The King Shiloh Shepherd is a relatively rare breed, with a history dating back to the 1990s. It's a cross between a German Shepherd and an Alaskan Malamute.
This unique combination gives the King Shiloh Shepherd its distinctive appearance, with a thick coat and a muscular build. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a popular choice as a family pet.
In terms of size, the King Shiloh Shepherd typically stands between 24 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder.
Care and Grooming
The King Shiloh Shepherd, a beautiful breed with a thick double coat that sheds heavily.
Brushing your dog several times per week, or even daily, can help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy, clean, and tangle-free.
Their double coats do shed quite a bit, so be prepared to use a dog vacuum regularly.
Bathing is only necessary every three to four months, but be sure to check their ears and clean their teeth regularly to prevent infections.
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You'll also need to trim their nails before they get too long, usually once or twice per month, to prevent them from clicking against the floor.
Brushing their teeth a minimum of three times per week is crucial for maintaining their oral health.
A good brushing three times a week will probably do the job for their coat, and bathing is recommended only as needed with a mild shampoo.
Health and Wellness
The King Shiloh Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, many of these issues can be prevented or managed.
Elbow and hip dysplasia are common conditions that can cause pain, instability, or weakness in the joints. This is especially common in large-breed dogs, and responsible breeders will test parent dogs for inherited diseases to prevent passing problems on to puppies.
Von Willebrand Disease is a genetic disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot after injury, and it's a common health problem in King Shepherds. Your veterinarian may recommend preventative surgery to tack the stomach down to prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or bloat.
King Shepherds are also at risk for skin allergies like canine atopic dermatitis, and eye issues such as pannus, glaucoma, and corneal dystroph are specific to the breed. Hypothyroidism, a condition that affects the thyroid gland, can lead to weight gain and other health problems in the future.
Here are some common health issues that King Shepherds may experience:
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Von Willebrand Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus – GDV)
- Eye issues (pannus, glaucoma, corneal dystroph)
- Allergies (canine atopic dermatitis)
It's essential to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups to prevent and manage these health issues. With proper care and attention, your King Shiloh Shepherd can live a long and healthy life.
Training and Exercise
The King Shiloh Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed that thrives on consistent and engaging training. This means you can start basic obedience lessons as early as 8-16 weeks of age.
King Shepherds are eager to please, which makes them quick learners of simple commands. Positive reinforcement training is the best method, as a little praise goes a long way in keeping them motivated.
To ensure your King Shepherd grows into a well-mannered adult, socialization is key. This means exposing them to unfamiliar people and other dogs of all shapes and sizes from an early age.
Training
King Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that make training relatively simple for owners who are consistent and engaging.
Basic obedience lessons can start in puppyhood between eight and 16 weeks of age, and more involved training should continue through the dog's life.
King Shepherds are eager to please their family members, which means they can learn simple commands fairly quickly.
Positive reinforcement training is the best method for King Shepherds, as a little praise goes a long way for this breed.
Socializing your King Shepherd from a young age is crucial to ensure they stay friendly and well-mannered with strangers and other animals.
King Shepherds need consistent training from a young age, and their trainability should not be taken for granted.
Socializing your King Shepherd with unfamiliar people and other dogs of all shapes and sizes is imperative to ensure they transform into a well-mannered and well-behaved adult.
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Exercise Needs
Exercise needs vary depending on age, with children and teenagers needing at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.
Older adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise weekly.
Children and teenagers need to engage in muscle-strengthening activities at least three times a week.
Aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, and swimming are great options for older adults.
Adults should do muscle-strengthening activities involving all major muscle groups at least two times a week.
Older adults should also incorporate balance exercises to reduce the risk of falls.
Children and teenagers should engage in bone-strengthening activities like jumping rope or running.
Size and Personality
The King Shiloh Shepherd is a large breed, but don't worry, they're not just a bunch of intimidating size. Males can weigh between 90 to 150 pounds, while females weigh between 75 to 110 pounds.
Their size is actually a great asset, as it can help deter potential predators. They're also highly trainable, which means they can learn to be gentle and loving companions for families.
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In terms of personality, King Shepherds are known for being calm and adaptable. They're best suited for single-family homes with fenced-in outdoor spaces, where they can get the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
Here are some key personality traits to keep in mind:
Overall, King Shepherds are a great choice for families who want a loyal and loving companion.
Personality
The King Shepherd's personality is truly one-of-a-kind. They're excellent family companions and guard dogs, thanks to their intimidating size and protective instincts.
King Shepherds are highly trainable and thrive on positive reinforcement, so be prepared to put in the effort to teach them new tricks. They're driven and capable of learning any task, making them a great addition to a working family.
One thing to keep in mind is that King Shepherds can easily become bored, depressed, and frustrated if left alone for long periods, so make sure to give them plenty of attention and exercise. They need a job to do, whether big or small, to stay happy and healthy.
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Here are some key personality traits of the King Shepherd:
King Shepherds are generally gentle and loyal, making them a great choice for families with children. They're also excellent with other pets, but do require some socialization to get along with smaller animals. With the right care and attention, King Shepherds can make wonderful companions for many years to come.
Size
The King Shepherd is a relatively new hybrid breed, and their size can vary.
Females typically stand between 25 to 27 inches in height at the shoulder.
Males can be quite a bit larger, reaching heights of 27 to 31 inches at the shoulder.
Their weight can range from 75 to 150 pounds, with females weighing 75 to 110 pounds and males weighing 90 to 150 pounds.
Some dogs may be smaller or larger than average and not fit into their breed's standard sizes.
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Crossbreeds & Parentage
The King Shepherd is a crossbreed, which means he has parents from different breeds. He has a Shiloh Shepherd parent, but the Shiloh Shepherd is not considered a purebred dog.
His parents are not just any breeds, but a mix of some impressive ones, including Akita and Great Pyrenees. The Shiloh Shepherd parent is a relatively new breed, making it harder to determine his purebred status.
Understanding the King Shepherd's crossbreed status is crucial to understanding his size and personality.
Living with a Shiloh
Living with a Shiloh Shepherd can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.
Shiloh Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be strong-willed at times. This means they need consistent and positive reinforcement training from an early age.
Their large size and energy level mean they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. A daily walk or run, combined with interactive toys and playtime, can help keep them happy and healthy.
Children and Pets
Living with a Shiloh requires some consideration when it comes to children and pets.
King Shepherds, like Shilohs, have an intimidating presence due to their size, but they get along great with children, especially those they've been raised with.
A gentle giant, they are patient and sweet with kids. Always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party.
Teach your child never to approach any dog while they're eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away. King Shepherds are nice to strangers and can get along well with dogs and other household pets, including cats.
Early socialization is an important factor for developing a social dog. With proper training and supervision, you can create a harmonious household where both children and pets thrive.
Rescue Groups
If you're considering bringing a Shiloh into your family, you may be wondering about rescue options. The Shiloh Shepherd is a rare hybrid breed, making it challenging to find breed-specific rescue groups.
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You can start by checking with your local shelter, as they often have a variety of breeds and mixes available for adoption. Additionally, you can reach out to organizations that specialize in German Shepherds or Shepherd mixes.
If you're looking for specific resources, here are some reputable rescue groups to consider:
- International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club – Rescue and Rehome
- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC)
- Shiloh Shepherd Rescue & Rehome
- Coastal K9 German Shepherd Rescue
- Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary
- German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Georgia
- Mid Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue
Shiloh
The Shiloh Shepherd is a unique breed with a well-documented history. Tina Barber, a German Shepherd breeder from New York, created the Shiloh Shepherd by crossbreeding the German Shepherd with other breeds, including the Alaskan Malamute, Canadian White Shepherd, and Czechoslovakian Wolfdog.
The Shiloh Shepherd is not recognized by major kennel clubs, but it is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA). This status may change in the future, but for now, it's uncertain how popular the breed is in America.
The breed's creator, Tina Barber, aimed to preserve the German Shepherd's original characteristics, particularly its straighter back. By crossbreeding, she hoped to create a healthier and more consistent breed.
Despite its growing popularity, the Shiloh Shepherd's exact popularity in America is unknown. However, it's definitely gaining traction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a king shepherd and a Shiloh Shepherd?
Kings are generally similar in size to Shilohs, but slightly shorter and heavier on average. The main difference lies in their coat type, with Kings being predominantly long-haired
What two breeds make a Shiloh Shepherd?
The Shiloh Shepherd is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute. This unique blend of breeds creates a loyal and intelligent companion.
How rare is a Shiloh Shepherd?
Shiloh Shepherds are an extremely rare breed due to their relatively new development. They are difficult to find outside of reputable breeders.
Will a Shiloh Shepherd protect you?
Yes, Shiloh Shepherds are known for their protective nature and can be trained to guard children or homes. Their intelligence and loyalty make them a reliable companion for protection and safety.
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