Shiloh Information
(Wikipedia)
The Shiloh Shepherd is a breed of dog. Developed
in the 1970s, they are meant to resemble an older variety of German
Shepherd. Shilohs are not recognized by any major breed organization,
but may be shown in some rare breed organizations such as RBCSWO or
ARBA. Shilohs are generally larger and have a straighter back
than most modern Shepherds; they are also bred for intelligence.
Shilohs come in many colors, including black, white, tan, sable and
cream. They also appear in bi-color or multi-color.
Shilohs compete in herding, obedience, protection and agility. They are
also used as therapy dogs, search and rescue, livestock guardian,
seizure alert and service assistance. Like many other Shepherds,
Shilohs may have problems with bloat and hip dysplasia.
Appearance
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 considered a disqualifying fault. Muzzles and lips should be
black, though pink has been seen, it is considered 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 140 to 160 pounds (63-72kg 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 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 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.
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 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
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 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.
Health
Shilohs have an average life span of ten to twelve years, like the
German Shepherd breed.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.
Titleing and Competition
However, due to slower bone growth these large animals shouldn't
perform strenuous obstacles or jumping until they reach maturity.
Shilohs also have herding instincts that 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 often used to determine if a Shiloh has the
instincts and interest for herding.
Shiloh have also been successfully trained as search and rescue dogs.
In March 2007, a Shiloh named Gandalf received national media attention
after finding a Boy Scout lost in the mountains of North Carolina.
Even a child can show a Shiloh. Shiloh's gentleness and calm
temperament
also allow them to be a part of therapy work. Their 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. 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.
Shilohs are easy to handle so that even children can be successful in
the show ring. 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.
History
German Shepherd Dog used as Foundation stock, circa 1978The Shiloh
Shepherd was developed by Tina M. Barber of Shiloh Shepherds (kennel)
in New York, United States. In 1974, she began developing a new 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.
Tina 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.
...(from Wikipedia)
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