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| Shiloh Shepherd Dog | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | |
| United States | |
| Notes | |
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The Shiloh Shepherd Dog is a breed of dog that essentially resembles a giant version of the German Shepherd Dog (GSD), although they posses a much gentler attitude inherited from the Giant Malamutes in their ancestry.
Appearance
The Shiloh Shepherd Dog is powerfully built and well-balanced, with proud carriage and smooth, effortless gait. The male Shiloh stands 30 inches (76 cm) or more in height with a minimum of 28 inches (71 cm); he weighs 140 to 160 pounds (63.5-72.5 kg) with a minimum of 120 pounds (54.5 kg). The female is smaller, standing 28 inches (71 cm) or more in height with a minimum of 26 inches (66 cm) and weighing 100 to 120 pounds (45-54.5 kg) with a minimum of 80 pounds (36 kg).
Shilohs come in two distinct coat varieties: the smooth coat (double, medium length, lying close to the body, dense, straight and harsh) and the plush coat, which is longer, with a soft undercoat, a distinctive "mane", body coat not over 5 inches (12.5 cm) long and feathering inside ears and behind the legs not over 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.
Shiloh coat colors may be "shades of black with tan, golden tan, reddish tan, silver, and cream" or "various shades of richly pigmented golden, silver, red, dark brown, dark gray, or black sable". Solid black or solid white are also acceptable as long as nose, lips, and eye rims are solid black. White markings are discouraged except for small patches on toes or the centre of the chest. Pale,washed-out colours are discouraged. Eyes are dark to light brown in colour.
The difference between the Shiloh Shepherd Dog and its parent breed the German Shepherd Dog is explained as being essentially that the Shiloh is the dog for people who fell in love with the German Shepherd as it was in 1962. They claim that the breed has changed so radically since then that dogs of that type can no longer be called GSDs. Without a doubt, too, the Shiloh is larger than was ever the norm for GSDs.
Temperament
In temperament the Shiloh is supposed to be courageous and self-confident; superior intelligence is called for in its breed standard. Breeders strive for a courageous, yet manageable temperament. Any form of extreme aggression or shyness is severely penalized! The Shiloh Shepherd is an excellent family companion that is extremely gentle with small children as well as other pets. Many Shiloh's are also utilized for therapy and search & rescue work, although they excel in many other venues as well.
History
The Shiloh Shepherd Dog has been under development by breed founder Tina Barber of Shiloh Shepherds (Kennel) in New York state in a sustained effort over the last third of the 20th century. As the breed achieved wider recognition and popularity near the turn of the millennium other Registries were formed as well as a second Club for these Registries.The breed now has multiple registries, including, The International Shiloh Shepherd Registry (ISSR), The Shiloh Shepherd Registry (TSSR), the National Shiloh Breeders Registry (NSBR), the Shiloh Shepherd Breed Association (SSBA). There are two Shiloh Shepherd Dog Clubs, the Shilohs Shepherd Dog Club of America (SSDCA) and the International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club (ISSDC). For further information on all of the above Registries and Clubs please use the external links section of this article.
Health
The main health issues in this breed are gastrointestinal problems (gastric torsion/bloat, bacterial overgrowth syndrome) and skeletal or bone disorders such as hip dysplasia, panosteitis and osteochondritis. The accepted organizations for health certifications are OFA, Penn HIP, and CERF. Most Shiloh Shepherd Breeders utilize these organizations to screen their breeding dogs. As giant breeds go, the Shiloh is arguably quite a healthy example.
External links
- Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America (SSDCA)
- International Shiloh Shepherd Registry, Inc. (ISSR)
- International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club (ISSDC)
- The Shiloh Shepherd Registry (TSSR)
- National Shiloh Breeders Registry (NSBR)
- Shiloh Shepherd Breed Association (SSBA)