King Shepherd vs Shiloh Shepherd: A Comprehensive Comparison

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, you might be wondering about the King Shepherd and Shiloh Shepherd breeds. Both are large, intelligent dogs with a strong herding instinct, but they have some key differences.

The King Shepherd is a relatively new breed, developed in the 1990s to be a larger version of the German Shepherd. They're known for their muscular build and distinctive markings.

One of the main differences between the two breeds is their size: King Shepherds typically weigh between 100-140 pounds, while Shiloh Shepherds usually top out at around 80-120 pounds.

The Shiloh Shepherd, on the other hand, is a smaller, more agile dog that's often described as having a more athletic build. They were developed in the 1980s specifically for their intelligence and trainability.

The Shiloh Shepherd and King Shepherd are two distinct breeds with unique origins. The Shiloh Shepherd was created by Tina Barber, who aimed to develop a larger, calmer, and easier-to-handle dog than the German Shepherd.

Barber combined various breeds including German Shepherd, Sarplaninac, Malamute, Canadian White Shepherd, Altdeutscher Schaeferhunde, and more to create the Shiloh Shepherd. This blend of breeds took the Shiloh Shepherd away from the German Shepherd in appearance, genetics, and temperament.

The Shiloh Shepherd has been recognized by the American Rare Breed Association since 1991. It's essential to note that the Shiloh Shepherd is a breed of its own and not a German Shepherd mix.

The King Shepherd, on the other hand, was developed by Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer in the early 1990s. They aimed to create a bigger version of the German Shepherd.

The King Shepherd was developed using American-bred German Shepherds, crossed with flock guardians, and then crossed with European-bred German Shepherd dogs.

On a similar theme: King Shepherd Dog Breed Profile

The King Shepherd and Shiloh Shepherd are both large breeds, but they have some key differences in terms of size and appearance.

King Shepherds can range from 25 to 32 inches tall and weigh between 90 and 140 pounds, while Shiloh Shepherds typically stand between 26 to 30 inches tall and weigh between 80 to 130 pounds.

Both breeds have strong and muscular bodies, but the King Shepherd has a more rugged appearance with a broad and square head, while the Shiloh Shepherd has a more wolfish appearance with a blocky head.

The King Shepherd has a long muzzle and large square head, with a plush coat and a teddy bear-like face. In contrast, the Shiloh Shepherd has a 9:10 body ratio and a blocky head, with a variety of coat colors including sable, bi-color, and solid white.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds in terms of height and weight:

Overall, while both breeds are large and impressive, they have distinct differences in terms of size and appearance.

Shiloh Shepherds are typically a medium to low energy breed, requiring training, calm exposure, and proper socialization.

They should be neutral around people they don't know, with shyness being a fault. This means they're not naturally aggressive, but their size can be a deterrent for intruders.

King Shepherds, on the other hand, are bred to be direct and fearless, yet not hostile or aloof. They should be approachable, quietly standing their ground and showing confidence.

The King Shepherd's temperament is similar to the German Shepherd's, making them loyal, courageous, intelligent, protective, affectionate, and energetic.

However, King Shepherds are intentionally bred to be less aggressive than German Shepherds, with a more laid-back approach to life. They're great protectors and loyal to their families, but also make calmer family pets.

Shiloh Shepherds, like their parents, are great protectors and loyal to their families. They retain guarding tendencies but are slightly more chilled out.

King Shepherds are bred to have sound temperament, but their aloofness towards strangers can give the impression of a dangerous dog. In reality, they're lovingly referred to as gentle giants.

With proper socialization, King Shepherds do well with children and other pets, making them an ideal family dog.

For more insights, see: Shiloh Shepherd Temperament

Exercise and care are crucial for both King Shepherds and Shiloh Shepherds. They require at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, which can be in the form of physical activity, mental stimulation, or a combination of both.

King Shepherds need a larger home with a yard for them to roam and exercise, while Shiloh Shepherds can adapt to smaller spaces as long as they receive regular exercise. Shilohs can benefit from puzzle toys and brain games to keep their minds active.

Both breeds are prone to shedding, with King Shepherds requiring daily brushing to reduce hair tumbleweeds and Shilohs needing regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. Regular veterinary checkups are essential to detect any health concerns early, and a high-quality food and feeding schedule can help prevent weight gain.

Shiloh Shepherds and King Shepherds both require around 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can take different formats.

For Shiloh Shepherds, mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, especially as they grow. They have very active brains that need to be tired out with training sessions, puzzle toys, and other brain games.

King Shepherds, on the other hand, are partial to a good romp around the garden or a nap in between exercise sessions. They enjoy interactive games with their family, such as tug of war or fetch.

Both breeds need fresh air and space to roam, but they also require a warm and safe place inside. Shiloh Shepherds will try to escape if given the chance, so a 6-foot fence is advised to keep them contained.

King Shepherds are also prone to escaping, so a tall and reinforced fence is necessary to keep them safe. In public places, they should be kept on a leash due to their curious and inquisitive nature.

The King Shepherd is a high-energy dog that needs around 60 minutes of exercise a day. This can be broken up into shorter sessions, but they do enjoy a good romp around the garden or a nap in between.

They require a lot of attention and play, and plenty of yard or trips to the park to thrive. This means you'll need to be an active owner who can keep up with their needs.

King Shepherds are heavy shedders due to their double coats, so be prepared for regular grooming. Brushing daily will help keep their coat healthy and reduce hair tumbleweeds from taking over your house.

They need a lot of fresh air and space to roam, so a larger home with a larger backyard is a must. A 6-foot fence that's reinforced to prevent escape is also a good idea, as they can be curious and try to get out.

To keep your King Shepherd happy and healthy, make sure to give them one mentally challenging task per day. This can be as simple as teaching them a new trick, and it will keep them stimulated and engaged.

Their thick, dense coat only requires bathing 3 to 4 times per year, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to stay healthy. Regular veterinary checkups are also essential to detect any health concerns early.

A different take: Shiloh Shepherd Short Hair

The King Shepherd and Shiloh Shepherd both require regular grooming to stay healthy and happy. The King Shepherd has a thick, water-resistant coat that needs daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

Grooming the King Shepherd is a daily task that should not be neglected, as they are moderate to heavy shedders and will need regular brushing to remove dead hair. During shedding season, you may need to brush them twice a day to keep their coat manageable.

In contrast, the Shiloh Shepherd has a medium-length, straight coat that requires only a daily brushing to keep their hair out of the house. However, they do shed heavily on a seasonal basis, so be prepared for extra brushing during these times.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in both breeds:

Regular veterinary checkups and proper care can help prevent or manage these conditions, so be sure to stay on top of your dog's health needs.

The Shiloh Shepherd has a beautiful, medium-length coat that's a combination of two or more colors, including black, brown, silver, gray, red, and pied. Their coats are usually straight and have normal density.

Their double coat sheds quite a bit, especially during seasonal changes. You'll want to have a vacuum on hand to keep up with the shedding. Daily brushing can help keep their hair out of the house, but be prepared for extra brushing during shedding season.

The King Shepherd, on the other hand, has a medium-length double coat that's thick and dense underneath, with a rough outer coat that's straight or slightly wavy. They often have thicker and longer fur around their neck.

According to the AKSC breed standards, desirable King Shepherd coat colors include black and tan, black and red, black and gold, black and cream, sable, bi-colored, and solid black.

Here are the recognized coat colors for the King Shepherd:

Both the Shiloh Shepherd and King Shepherd require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The King Shepherd needs even more attention, as they shed heavily and require daily combing to remove dead hair.

The King Shepherd is a relatively healthy breed, with an average lifespan of 10 to 11 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Hip Dysplasia is a common concern in King Shepherds, as well as other German Shepherd breeds. It's a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, causing pain and mobility issues.

Gastric Torsion, also known as Bloat, is another life-threatening condition that can affect King Shepherds. It occurs when the stomach twists, trapping gas and potentially leading to severe health complications.

As a responsible owner, it's essential to research these conditions and look out for associated symptoms. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect any potential issues early on.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of in King Shepherds:

While these conditions can be concerning, many health issues can be eliminated or reduced through responsible breeding. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper care can also contribute to a long and healthy life for your King Shepherd.

Training a King Shepherd is a breeze, especially if you're consistent and patient. They pick up commands quickly and love to please their owners.

Intelligence is key, and King Shepherds have plenty of it. They're eager to learn new things and thrive on mental stimulation.

Positive reinforcement training is the way to go with a King Shepherd, as a little praise goes a long way. They respond well to rewards and attention.

Socialization is crucial from a young age, especially since they inherit a guarding streak from their parents. Introduce them to unfamiliar people and other dogs to prevent over-aggression.

A King Shepherd left alone for extended periods will become bored and destructive, so be prepared to provide plenty of attention and exercise. They need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Consider reading: Dutch Shepherd Training

Finding a reputable breeder is essential when looking for a King Shepherd or Shiloh Shepherd. You can start by checking the AKSC list of reputable breeders.

The King Shepherd breed is still relatively new, so there are fewer breeders available compared to more established breeds. This can make it a bit more challenging to find a suitable breeder.

The American King Shepherd Club recommends a price range of between $1,250 and £2,000 for a King Shepherd puppy. This price can vary depending on whether you're looking for a pet quality dog or a show quality/breeding dog.

The average price of a King Shepherd puppy is between $1,000 to $3,000, which is less than what you'd pay for a standard German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder.

The King Shepherd and Shiloh Shepherd have a fascinating origin story. Americans Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer created the King Shepherd in the early 1990s.

Initially bred from German and European Shepherds with Alaskan Malamutes and Great Pyrenees, the King Shepherd was meant to be a unique breed. The American King Shepherd Club (AKSC) was founded in 1995 and defined the breeding of an F1 Generation King Shepherd.

A King Shepherd is a German Shepherd that can be mixed with several other breeds, including the Shiloh Shepherd, Alaskan Malamutes, Belgian Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Leonberger, and Akita.

The Shiloh Shepherd, on the other hand, originated in New York during the 1970s. It was created by German Shepherd enthusiast Tina Barber, who aimed to produce a larger, gentler version of the German Shepherd.

The Shiloh Shepherd is a unique blend of German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute genetics, designed to offer the qualities of the German Shepherd in a larger size.

The Shiloh Shepherd is a relatively new breed, originating from the United States. It's a large dog, with males standing 28-30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 100-140 pounds.

These dogs are known for their gentle and calm nature, making them a great choice for families. They're also highly intelligent and loyal, which makes them trainable and adaptable to various roles.

Shiloh Shepherds have a long, double coat that comes in various colors, including black and tan, black, sable, and white. They require moderate exercise and early training to thrive.

Here are some key statistics about the Shiloh Shepherd breed:

The Shiloh Shepherd is a loyal breed that's deeply protective of its family. They're also known for their remarkable sensitivity to people's emotions, making them excellent therapy, service, or search and rescue dogs.

If you're considering bringing a Shiloh Shepherd into your life, you might be wondering about the breed's history and characteristics. The Shiloh Shepherd is a large, energetic dog that requires a lot of care and attention.

Some people purchase Shiloh Shepherds without doing their research, which can lead to them ending up in shelters and rescue groups. German Shepherd Dog rescues may also take in Shiloh Shepherds.

If you're looking to adopt a Shiloh Shepherd, there are some breed-specific rescues you can try. Here are a few options:

Shiloh Shepherds can be challenging to care for, especially for inexperienced dog owners. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.