About the Breed – FAQs
Why are Shiloh Shepherds not in AKC?
The parent clubs for the breed have chosen to remain independent of the AKC to preserve the breed standards and practices established by breed founders. Preservation of a rare breed includes careful monitoring of genetics and potential outcrossing that closed studbooks do not allow for. We have an established breed standard, practice ethical breeding, have our own carefully monitored registry, and ensure reasonable control of the breeding population. Shilohs have the requirements and resources to be able to apply for AKC recognition tomorrow and be approved, so this is a choice, not a default last resort. Although we may one day change our stance! We welcome ALL questions regarding ethical breeding and encourage buyers to do their research into what that truly means!
What is the typical temperament of a Shiloh Shepherd?
Shiloh Shepherds are known for being calm, loyal, and highly intelligent. Unlike some other herding breeds, they tend to have a lower drive, making them excellent family companions who are gentle with children and other pets. However, that does not mean they are just couch potatoes with no requirements from their owner. They do not come pre-trained! Like any other dog, they require proper socialization and mental stimulation. Basic obedience training, boundary setting, and understanding social cues are essential from the time your puppy comes home throughout its older years.
How much exercise do they require daily?
While they are large dogs, they are not hyperactive. A good hour of walking and moderate play per day, combined with mental stimulation, is usually sufficient to keep a Shiloh happy and healthy. Consistent, neutral exposure to a variety of environments is the best way to exercise your dog both mentally and physically. As your puppy matures, you can introduce them to learning fun tricks, rally classes, swimming, and other positive environments that cultivate a place for your dog to become a well rounded and balanced individual.
Are Shiloh Shepherds easy to train?
Yes, they are very eager to please and pick up commands quickly. They can also feed off their owner's energy because of their intuitiveness and intelligence however, so approach your training sessions in a calm and collected state of mind. They respond best to balanced, consistent leadership with clear boundaries.
What colors do Shiloh Shepherds come in?
The recognized coat colors for Shiloh Shepherds are best separated in categories. There are 3 acceptable categories: Dual, Sable, and Solid. Of the Dual coats we have black and cream, black and tan, and black and silver, and these can be saddle pattern or bicolor pattern. Of the Sable coats we have gray sable and brown sable, though underlying pigment colors vary greatly. Of the Solid coats we only have 2, Black and White. Any of these coats may be smooth or plush.
Note: Anyone attempting to differentiate from these coat colors by naming colors like apricot, golden, buff, etc, is not breeding to standard and should not be considered a trustworthy source. Additionally, if anyone is charging different prices for different coat colors, that is a red flag! Ethical and reputable breeders strive to produce the best puppy-not the most interestingly colored one.
Health & Care
What are common health concerns for Shiloh Shepherds?
Like most large breeds, they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as bloat. We also can have heart issues like GSDIVA, an irregular heartbeat issue, or SAS, a structural health defect. This is why we are SO stringent in our health testing as a breed! We require heart monitoring between 5 and 12 months of age to detect the potential presence of those issues, and additionally to keep generations of health data and records for our database to refer back to so we may make the best breeding decisions for the future. Reputable breeders perform extensive health testing (OFA, PennHIP) to minimize these risks and ensure the longevity of their lines. EPI can also be present in the breed, which is manageable with digestive enzymes. Any reputable breeder will disclose any potential health risks that may come out of a pairing, or considerations-which does not guarantee or mean your puppy will have issues! Honesty and education on these topics are a green flag when looking for your Shiloh Shepherd puppy.
How often should they be groomed?
Shilohs come in smooth and plush coats. Plush-coated varieties require regular brushing (at least 2-3 times a week) to prevent matting and manage shedding, which can be heavy during seasonal changes. Bathing at least once every 2 months is helpful in managing the seasonal heavy shedding. It is VERY important to regularly trim your dogs nails. Shilohs have extremely long, thick nails, that can quickly get out of hand. They need to be trimmed every 2 weeks to ensure they remain a properly short length. Long nails contribute to splayed feet, weak pasterns, and arthritis in older dogs, and reduced mobility. Equally of a reason to maintain your Shiloh on a 2 week cycle is that you start at a young age, exposing your dog to regular trims, and reducing the risk of having a 100 plus pound dog that is uncontrollable at the groomer or vets office.
What is the ideal diet for a Shiloh Shepherd?
We are not purists to any one diet for a healthy, long-lived Shiloh Shepherd. We feed a wide variety of high-quality, high protein foods that is essential, especially during their long growth period of maturation. Overfeeding is more deadly to a dog than any properly formulated diet. We personally feed a combination of Orijen Amazing Grains and OpenFarms RawMix Grain Free (the key here is that their grain free formula does not contain legumes!) as well as a variety of fresh additions week to week like turkey necks, green beans, berries, bone broth, and kefir. We do not require that of any of our puppy owners-what we do ask, is that you feed your dog a species appropriate, high protein, quality food that provides the necessary vitamins and minerals approved by veterinarians.
How long do Shiloh Shepherds typically live?
The average lifespan for a Shiloh Shepherd is between 9 and 12 years. Providing appropriate exercise, mental stimulation, and preventative healthcare are key factors in helping them reach their senior years comfortably.
Next Steps
The process begins by filling out our application form. Once reviewed, we schedule a call to discuss your lifestyle, experience with animals, and what you’re looking for in a puppy.
How do I start the process?
Yes, due to our focus on quality rather than quantity, we typically have a waiting list. We do not have puppies constantly available. We recommend applying early to secure a place in line for future availability.