Shiloh Shepherd dog
| Shiloh Shepherd | |
|---|---|
| File:Plushcoatshilohshepherd.jpg Plush-coated Shiloh Shepherd | |
| Common nicknames | Shilohs |
| Origin | United States & Germany |
| Breed status | Not recognized as a breed by any major kennel club. |
| Notes | Recognized by some Rare Breed organizations such as RBCSWO, ARBA, Rarities, NKC, IABCA for Showing purposes. |
| Dog (domestic dog) | |
The Shiloh Shepherd was developed in the 1970s and 1980s to highlight some traits particular breeders perceived to be represented (and over time, lost) in the original German Shepherd Dog (GSD). They are much larger, on average, than both original and modern German Shepherd Dogs. They are generally good family companions, considered intelligent and confident.
Appearance
The Shiloh Shepherd is designed to have a regal bearing showing both its intelligence and strength. Balance of elegance and strength is the key to their distinct appearance and fluid movement. Their head is broad and slightly domed with a gradually tapering muzzle; bite alignment is important since either an over or undershot bite is considered a disqualifying fault. Their broad and muscular backs are straight with a gradual slope from the withers that complement their full chest. Tails are long, plush and slightly curved; they may show a more pronounced curve when the dog is excited or exercising but should never be a ring or a hook shape. Ears should be firm, triangular and well cupped; they are carried erect when at attention.
Size Standards
The Shiloh Shepherd is powerfully built and well-balanced, with proud carriage and smooth, effortless gait. The male Shiloh stands 30 inches (76 cm) or more in height with a minimum of 28 inches (71 cm); he weighs 140 to 160 pounds (72.5-82kg kg) with a minimum of 120 pounds (63.5 kg). The female is smaller, standing 28 inches (71 cm) or more in height with a minimum of 26 inches (66 cm) and weighing 100 to 120 pounds (45-54.5 kg) with a minimum of 80 pounds (36 kg). With their even proportions, Shilohs will appear longer than they are tall.
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Coat Types
Shilohs come in two distinct coat varieties: the smooth or double coat and the plush coat. The smooth coat should be of medium length and lie close to the body; the hair at the neck and on the back of the fore and hind legs may be longer and thicker than other areas. The outer coat will be dense, straight, and harsh. The plush coat is longer, with a soft undercoat and a distinctive "mane" which extends to the chest. The body coat should not be over 5 inches (12.5 cm) long but will have some feathering inside the ears and behind the legs which should not be over 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.
The smooth coat is easier to groom, though the plush coat seems to shed less. For show purposes, plush coats require trimming of tufts that grow between the toes and pads. Coats that are open, wooly or curly are serious faults.
Variant Colors
Shilohs come in many different colors. They may be bi or duals with shades of black with tan, golden tan, reddish tan, silver, or cream. They also can be various shades of rich golden, silver, red, dark brown, dark grey, or black sable. Solid black and solid white are also acceptable, but for show purposes, the nose, lips, and eye rims must be solid black. Blue and liver colors are not bred as they are considered disqualifying faults.
Shilohs of any color may have a small white blaze on the chest or some white on the toes, which should blend in with the lighter color of their coat. White in any other area is considered a fault. Whatever the coat color, a Shiloh is always vibrant since pale, washed-out colours are discouraged. Their eyes are always a shade of dark to light brown; no other eye colors are bred.
Movement and Gait
The Shiloh's gait is smooth and rhythmic. Their long strides and flowing motion require good muscular development. Even while in a flying trot, the straightness of their back is maintained. The full trot is very steady and level, without any swaying or rolling. To help keep their balance, their feet are brought in toward their middle line when running. Any faults in movement or carriage are considered serious.
Temperament
Ideal as companions, Shilohs have loyal and outgoing personalities. They were developed to be gentle and loving, able to work with animals and children, while still possessing a trainable drive for particular working applications, such as assistive service, obedience, or herding. With proper socialization they adapt easily to many environments and are stable. Any form of extreme aggression or shyness is severely penalized per the breed standard.
They are frequent recipients of the AKCs "Canine Good Citizen" Award and have also earned the Companion Dog title, the Companion Dog Excellent title, the Utility Dog title and been certified as Reading Education Assistance Dogs.
Working Shiloh Shepherds
Using their speed and balance, Shilohs perform agility related activities with ease. However, due to slower bone growth these large animals shouldn't perform strenuous obstacles or jumping until they reach maturity. Shilohs also have great herding instincts. Their courage and confidence make them excellent partners in the arena. Shilohs have been recognized by the American Herding Breed Association(AHBA) since 2004. The AHBA's preliminary test for Herding Instinct is a great way to determine if your Shiloh has the instincts and interest for herding.
Their unique gentleness and calm temperament also allow them to be highly responsive to therapy work. Organizations that provide Animal Assisted Activities often require stringent temperament testing as part of the application process.
The Shiloh's intelligence and willingness to please make them highly suitable for work as assistance dogs. They respond quickly to training and retain the capacity to make independent decisions when situations change.
Since they are not only biddable, but capable of following complex directions, Shilohs can excel at obedience competitions. The strong bond with their owner makes them highly responsive to this type of work and their satisfaction over a job well done make it a pleasant experience for both Shiloh and owner.
Shilohs excel in the show ring and are so easy to handle that even children can be successful in the sport. Currently Shilohs can be shown in the American Rare Breed Association, the International All Breed Canine Association, Rarities, Inc., the Rare Breed Club of South Western Ontario, the National Kennel Club Inc. and the National Canine Association as well as special shows by the two Shiloh dog clubs and an annual Homecoming held by the breed founder.
In March 2007, "Gandalf", a Shiloh trained in search and rescue, received national media attention after finding a Boy Scout lost in the mountains of North Carolina.[1]
Health
There are two main areas of concern for this breed: gastrointestinal problems and skeletal disorders.
Shilohs may experience problems with bloat, a condition where the stomach becomes over-stretched by gas the dog is unable to release. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth syndrome has also been reported and can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and difficulty absorbing nutrients from food. Both conditions are serious and should be treated immediately by a veterinarian.
As with many other large breeds, Shilohs can also be susceptible to hip dysplasia, a genetic disorder characterized by incomplete growth of the hip. Almost all large breeds suffer from some skeletal disorder, due to the fact that the immense weight of their body adds pressure to the hips, limbs and bones. While more rare, there have been some instances of osteochondritis, a condition where a piece of bone or cartilage breaks away, causing pain and stiffness in the affected joint. Skeletal disorders often require long term treatment and therapy.
Panosteitis, similar to growing pains, is a self limiting condition exhibited by shifting leg lameness that may occur during a Shiloh's growth stages. As is common in other large breeds, onset can be sudden but episodes usually resolve within a few weeks and cease when the dog reaches physical maturity.
History
The Shiloh Shepherd was developed by Tina M. Barber [2] of Shiloh Shepherds [3] (kennel) in New York State. In 1974, she began developing a unique line of German Shepherds. Her goal was to preserve the type of dog she remembered from her childhood in Germany; dogs that are good family companions, exceptionally intelligent, both physically and mentally sound, and large in size.
She separated her foundation stock from the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1990, and the FIC agreed to register these dogs as a separate breed. The name chosen for these dogs was "Shiloh Shepherd", named after the kennel of origin. Shortly thereafter, the Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America, Inc. (SSDCA, Inc.) was formed to preserve and protect the future welfare of the breed. In 1991, the International Shiloh Shepherd Registry (ISSR) was established and took over all registry functions from the FIC.
In 1993, The Complete Computer Place (TCCP), using a specially designed database program, officially started to maintain the records. Nine generations of pedigree and LMX (Littermate X-Ray Program) data were compiled and all past entries that had been kept in paper files were computerized. The ISSR continues to use this program to document all vital data on each Shiloh Shepherd registered in its registry. Ms. Barber continues to be active in the development of the breed as the President of the SSDCA, Inc. and Breed Warden for the ISSR.
In 1997, during a period when the SSDCA was inactive, The International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club (ISSDC) was opened. In 1998, the ISSDC opened their own registry, calling it the ISSDCr. The Shiloh Shepherd Breed Association (SSBA) was opened shortly after and assumed registry functions for the ISSDCr. The National Shiloh Breed Registry (NSBR) was established in 2001 and The Shiloh Shepherd Registry (TSSR) in 2002. In 2004, the ISSDC was reorganized as a parent club for the NSBR, the SSBA, and the TSSR.
As with many breeds, there are significant differences of opinion between the founding club/registry and subsequently established club/registries.
Famous Shiloh Shepherds
In March of 2007, images of Gandalf, an ISSR registered Shiloh Shepherd owned by Misha Marshall, were featured prominently in news coverage of the rescue of missing boy scout Michael Auberry. Gandalf was credited with detecting Michael's scent and alerted rescuers[1]
See also
References
- Barber, Tina M. (1993). The Origins of the Shiloh Shepherd In Word & Picture - accessed January 2006.
- Barber, Tina M.(2006). The Shiloh Shepherd Story....Against the Wind - A Breed Is Born - BOOK
- SSDCA, Inc. (March 2004). The Original Shiloh Shepherd - A Rare Breed Dog. Revision 6, - accessed January 2006.
- TSSR. (2003). Shiloh Coat Color Guide, pdf, - accessed January 2006.
- Padgett, George A., DVM. (2002). Genetic Diseases and Estimated Carrier Frequency of the Shiloh Shepherd.
- ISSDC, Inc. (2006). ISSDC Dogs at Work - accessed January 2006.
- ^ Father: Lost Scout had planned to hitchhike home CNN News 11:32 a.m. EDT, March 21, 2007
External links
- ISSR Inc. (2003) - Photographic Guide to Color Conformation
- Photographic guide to Shiloh coat colors
- Excerpts from The Shiloh Shepherd Story....Against the Wind - A Breed Is Born
- The Original Shiloh Shepherd - A Rare Breed Dog
Registries
- International Shiloh Shepherd Registry, Inc. (ISSR) (Breed Standard)
- National Shiloh Breeders Registry (NSBR)
- The Shiloh Shepherd Registry (TSSR)
- Shiloh Shepherd Breed Association (SSBA)
- American Rare Breed Association (ARBA)
Clubs
Rescue
- Shiloh Rescue Network - ISSR Registry/SSDCA Club Sponsored A Re-homing organization for retiring breed stock