Shiloh Shepherd? Anyone own one or know of their temperament?

[luvavacation]

We are looking to add to our fur family. Tried adoption from a shelter, it didn't work. We were not informed of the true nature of the dog we adopted, and our poor female dog was just terrorized (as were the cats and really, anyone that came near me, including my DH). I know adoption works for many people, but considering our female is a very timid girl with not a bit of dominance, we are hesitant about bringing any adult dog into our home to stay.

That said, I have had German shepherds in my life since I was one year old. I love the breed. I will cross 6 lanes of traffic on my hands and knees if I see one on the other side, just to touch it (well not really, but you never know!). I really, really love everything about German shepherds!

My present girl is 3 years old, and was not socialized well. She came to us malnourished and was a runt. We love her anyway, and if any family could bring her to her full potential, it was us (or so said our dog trainer). She has made so many strides since we first brought her home, but her timidness is just an inherent part of her personality. Can't be changed. She will never be a confident GSD.

She does love to play, and really enjoys other stable dogs. She is very good with our cats, and has welcomed a kitten as if she were its mother. However, my Shepherd is very, very high energy, and has a big drive to run and play. She would love to have another dog here 24 hours a day. We are financially stable to provide for another dog. We just need to find the right one!

I do have a few GSD breeders in my area, but my present girl is a plush-coated Shepherd, and we have grown to admire her beauty, and would like another plush or long-haired Shepherd. A friend said to look at Shiloh Shepherds (but I can't find any breeders near me in northern IL to call).

I know nothing about Shiloh Shepherds, and there isn't too much on Google. What I am finding, and what I find with many things breed related, is all the wonderful accolades, but what I want is real life experiences. For example, are they still close enough to German shepherds that essentially the temperament is the same? Are they good with families and small animals? Is their prey drive overwhelming? Are they aloof or more needy to be with their people?

I realize, of course, that all dogs, even in a breed, are different. But if anyone has any experience with Shiloh Shepherds, I would appreciate hearing it! And if I will need another Dyson, let me know, I will start looking for deals!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Shiloh Shepherds are supposed to be wonderful dogs! I don't have personal experience, but I've read a lot about them over the years. I worked with someone who had one but a) I can't remember exactly who it was and b) I believe it passed away. I will ask around again. I saw a beautiful one up for adoption about a year ago and it was tempting, but I let it go...for a few reasons. My current dog is pretty happy being in a one dog household, although I think she'd adapt pretty well to the right dog. And b) the hair is an issue for me. As it is, we have tumbleweeds that I vacum every day already, even after grooming and brushing as much as I can. I can't imagine a long haired Shepherd!

 

[Pollyanna Poppins]

My husband also wants a Shiloh. I know they are larger than a German shepherd. The few owners he knows with shilohs say they are very comparable to the German shepherd even though they're supposed to be different. I'm interested to see with others posts myself as he is determined to get one eventually.

 

[luvavacation]

Pollyanna Poppins, for your research and mine, I do hope we get more replies! As big as the DIS is, there have to be more people that know of these dogs, right?

Pea-n-Me, thank you for your opinion, especially coming from another GSD fan. Regarding hair, if you ever get the chance to own a plush coated Shepherd, go for it, as the hair really is less! I was skeptical, and kept waiting for my girl to blow her coat the first year, then the second, then the third, and I finally admit that plush Shepherds really don't shed as standard Shepherds do. My Dyson still gets a workout, but it isn't as bad as with my other Shepherds!

 

[jrmasm]

Disclaimer: I do not own a GSD or a Shiloh.


I googled after you posted and there seems to be a lot of animosity between the two groups. One thing that was clear is that Shilohs are not recognized by the AKC. I'm not saying if that's good or bad as that depends on your opinion of the AKC.

 

[wdwmom2]

I only know one. And you can't base a breed on one individual.

It is aggressive. The hubby and wife, no children, live in the country. Not a lot of neighbors nearby to socialize the dog. But I do remember when the dog was a puppy/young adult, they did take the dog with them as they did errands. So the dog was exposed to different situations. Not sure exactly how extensively this was done. Judging by how the dog behaves, not enough!!!

Sorry, don't mean to be a downer. I GSD's. Used to raise/train/show them. I would never have put up with the temperment of this particular dog. We would have had a "come to Jesus" meeting real quick!!!

 

[UptheHill]

I only know one. And you can't base a breed on one individual.

Ditto x 10.

I am a GSD girl, but do know some Shilohs. They are all pretty much to type -gentle and calm to the point of seeming almost lazy (at least when compared to a German Shepherd), generally friendly and outgoing, intelligent, easy to train. They were bred to be large which a lot of folks mistakenly think German Shepherd Dogs were / should be. If you love the GSD drive, work ethic, and temperment then a Shiloh may not be the right choice or you may need to look harder to find a breeder developing lines with those qualities being more pronounced. If you love the GSD look and loyalty, but don't want the energy level then a well bred typey Shiloh sounds like a great new companion.

Although they are a rare breed, their looks are making them more popular (not a good thing) and that can lead to sloppy breeding. Also, there are multiple Shiloh Shepherd registries and there is a rift among the many groups which seems to be adding to increased temperment and health problems. The Shilohs I've met are nice dogs, but (just like any breed) you've got to do the research. If you can find a dog show featuring the rare breeds, that could be a good way to meet some Shilohs in person.

 

[Pamlur]

Just from reading this thread, I really, really want one.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My understanding is that they were bred to be "gentle giants". But sharing genes with the GSD they will also display characteristics of that breed, and I think we all know there are factors that make that not a great choice for some owners, including in a big way those not willing or able to become firm leaders to the dog. In the wrong hands, even the best bred dog can become a menace when they take matters into their own hands, lol. I think a well-bred and well-trained and socialized Shiloh would make a great pet! (Of course now I want one, too! Thanks a lot luvavacation!)

 

[luvavacation]

Upthehill, thank you so much for the information on energy level! Since our present Shepherd is a high energy girl, always looking for a job to do, perhaps a Shiloh will not be a good fit? She does love a good 3 mile walk capped off by a game of catch in the backyard.

The intelligence of a German shepherd is something that really endears them to me. I know not everyone is suited for a dog that tests authority, seeing if I really mean what I say, but I like that my dog is an active part of the family, in all ways. I would never make a good mom to a lap dog that did nothing but hang out and look cute! I like it when my dog keeps me alert and on my toes! It does appear Shilohs have that intelligence, and desire to interact, so that's a plus.

AKC, I don't care about. I am not going to show the dog, since that means keeping it intact, and that is something I am just not interested in dealing with. I am interested in parentage though, if only to have an idea of temperament and hips/elbow, genetic diseases.

Due to the information from jrmasm, I have delved further into the animosity amongst Shiloh Shepherd groups. Wow, how does a person like me know what is the best path in lineage or requirements? And I thought finding a reputable breeder in my area for a plush or long-coat Shepherd was tough! The closest Shiloh breeder is 5 hours away. Not sure if taking a trip to see a puppy 5 hours away is going to give me enough information to compare the breed to what I know.

Oh well, I am in no hurry, so the search and questins continue. Now if God would just drop a Shiloh on my front porch, I will know it was meant to be!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I don't know anything about GS or Shiloh's but I do know that if your girl is very timid ANY dog or puppy you get will probably dominate her, just because of how she is. I would rather you get an older dog who meshes with your girl instead of a puppy which is a crapshoot.

I might even go so far as to research "companion dogs" for her.

I have a totally submissive border collie mix or full blood, she was a rescue. I do love the "herding" dogs. They are so smart and people friendly. That being said, she dominates the male who is a "fearful dog". A herding dog is just naturally going to herd the weaker dog. They can't help it.

What about a greyhound? I know they are very submissive dogs. Not sure about the "prey drive". Not sure if a herding dog is the way to go, you know what I mean?

Keep up the faith. It is just a process of patience.