Shiloh Shepherd
- Height at the withers
- 66 to 76 cm
- Weight
- 36 to 59 kg
- Life expectancy
- 9 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- New York, United States
- FCI group
- Not recognized
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A large, well-balanced shepherd breed developed from the German Shepherd, with a plush double coat, bred specifically for a calmer, gentler temperament and better health than the traditional German Shepherd.
History and origins
Developed in the 1970s in New York by Tina Barber, who crossed large, old-style German Shepherds with Alaskan Malamutes and other breeds to create a bigger, calmer shepherd, with an emphasis on sound hips and a stable temperament.
Health
Life expectancy is 9 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Panosteitis
- Degenerative myelopathy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Shiloh Shepherd FAQ
How big does the Shiloh Shepherd get?
The Shiloh Shepherd stands 66 to 76 cm at the withers and weighs 36 to 59 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Shiloh Shepherd shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Shiloh Shepherd live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Shiloh Shepherd need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Shiloh Shepherd good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Shiloh Shepherd live?
Life expectancy is 9 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat).
