The Shiloh Shepherd is a rare breed of dog that is still under development. Developed in the 1970s, they are meant to resemble an older variety of German shepherd. Shilohs are not recognized by any major kennel club, but may be shown in rare breed organizations. Shilohs are larger and have a straighter back than most modern Alsatians and are bred for intelligence, size and stable temperaments. Their coats can be a variety of colors and color mixes. They compete in obedience, and agility. They work as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, livestock guardians and service assistance. Unlike other shepherd dogs, Shilohs are not prone to problems with hip dysplasia. This is not to say that Shilohs do not ever develop dysplasia, but responsible breeders seek to eliminate this condition from the genepool through breeding stock screening using OFA or Pennhip radiographs. 

Appearance and Size

According to the breed standard, the Shiloh Shepherd should have a regal bearing that shows intelligence and strength. The balance between elegance and strength is the key to their distinct appearance and fluid movement. Their larger size should not impede their movement or grace. The head should be broad and slightly domed with a gradually tapering muzzle; bite alignment is important since either an over or undershot bite is a disqualifying fault. Muzzles and lips should be black, though pink has been seen, it is a fault. Ears should be firm, triangular and well cupped; they are carried erect when at attention. Their eyes are always a shade of dark to light brown; no other eye colors are bred. Their broad and muscular backs should be straight with a gradual slope from the withers that complements their full chest. Tails should be 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. Size standards The Shiloh Shepherd is powerfully built and well-balanced and should have a 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 120 to 140 pounds (54-65 kg) with a minimum of 110 pounds (50.5 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 should appear longer than they are tall. 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 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 may shed less. For show purposes, the tufts that grow between the toes and pads must be trimmed. Coats that are open, wooly or curly are serious faults. Coat Colors Shilohs present a wide range of coat colors. They may be bi or dual colored in black with tan, golden tan, reddish tan, silver, or cream. They also can be solid golden, silver, red, dark brown, dark grey, or black sable. Solid black and solid white are possible, but for show purposes, the nose, lips, and eye rims must be solid black. Blue and liver colors are possible but not bred since they are disqualifying faults. Shilohs may have a small white blaze on the chest or white on the toes, but white in any other areas is a fault. To meet the standard, this should blend in with the lighter color of their coat. Coat colors should be vibrant since pale, washed-out colours are discouraged. 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 should be maintained. The full trot is steady and level, without swaying or rolling. To help keep their balance, their feet are brought in toward their middle line when running. Forward reach of the dog should be as long as possible, ideally extending past the nose, giving the Shiloh the impression of "flying". Faults in movement or carriage are serious. 

Personality

Bred 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 working applications, such as assistive service, obedience, or herding. With proper socialization they adapt easily to a variety of environments and are stable. Extreme aggression or shyness is severely penalized in the breed standard. 

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Shiloh Shepherd Dog" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.