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Shiloh Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Shiloh Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Shiloh Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Shiloh Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Shiloh Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Shiloh Shepherd History

The Shiloh Shepherd is not considered to be an ancient dog breed, moreover, it is known to be developed in the mid-1970s, in upstate New York, in the United States of America. A German Shepherd enthusiast woman, named Tina Barber was the one who started training German Shepherds as her own personal guarding and protecting dogs. She was also an excellent dog trainer with many years of experience in the field of shepherds. She recognized relatively early on that the average German Shepherd might be too difficult for the novice owners, to handle and train. Consequently, she decided to create a breed for the average person, who could be easily trained and safely trusted with little kids too. Tina Barber had also discovered multiple health-related issues with the German Shepherds, like their hip dysplasia, so she began to search for a solution for the problem with the help of breeding.

Thus, she started her journey with the intention of developing a huge dog like the ones she remembered from when she was a little girl in her hometown, in Germany; large, family-friendly, healthy shepherds. Her objective was to build a larger and softer-coated breed than the average German Shepherd, however more affectionate, loving, moreover even-tempered. The Shiloh Shepherd we know nowadays is a result of breeding together the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute with each other. Tina, as the breed’s officially recognized founder, put an emphasis on making a distinction between the Shiloh Shepherd breed and the more well-known German Shepherd breed. Finally, in 1991, the AKC (American Kennel Club) had officially made a clear separation between the two breeds, for the reason that they had two different breed standards drawn up. Nevertheless, the organization did not register the Shiloh Shepherd. Today, breeders are keeping a tight control on the breed’s development and breeding programs, in order to preserve the Shiloh Shepherd’s general health, to avoid any mixes, and to expand the existing gene pool.

The breeding process was successful, and a new breed was born, Tina Barber reached her goals. The Shiloh Shepherd is far from being an aggressive breed, nor is it suitable for protection, guarding, and bite works. Their protective behavior towards their owners remained in their DNA, but in a more gentle way. The dogs mostly just bark, which is ultimately usually a sufficient deterrent.

Fortunately, the breed found a work environment where they can stand out, helping people. The Shiloh Shepherds excel as therapy and service dogs for sick kids in hospitals, or for the elderly in homes. They also have astonishing intuitiveness which leads the dogs to serve in specialized roles as seizure and diabetes alert dogs.

Rate The Shiloh Shepherd Breed

Shiloh Shepherd Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Karina

    Feb 8, 2022, 3:04:19 AM:

    Kindest, gentlest, most caring dog ever.