Shiloh Shepherd Dog
From Free net encyclopedia
{{Infobox Dogbreed | image = plushcoatshilohshepherd.jpg | image_caption = Plush-coated Shiloh Shepherd Dog | name = Shiloh Shepherd Dog | nickname = Shilohs | country = United States | notrecognized = no standards available | note = Recognized by some Rare Breed organizations such as RBCSWO, ARBA, Rarities, NKC, IABCA for Showing purposes. }}
The Shiloh Shepherd Dog is a breed of dog that resembles a giant version of the German Shepherd Dog (GSD), although they possess a much gentler attitude inherited from the Giant Malamutes in their ancestry.
The difference between the Shiloh Shepherd Dog and its parent breed, the German Shepherd Dog, is explained as being essentially that the Shiloh is the dog for people who fell in love with the German Shepherd as it was in 1962. They claim that the breed has changed so radically since then that dogs of that type can no longer be called GSDs. Without a doubt, too, the Shiloh is larger than was ever the norm for GSDs.
Contents |
Appearance
Image:SirHarley of Shenandoah Kennel.JPG The Shiloh Shepherd Dog 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 pronouced 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. This gentle giant is courageous, self confident and versatile.
Size Standards
The Shiloh Shepherd Dog 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 (63.5-72.5 kg) with a minimum of 120 pounds (54.5 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.
Image:Lakota(DixieOrso) Smooth Coated Shiloh Shepherd.jpg
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 gray, or black sable. Solid black and solid white are also possible, 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
Image:ShilohAndChild.jpg 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 an excellent drive. With proper socialization they adapt easily to many environments and are stable no matter the situation. Breeders strive for a courageous yet manageable temperament. Any form of extreme aggression or shyness is severely penalized per the breed standard.
Their self-confidence and superior intelligence leads them to excel at many activities such as obedience, schutzhund, tracking and others. They are frequent recipients of the AKCs "Canine Good Citizen" Award. Shilohs 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 Shepherd Dogs
Using their speed and balance, Shilohs perform agility related activities with ease. However, due to slower bone growth these gentle giants shouldn't perform strenuous obstacles or jumping until they reach maturity. Image:Sardogs.jpg
Like the GSDs in their heritage, 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.
Image:HcCollageKidsWeb4 03.jpg The Shiloh's intelligence and willingness to please make them highly suitable for work as assistance dogs or service dogs (such as guide dogs). They respond quickly to such 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.
Health
Image:2005GVbCH City Bricks Shadrack of Zion.jpg There are two main areas of concern for this breed: gastrointestinal problems and skeletal disorders.
Like their German Shepherd ancestors, 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 succeptable to hip dysplasia, a genetic disorder characterized by incomplete growth of the hip. 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 treatement 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.
Shilohs have an average life span of ten to twelve years.
History
Image:Festus.jpgIn 1974, Tina Barber began developing a unique line of German Shepherds at Shiloh Shepherd Kennels in New York State. Her goal was to preserve the type of dog she remembered from her childhood in Germany; dogs who are good family companions, exceptionally intelligent, mentally sound, big and beautiful - similar to the intelligence of Chuck Eisenmann's dogs from The Littlest Hobo. She separated her foundation stock from the AKC in 1990 and still participates in the development of the breed. Ms. Barber is the President of the SSDCA, Inc and Breed Warden of the ISSR.
In 1991, The Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America (SSDCA, Inc.) was formed. Shilohs were originally registered through the FIC until the SSDCA opened a Shiloh-only registry, The International Shiloh Shepherd Registry (ISSR). When it came time to choose the name for the new rare breed, the FIC pointed out that most people knew her lines by the kennel name, and thus Shiloh Shepherd was chosen. In 1997 the SSDCA became inactive. During this time, The International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club (ISSDC) was created. The SSDCA was reopened in 1998. Around the same time, the ISSDC opened their own registry, calling it the ISSDCr.
In 2001, the ISSDC and its registry were closed. 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.
Gallery
 One of the foundation Shiloh Shepherd dogs |
 Plush Coated Warrior |
References
- Barber, Tina M. (1993). The Origins of the Shiloh Shepherd In Word & Picture - accessed January, 2006.
- 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.
External links
Registries
- International Shiloh Shepherd Registry, Inc. (ISSR) (Breed Standard)
- National Shiloh Breeders Registry (NSBR)
- The Shiloh Shepherd Registry (TSSR)
- Shiloh Shepherd Breed Association (SSBA)