FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1 / Where Shiloh Shepherds come from?
Tina Barber began training German Shepherds for personal protection in New York State in the mid-1970s. Early on, however, she saw that many of these shepherds were too difficult for the average family to handle. Tina wanted a shepherd that could be trusted with and safely handled by a small child. She also discovered problems with hip dysplasia in her lines and started getting ideas to reduce this problem. This started her quest to create a dog as she remembered it from when she herself was a child in Germany: a large, healthy, family-friendly shepherd. Gradually, other breeds were introduced into the Shiloh line to develop the qualities she was looking for. Tina became the founder of the breed. Shilohs separated from the AKC to become their own rare breed in 1991. Tina worked on developing the breed for another 20 years before she passed away in 2011.
2 / What are Shiloh Shepherds bred for ?
The Shiloh Shepherd is a reasonably healthy breed, known for its intelligence, empathy and gentle temperament. It is not an aggressive breed, and is not suitable for protection or defensive work. They are protective of their home and family, but their size and size are usually sufficient for deterrence. Despite their sometimes imposing appearance, they are very gentle. The breed takes part in dog sports such as obedience, agility, tracking. You will give them the greatest pleasure with tracking activities. Despite their wide employability, they are happiest when they are together with their family.
3 / What is the character of a Shiloh Shepherd?
The general character of the Shiloh Shepherd is sociable, people-oriented, and gentle with children and other animals. However, there is a range of temperaments and energy levels within the breed. There are puppies born that have the independence and energy to do Search-and-Rescue work, or the aloofness of a good working service dog or the agility and "will to please" for obedience and agility. Shiloh Shepherd owners love the versatility of this breed. ISSA-certified breeders take a comprehensive temperament test on all puppies when they are 8 weeks old to determine the character of each puppy. They then use this information to help you choose the best puppy for your family. More information on the character of the Shiloh Shepherd can be found under Character description
4 / How is hip health in a Shiloh ?
One of Tina Barber's main goals was to reduce hip dysplasia. After four decades of investing in a good breeding programme, the Shiloh Shepherd has indeed got better hips! We also focus on other programmes and health initiatives, because good hips are only one aspect of a healthy dog. Regarding other initiatives concerning health, including the Holter programme and the health tests carried out on all ISSA Shiloh dogs, please refer to the ISSA website.
5 / Do Shiloh Shepherds shed a lot, and often?
If shedding and brushing is a problem for you, then the Shiloh Shepherd is probably not the right breed for you. However, the two types of coat are very different and require different care. The smooth (shorter) coat sheds a bit all year round. Twice a year there are main shedding periods, though. This 'smooth' coat is very easy to groom. It requires only a short brushing every now and then and it is generally easy to keep clean. The coat protects the dog from the heat in summer and is thick enough to withstand the winter cold. It is very similar to a traditional German Shepherd's coat; an 'all-weather' coat for all weather conditions. The plush (long) coat sheds little throughout the year, but has two main shedding periods a year, and these can be intense. The longer coat lets go so during this period it really needs to be groomed at least twice a week.
6 / How much exercise does a Shiloh Sheperd need ?
Most Shilohs have an obvious 'off button' meaning many are downright couch-hangers! A good walk per day, or another equivalent exercise session, is usually sufficient. Also don't forget to do thinking exercises with your Shiloh. They usually find this super fun and it is rewarding for both dog and owner. A tasty treat in a KONG or good chew bone is a great way to keep your dog occupied when you yourself are busy with something else.
7 / Is a Shiloh Shepherd suitable for me?
Are you the person who dreamed as a child of having your own Rin Tin Tin, Lassie or Littlest Hobo? If so, this could be the breed for you. However, there are a few aspects to consider: Shiloh Shepherds bond with their own people and are so smart that sometimes you would swear they are trying to read your mind! Because of this bond with their family, they will not be happy if they are secluded, for example, in the garden or kennel. They want to be where you are and be involved in your life. Their sensitivity and intelligence mean that socialisation must be done well from an early age! If you want a dog that feels at ease everywhere, you will need to get your puppy well accustomed to all kinds of different situations and enable lots of positive experiences during the first year. Because they are so smart, a Shiloh puppy will steal your heart early on. They are very cute, but firm ground rules must be established from 8 weeks. Remember that these dogs can grow to weigh over 50 kilograms fully grown. You will need to establish the rules of acceptable behaviour right away to end up with a great dog.
