Appearance
Shilohs are large shepherds that all descended from the “Shiloh Kennel.” Here is a link to the breed history.
They are large, big-boned dogs, with 9:10 body proportions, wolfish features, and blocky heads.
They typically range from 80 lbs – 130 lbs and 26″-33″ tall at the withers.
Their colors vary from all shades of sable, bi-color, and dual, as well as solid white and solid black.
There are no blue, liver-colored, or panda-colored Shilohs.
Most Shilohs are plush-coated, but there are short-coated Shilohs too (affectionately called ‘smoothies’).
Temperament
Shilohs are an intermediate-level dog.
Shilohs are a little easier to manage than most other shepherd breeds, but still retain herding and protective instincts. This should be considered when training and socializing, as these traits will make them more environmentally aware than other non-herding type breeds.
Shilohs range from medium to low energy, with exceptions on either end of the typical spectrum.
However, that doesn’t mean that Shilohs are inherently couch potatoes, and they require training, calm exposure, and proper socialization.
A wellbred Shiloh is even-tempered and fits into family life, and many are accomplished therapy dogs!
They’re typically neutral to strangers, but with pushy or improper socialization, they can be fearful/shy.
Aggression, nervousness, and shyness are faults.
Shilohs are great for weekend warriors and for dabbling in dog sports.
Here’s a more detailed Shiloh Shepherd temperament guide.
Health
Health is something that reputable breeders are very passionate about!
Here’s the latest health survey.
Hips
One of the goals of the breed is to lower the rates of hip dysplasia.
It still occurs, but Shiloh Shepherds are steadily improving breed-wide!
Bloat
As with any deep-chested breed, sometimes the stomach can twist, and the dog needs immediate veterinary attention.
A preventative gastropexy (stomach-tacking) is recommended, which can be done at the same time as a spay/neuter at a breed-appropriate age (much like Great Danes).
Risk increases with age.
Here is a chart on the signs to look out for.
EPI
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency pops up occasionally, and can be treated with supplements.
GSDIVA
GSDIVA is an inherited heart condition that causes heart arrhythmias in puppies. It is recommended that all Shiloh puppies get holtered at an early age, and reputable breeders will help facilitate this testing.
Early detection is the key!
Dogs typically outgrow the condition by 1-2 years old with medication.
The ISSA breed club has helped raise funds to develop a test for this condition, and they are currently working with Dr. Kathryn Meurs DVM, PhD at North Carolina State University.
This research is currently ongoing, and it sounds like great progress has been made.
Updates can be found on the club’s Facebook page.
Campfire Shilohs 