Black Shiloh Shepherd Dog Breed: Complete Care and Ownership Guide

The Black Shiloh Shepherd is a unique and fascinating breed that requires careful consideration before deciding to bring one home. This breed is a rare variation of the Shiloh Shepherd, which is itself a cross between a German Shepherd and an Alaskan Malamute.

The Black Shiloh Shepherd has a distinctive black coat that can range in color from a deep, glossy black to a lighter, more blue-black tone. This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism.

As a relatively rare breed, the Black Shiloh Shepherd can be more challenging to find a reputable breeder for than other breeds. However, with the right care and attention, this breed can thrive and make a wonderful companion for active families.

Expand your knowledge: Are Black German Shepherds Rare

The Shiloh Shepherd is a loyal and courageous pet, making them an excellent companion to many. They are very intelligent, inheriting this trait from their German Shepherd parents, which makes them easy to train.

Their intelligence is also a reason why they don't like to be left alone, so it's not a good idea to add a Shiloh to your home if you're going to be out for hours at a time.

These gentle giants prefer to be around their families and can become unhappy if left on their own for too long. They'll be thrilled to do everything with you.

The Shiloh Shepherd is a great dog for families and those with children, as they are docile and gentle. They are also very laid back compared to the German Shepherd.

Their calm and docile nature makes them a great housemate to live with, as you don't have to worry about them knocking things over or getting into trouble.

However, they still need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy, and if they don't get it, they can become restless and bored, leading to destructive behavior.

Their gentleness goes hand in hand with their friendly and sociable demeanor, and they are kind and affectionate with all of their family.

The Black Shiloh Shepherd is a wonderful breed for families. They are extremely gentle with children of any age and make great companions. In fact, the more people in your family, the happier these dogs will be.

These dogs are not high maintenance when it comes to socialization, but they do need to be socialized from an early age to get along with other pets. With proper socialization, they can get along with cats and other animals quite well.

The Black Shiloh Shepherd is a calm and docile indoor pet who loves cuddles on the sofa. However, they still need 60 minutes of activity every day, making them a great exercise buddy for active households.

Here are some key things to consider when thinking about getting a Black Shiloh Shepherd as a family pet:

Owning a black Shiloh Shepherd requires a lot of exercise, they need at least 90 minutes of physical and mental stimulation daily.

Their high energy levels make them perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor activities. They thrive on long walks, runs, and playtime.

Shiloh Shepherds have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so be prepared for regular brushing and grooming sessions.

Their thick coat also makes them sensitive to extreme temperatures, so they need a comfortable living space with moderate climate control.

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure their overall health and well-being, especially since they can be prone to certain health issues.

A well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is crucial for maintaining their energy levels and overall health.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them great family pets, but they do require early socialization and training to become well-behaved adults.

The black Shiloh Shepherd is a robust breed, but like all canines, it's not immune to health issues. Here are some potential problems to be aware of.

Ear infections and dental issues are common in Shiloh Shepherds, so regular ear cleaning and dental check-ups are a must.

Broaden your view: White Shiloh Shepherd

Panosteitis, a painful bone inflammation, can affect large breed puppies like the Shiloh Shepherd. This condition can cause lameness and is usually temporary.

Hip Dysplasia, a genetic condition where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint, can lead to pain and lameness in the rear legs. Some dogs may not show any signs of discomfort.

Gastric Torsion, also known as bloat, is a potentially fatal condition that can occur when the stomach twists. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the risk.

Degenerative Myelopathy, a progressive disease of the spinal cord, can cause hind leg paralysis. While there's no cure, physical rehabilitation can help manage the condition.

Ventricular arrhythmias, an irregular heartbeat, can lead to cardiac arrest if left untreated. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help detect this condition early on.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a condition where the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes, can cause digestive problems. A balanced diet and regular check-ups can help manage this condition.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for in your black Shiloh Shepherd:

Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage these health issues.

The Shiloh Shepherd's coat is a remarkable feature, and it's worth learning about. They come in two coats: smooth or luxuriously fluffy.

The fluffy outer coat is particularly noticeable around the neck, forming a thick and fluffy mane. This is a distinctive characteristic of the Shiloh Shepherd breed.

The Shiloh Shepherd tends to enjoy the same color coats as the German Shepherd, with the most common color being bi-colored black and tan. They can also have a solid single color.

Diluted colors such as blue or liver are considered a genetic fault and are not used by breeders. This is a deliberate choice to preserve the breed's integrity.

The Shiloh Shepherd's coat is thick and dense, with a thick undercoat to protect them from the cold and warm elements. This is essential for their well-being and comfort.

They can also come in a range of solid colors, including sable, red, gold, and brown, all in addition to black. These colors are just as beautiful as the bi-colored coats.

Exercise is a must for black Shiloh Shepherds, with a daily requirement of at least 60 minutes of physical activity.

They need long walks, playtime in the home or backyard, and activities like hiking to keep them happy and stimulated. However, be careful not to overexercise them for the first couple of years, as it can harm their joints and growth.

To prevent obesity and destructive behavior, it's essential to stick to the five-minute rule for walking, which is five minutes of walking per month of age. This means a four-month-old puppy should get 20 minutes of walking, and this should continue until they're fully grown.

Shiloh Shepherds are intelligent and love dog sports like agility training, obedience training, and flyball. After a walk, they'll happily curl up on the couch next to you and relax.

To prevent bloat, a life-threatening condition, feed your Shiloh Shepherd high-quality dog food according to their life stage, and consider food designed for large-breed dogs. Feed them several small meals throughout the day, and avoid giving them food after they've been highly active.

The Shiloh Shepherd needs at least 60 minutes of exercise per day to stay happy and healthy.

These dogs are built for activity, and if they don't get enough exercise, they'll become destructive and potentially obese.

You'll need to walk your Shiloh Shepherd for at least 60 minutes every day, and it's not something you can skip.

As a puppy, it's essential to follow the five-minute rule, which means five minutes of walking per month of age.

For example, if your puppy is four months old, you'll need to walk them for 20 minutes.

You should stick to this rule until they're fully grown, around 18 months to 2 years of age, to ensure no harm is done to their skeleton.

The Shiloh Shepherd is surprisingly great at dog sports like agility training, obedience training, and flyball.

After a walk and getting their energy out, they'll happily curl up on the couch next to you and relax.

They love to exercise, but they're also happy to just chill out and be with their family.

The Shiloh Shepherd's intelligence makes them a great jogging partner once they're fully grown, and it's a great way to tire them out.

Playing interactive games will also mentally satisfy them and keep them happy.

However, be careful not to overexercise this breed for the first couple of years of their lives, as it can mess with their growth and harm joints.

For more insights, see: Full Grown Black Great Pyrenees

The Shiloh Shepherd needs around 3 to 3 1/2 cups of food a day, which is less than the average large dog due to their sedentary lifestyle.

Feeding them two separate meals a day can help prevent bloat, a life-threatening condition that's more common in deep-chested breeds like the Shiloh Shepherd.

You should consider getting high-quality dog food designed for large-breed dogs, especially for puppies, to help them grow at a healthy rate.

Feeding them several small meals throughout the day can also help prevent bloat, so try to avoid gobbling their food down quickly.

It's essential to consult with your veterinarian if you have any doubts about your Shiloh Shepherd's nutritional needs or the risk of bloat.

Their food should be fed at times other than immediately before or after exercising to reduce the risk of bloat.

The Shiloh Shepherd's grooming needs are relatively low maintenance, but it's essential to establish a regular routine to keep them looking and feeling their best.

They come in two coat types: plush and smooth, both of which are double coats that require brushing a few times a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding.

Bathing should be done only as necessary, as overbathing can strip their coat of essential oils, drying it out.

You'll need to trim their nails regularly, clean out their ears once a week, and brush their teeth on a regular basis to keep them healthy.

Their double coat means they'll have two blowouts a year, so be prepared to invest in a good vacuum cleaner!

Brushing their coat regularly will help rid them of loose hairs and keep them looking tidy.

You should also check their eyes and ears regularly and clean them when needed to prevent any potential issues.

Brushing their teeth regularly will help prevent the build-up of dental decay and disease.

During shedding season, which can last for 2-3 weeks, you may need to brush them twice a day to remove their dead hair and promote hair regrowth.

In addition to brushing, you should also check their ears and teeth weekly to ensure they're healthy.

The Shiloh Shepherd's history began in the late 1970s in New York, where a German Shepherd breeder, Tina Barber, was concerned about the breed's health problems and appearance.

Tina's journey started with a vision of the perfect German Shepherd, and in 1989, she mixed a German Shepherd with the larger Alaskan Malamute to create the foundation of the Shiloh Shepherd.

The Shiloh Shepherd was finally developed in 2007, after years of experimentation and the addition of the Canadian White Shepherd and the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog to increase genetic diversity.

Tina's goal was to create a more family-friendly dog that didn't have the health issues of the German Shepherd, and she achieved this by breeding the different dogs to cherry-pick the best qualities for each.

The Shiloh Shepherd's history dates back to the late 1970s in New York, where a German Shepherd breeder named Tina Barber first became concerned about the breed's health problems and unsightly appearance.

Tina Barber's vision for the perfect German Shepherd led her to create the Shiloh Shepherd by mixing a German Shepherd with the larger Alaskan Malamute in 1989.

The Shiloh Shepherd's development continued in the 2000s with the addition of the Canadian White Shepherd and the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog to increase genetic diversity and improve health.

In 1991, Tina Barber separated her breeding stock from the American Kennel Club (AKC), but it wasn't until 2007 that she finally created her ideal pup.

The Shiloh Shepherd is currently recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA), but not by the major kennel clubs.

Related reading: Black American Staffordshire

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The Shiloh Shepherd is a rare breed, and as such, you can expect to pay a premium for one. The average cost of a Shiloh Shepherd puppy starts from around $1,000 and can increase if the pup comes from an award-winning lineage.

To ensure you're getting a healthy and well-socialized puppy, it's essential to research reputable breeders. The International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club (ISSDC) lists several reputable breeders from various states, and you can also search online for breeders in your area.

Exercise is a must for Shiloh Shepherds, and they'll thrive in an active household. If you don't provide them with enough physical and mental stimulation, they may exhibit destructive behaviors.

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The cost of a Shiloh Shepherd can vary, but on average, it starts from around $1,000 and can go up to $2,000.

To ensure you're getting a healthy puppy, make sure to buy from a reputable breeder who can show you health clearances for both parent breeds.

If you're looking for a breeder, the International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club lists reputable breeders from various states, as well as stud-only kennels if you're interested in breeding.

You can also search online, but be sure to read reviews and thoroughly research the breeder before proceeding.

The average cost of a Shiloh Shepherd puppy can increase if the pup comes from an award-winning lineage, making it even rarer and more expensive than the German Shepherd.

The Shiloh Shepherd is an incredibly versatile breed when it comes to pet compatibility. They can get along with other pets, including cats and dogs, as long as they're socialized from an early age.

Their calm nature makes them a great match for households with hyperactive dogs, and they're especially gentle with children. However, it's essential to remember that every dog is an individual, so socialization is key to ensuring a harmonious household.

Exercise is crucial for Shiloh Shepherds, and they need at least 60 minutes of activity every day. If you don't provide enough exercise, they might exhibit destructive behaviors, so it's essential to plan your daily routine accordingly.

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect when it comes to pet compatibility:

In terms of living arrangements, Shiloh Shepherds require a large home with a reinforced backyard. Apartment life is not suited for this breed, so if you're considering bringing one home, make sure you have the space to accommodate their needs.