The Shiloh Shepherd has become its own district breed. Originating from German Shepherds, modern-day Shilohs were carefully selected for health, temperament, conformation and intellect. They are wonderful family companions and active individuals. Shiloh Shepherds enjoy competing in a variety of dog sports with some of those being: herding, disc, agility, trick training, therapy, dock diving and scent work.
Tina Barber, the Breed Founder, envisioned re-creating the dogs of her childhood. Having selected foundation dogs in 1974, she started creating the Shiloh Shepherds. In 1991 she created the International Shiloh Shepherd Registry. Unfortunately, before this breed was complete, Tina passed away. Her memory lives on in the standards the breeders and members of the ISSA follow, true to her vision of this noble breed. Please refer to the ISSA’s exit litter, as many of the breeders in the ISSA started out working directly with Tina. ISSA Exit Letter.
Shilohs are powerfully built with a regal visual aesthetic. Shilohs are larger in their bone structure and size. Males reach a minimum of 28″ at the withers; females are slightly smaller with a minimum height of 26″ at the withers. Weight ranges on activity level and bone structure. The ideal Shiloh temperament is a confident, family companion, who is gentle but protect their home and people. Shiloh Shepherds are regal in their appearance and movement. This dogs locomotion comes from the hind end and creates a swift, effortless gait. Shiloh Shepherds also come in a variety of coat colours and have two coat lengths: Plush and Smooth.
Although these dogs have their affectionate, quiet, couch potato moments, they need structure and stimulation every day. They are active dogs and will get into trouble if they are not physically and intellectually stimulated. Please keep this into consideration when thinking about adding a Shiloh to your family.
Strom Runner Shilohs is affiliated with the:
INTERNATIONAL SHILOH SHEPHERD ALLIANCE
We are governed by the International Shiloh Shepherd Alliance and must adhere to a strict code of ethics as a Shiloh Breeder. We are currently in the process of continuing to further our education with the Breeders Training Program.
Plush Coat vs. Smooth Coats
Shiloh Shepherds come in TWO different Coat Types: “Plush” and “Smooth”. They also come in a variety of coat colours. Depending on who is bred with who, there can be both plush and smooth pups in litters.
Smooth Coats
“The ideal dog has a double coat of medium length. The outer coat should be as dense as possible with hair straight, harsh, lying close to the body. The hair around the neck area should be slightly longer and thicker. The rear of the forelegs and hind legs has somewhat longer hair extending to the pastern and hock respectively. The head including the inner ear and fore face, legs and paws should be covered with shorter hair. *Even though the smooth-coated type requires less care and grooming –the Plush coated variety seems to shed less.” (Barber, T., 1990, p. 8)
Plush Coat
“The Plush Variety has a close-fitting double coat of medium-coarse guard hairs, with a softer undercoat. The head and muzzle, back of the ears and front of the legs and paws are covered with short smooth hairs. The neck has a distinct “mane” that extends to, and covers the chest, with slightly shorter hair covering the remaining torso, not to exceed 5″ in length. The “feathering” inside of the ears and on the back of the forelegs should not exceed 3″ in length. *Show Grooming should include the trimming of all excess fur from between the toes, around the pads, and the removal of all “tufts” from among the “feathering” inside the ears.” (Barber, T., 1990, p. 8)
Do Shilohs Shed?
Yes, Shilohs blow their coats 1-3xs a year, depending on climate. We think it’s going to be a cold winter heading into 2022 based on the amount of fur Arcadia is losing.
