• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

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
User Ratings
Compare the Shiloh Shepherd With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Shiloh Shepherd dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Shiloh Shepherd known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
ShilohShiloh Shepherd dog
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Shiloh Shepherd? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the Shiloh Shepherd Breed

Shiloh Shepherd Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Shiloh Shepherd? Learn how big the Shiloh Shepherd breed typically grows.
Giant
Weight Statistics
How much does a Shiloh Shepherd weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Shiloh Shepherd breed.
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 Range
How much does a Shiloh Shepherd puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Shiloh Shepherd costs.
$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

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Shiloh Shepherd? Discover the Shiloh Shepherd's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
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.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Shiloh Shepherd? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's trainability and response to training methods.
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 Rating
How good is a Shiloh Shepherd as a watchdog? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's alertness and guarding instincts.
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.
Territorial Protection
Is a Shiloh Shepherd protective of its territory? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's guarding instincts and behavior.
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

Personality Traits
What personality does a Shiloh Shepherd have? Learn about characteristic Shiloh Shepherd temperament and behavior traits.
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

Barking Frequency
Does a Shiloh Shepherd bark a lot? Learn about typical Shiloh Shepherd vocalization patterns and triggers.
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.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Shiloh Shepherd? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Shiloh Shepherd 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.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Shiloh Shepherd live in an apartment? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's suitability for apartment living.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Shiloh Shepherd to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's flexibility to new situations.
Average: Shiloh Shepherd dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Shiloh Shepherd be left alone? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's tolerance to solitude.
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 Risk Assessment
What is a Shiloh Shepherd biting potential? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's bite risk factors.

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.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Shiloh Shepherd mouthy? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's tendency to use mouth during play.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Shiloh Shepherd bite? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's bite force measured in PSI.

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.

Shiloh Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Shiloh Shepherd live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Shiloh Shepherd breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shiloh Shepherd: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Shiloh Shepherd handle different weather? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's climate adaptability.
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.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Shiloh Shepherd? Discover typical conditions affecting the Shiloh Shepherd breed.
Shiloh Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Shiloh Shepherd need vet visits? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's veterinary care requirements.
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.

Shiloh Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Shiloh Shepherd? Understand daily activity needs of the Shiloh Shepherd breed.
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

Obesity Tendency
Is a Shiloh Shepherd prone to weight gain? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's obesity risks.
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.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Shiloh Shepherd need daily? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's feeding requirements.
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shiloh Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Shiloh Shepherd hypoallergenic? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's suitability for allergy sufferers.
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.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Shiloh Shepherd come in? Discover all possible Shiloh Shepherd color variations.
Black White Silver Golden Grey Black & Tan
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Shiloh Shepherd need? Learn about Shiloh Shepherd coat maintenance requirements.
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.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Shiloh Shepherd drool a lot? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's drooling habits.
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.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Shiloh Shepherd smell bad? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's natural odor levels.

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.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Shiloh Shepherd have? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's fur characteristics.
SmoothDouble
Bathing Needs
How often does a Shiloh Shepherd need baths? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's bathing requirements.
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.

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.

Shiloh Shepherd Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Shiloh Shepherd good with children? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's behavior around kids of different ages.
Shiloh Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Shiloh Shepherd get along with other pets? Discover the Shiloh Shepherd's compatibility with other animals.
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.
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 Capability
Can a Shiloh Shepherd be a service dog? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's service work potential.

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 Work Suitability
Is a Shiloh Shepherd good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's therapy work aptitude.

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.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Shiloh Shepherd good at detection work? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Can a Shiloh Shepherd do search and rescue? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's SAR capabilities.

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.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Shiloh Shepherd good on boats? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's maritime capabilities.

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.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Shiloh Shepherd pull carts? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's drafting abilities.

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.

Military Service Background
Was a Shiloh Shepherd used in military service? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's military history.

Not really

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

Shiloh Shepherd Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Shiloh Shepherd usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Shiloh Shepherd pregnant? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's gestation period.

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.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Shiloh Shepherd have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

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.

Shiloh Shepherd Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Shiloh Shepherd in? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Shiloh Shepherd in? Learn about the Shiloh Shepherd's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Shiloh Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Shiloh Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Watchdog Rating: Shiloh Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Child Compatibility: 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 Concerns: Shiloh Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Shiloh Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: 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.