Smooth Coat Shiloh Shepherd: A Comprehensive Guide

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Posted Oct 11, 2024

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The Smooth Coat Shiloh Shepherd is a rare and unique breed that's gaining popularity worldwide. This breed is a result of cross-breeding German Shepherds with Alaskan Malamutes.

They are known for their distinctive smooth coat, which requires minimal grooming. In fact, they have a short, dense coat that sheds minimally.

One of the most distinctive features of the Smooth Coat Shiloh Shepherd is their intelligence. They are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train.

Temperament & Intelligence

The Shiloh Shepherd is a wonderful companion, and their temperament is a big part of what makes them so lovable. They're protective but calm, making them perfect for families and individuals who want a loyal friend by their side.

These gentle giants are very intelligent, inheriting their high trainability from their German Shepherd parents. They're also great working dogs due to their intelligence and confident nature.

One thing to keep in mind is that Shiloh Shepherds don't like to be left alone for too long. They prefer to be around their families and can get unhappy if they're left on their own for hours at a time.

Credit: youtube.com, 6 Reasons You SHOULD NOT Get A Shiloh Shepherd

The Shiloh Shepherd's calm and composed nature makes them a great breed for people with disabilities or issues like anxiety and depression. They're also fantastic pets for families with children, as they're docile and gentle.

Their size and bark make them excellent watchdogs, and they'll definitely let you know when someone is coming around your home.

Care & Essentials

To care for your smooth coat Shiloh Shepherd, you'll want to ensure they get plenty of exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime.

Feeding your Shiloh Shepherd high-quality dog food is crucial, especially during their puppy stage. Look for food designed for large-breed dogs to promote healthy growth and prevent joint problems.

To prevent bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition, feed your Shiloh Shepherd several small meals throughout the day and avoid giving them food after they've been highly active.

Owning Essentials

Owning a Shiloh Shepherd requires a significant amount of exercise, with a minimum of 1-2 hours of physical activity and mental stimulation per day.

Crop anonymous female in sundress with floral ornament stroking bird dog with smooth coat in sunlight
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This breed needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, so be prepared to take them on long walks or runs.

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

Their coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling, and regular bathing to keep them clean and smelling fresh.

Shiloh Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, so regular veterinary check-ups are a must.

Their lifespan is typically around 10-12 years, so be prepared to make a long-term commitment to caring for your Shiloh Shepherd.

Daily Life

Living with a Shiloh Shepherd is a unique experience that requires attention to their high energy levels and specific needs. They need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, which can be broken down into shorter walks as they grow.

Their food and diet are crucial, but the article doesn't provide specific information on this topic. You'll need to research and consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Shiloh Shepherd.

Playful purebred dog with smooth coat and small ball having fun on lawn while looking up in sunlight
Credit: pexels.com, Playful purebred dog with smooth coat and small ball having fun on lawn while looking up in sunlight

Their grooming needs are relatively low maintenance, but they do require regular walks to stay happy and healthy. This breed is highly intelligent and thrives on mental stimulation, so activities like agility and obedience training are a must.

As a responsible owner, it's essential to be mindful of their exercise needs, especially during the first couple of years of their life. Too much exercise can harm their joints and growth, so it's crucial to find a balance.

One thing that's often overlooked is the importance of mental stimulation. Shiloh Shepherds can get bored if they don't receive enough mental stimulation, so make sure to incorporate activities like agility and obedience training into their daily routine.

Food & Diet

When choosing a food for your Shiloh Shepherd, consider high-quality dog food that matches their life stage, whether it's a puppy, adult, or senior.

The breed is prone to joint problems if they grow too quickly, so feeding them large-breed dog food as a puppy is crucial.

Credit: youtube.com, Why They Confuse You About What to Feed your Pet

You should also be aware that Shiloh Shepherds are at risk for bloat, a life-threatening condition, especially if they gobble their food down quickly.

Feeding them several small meals throughout the day can help prevent bloat, and it's also a good idea to avoid giving them food after they've been highly active.

Shiloh Shepherds are deep-chested, which makes them more susceptible to bloat, so careful feeding is essential.

Health & Wellness

The Shiloh Shepherd is a breed that requires regular monitoring to catch any potential health issues early on. Regular vet checkups are crucial in detecting problems before they become untreatable.

You should also be aware of the potential health concerns that can affect your Shiloh Shepherd. These include hip dysplasia, gastric torsion (bloat), degenerative myelopathy, ventricular arrhythmias, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and panosteitis.

To prevent bloat, it's essential to feed your Shiloh Shepherd several small meals throughout the day and avoid giving them food after they've been highly active. This can help reduce the risk of this potentially fatal condition.

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Here are some common health issues that may affect your Shiloh Shepherd:

  • Hip Dysplasia: when the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint
  • Gastric Torsion (Bloat): potentially fatal, can be prevented by feeding smaller meals
  • Degenerative Myelopathy: a progressive disease of the spinal cord that can result in hind leg paralysis
  • Ventricular arrhythmias: when the heart beats too fast and can lead to cardiac arrest
  • Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: the inability to digest certain foods as the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes
  • Panosteitis: common in large breed puppies, causing lameness due to inflamed bones

Known Health Issues

As a dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Shiloh Shepherd. One of the reasons this breed was developed was to eliminate some of the health problems found in German Shepherds, but unfortunately, it's still prone to certain health concerns.

Hip Dysplasia is one of the issues that can affect Shiloh Shepherds, where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. This can cause pain and lameness in one or both rear legs.

Gastric Torsion, also known as Bloat, is a potentially fatal condition that can be reduced in risk by feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals instead of one big meal. This can help prevent the stomach from twisting and cutting off blood flow.

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

Low angle of adorable Old German Shepherd dog sitting on green lawn in yard on sunny day
Credit: pexels.com, Low angle of adorable Old German Shepherd dog sitting on green lawn in yard on sunny day

Ventricular arrhythmias can occur in Shiloh Shepherds, causing the heart to beat too fast and potentially leading to cardiac arrest.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is another issue that can affect this breed, where the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes to break down certain foods.

Panosteitis is a common issue in large breed puppies, including Shiloh Shepherds, where the bones become inflamed due to rapid growth, causing lameness.

To minimize the risk of these health issues, regular vet checkups and monitoring your dog's behavior are crucial. A reputable breeder can also help reduce the chances of your dog inheriting severe health conditions by performing health checks on both parent dogs.

Here are some common health issues affecting Shiloh Shepherds:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Gastric Torsion (Bloat)
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Ventricular arrhythmias
  • Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
  • Panosteitis

Lifespan

The Shiloh Shepherd is known for its relatively long lifespan, with an average life expectancy of between nine to fourteen years.

Training & Compatibility

The Shiloh Shepherd is a breeze to train, thanks to their high intelligence and friendly nature. They thrive on positive reinforcement techniques and reward-based training, which makes them a great candidate for family involvement.

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These dogs respond well to verbal praise and treats, so be sure to have plenty of those on hand. Ignoring negative behavior and praising positive behavior is key to successful training.

The Shiloh Shepherd's calm nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children, and they're also gentle with kids. However, they do need regular exercise to prevent destructive behavior, so be prepared to dedicate time each day for physical activity.

Training

The Shiloh Shepherd is a very intelligent dog and is therefore very easy to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques and reward-based training, which includes verbal praise and treats.

You should never get angry or frustrated with your dog when training, as they may not understand what's happening and will be less likely to learn. Ignoring negative behavior and praising positive behavior is key to teaching them what's desirable.

The Shiloh Shepherd's calm nature makes them a great breed for families with children, as they are gentle and patient. With their high trainability, they can learn to be great companions and helpers for those with disabilities or issues like anxiety and depression.

To train a Shiloh Shepherd, use positive reinforcement techniques and reward their good behavior. This will help them learn quickly and enjoy the process of learning.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Training German Shepherds

German Shepherd vs. Shepherd Dog

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

One breed that's often compared to the German Shepherd is the Shiloh Shepherd. The Shiloh Shepherd was bred from a German Shepherd to produce a more laid-back dog.

Shiloh Shepherds are more docile and family-friendly than German Shepherds. They're a great choice for families with children or for people who want a low-maintenance pet.

While Shiloh Shepherds still have health concerns, they do not have as many as German Shepherds. This is one of the reasons why many people prefer the Shiloh Shepherd breed.

Cost & Standards

The Smooth Coat Shiloh Shepherd is a relatively affordable breed, with initial costs ranging from $800 to $1,200 for a puppy.

Their grooming needs are moderate, requiring regular brushing and occasional bathing to prevent matting and tangling.

Smooth Coat Shiloh Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, with a lifespan of 12-15 years.

How Much Does It Cost?

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A Shiloh Shepherd can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the breeder and health clearances of the parent breeds.

You should always make sure you're buying from a reputable breeder who can show you health clearances for both parent breeds.

If this price range is out of your budget, consider checking your local shelter - there may be a Shiloh Shepherd waiting for their forever home.

Explore further: Dutch Shepherd Traits

Breed Standard

The breed standard is a set of guidelines that defines the ideal characteristics of a dog breed. This standard helps maintain the breed's integrity and ensures that puppies are born with the desired traits.

A good breed standard should include information on the dog's size, coat type, and temperament. For example, the breed standard for the Labrador Retriever states that the ideal weight range is between 55 and 80 pounds.

The standard also outlines the breed's physical characteristics, such as head shape, ear type, and tail carriage. In the case of the Poodle, the breed standard specifies that the dog should have a curly, non-shedding coat.

Credit: youtube.com, What is Breed Type and How Do Breed Standards Change for Dogs?

A well-established breed standard helps breeders make informed decisions when selecting breeding stock. It also provides guidance for judges at dog shows, ensuring that dogs are evaluated fairly and consistently.

The breed standard may also include information on the dog's health and potential genetic issues. For instance, the breed standard for the German Shepherd notes that the breed is prone to hip dysplasia.

Comparison & FAQs

Smooth Coat Shiloh Shepherds are intelligent dogs, similar to their German Shepherd ancestors, and make great working dogs.

They share some physical characteristics with German Shepherds, such as the shape of their ears.

Their coats can be the same color as a German Shepherd's.

Smooth Coat Shiloh Shepherds are a type of Shiloh Shepherd, which is a breed that descends from a German Shepherd.

They are great working dogs due to their intelligence.

For another approach, see: Dogs Husky German Shepherd Mix

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between smooth and plush coat Shiloh shepherds?

Shiloh Shepherds have two coat types: smooth and plush. The main difference is that smooth coats are thicker and harsher, while plush coats are softer and less coarse

Are Shiloh shepherds cuddly?

Yes, Shiloh Shepherds are known for their affectionate nature and love to be close to their family, making them a great companion for cuddles and snuggles.

How do I know if I have a Shiloh Shepherd?

Check for a large, muscular build, noble expression, and confident calmness to determine if you have a Shiloh Shepherd

What two breeds make a Shiloh Shepherd?

The Shiloh Shepherd is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Sarplaninac. This unique blend of breeds has resulted in a distinct appearance, temperament, and genetic makeup.

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.

Tracy Mante

Lead Assigning Editor

Tracy Mante is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for guiding writers towards compelling and informative content. With a keen eye for detail, she has successfully managed a wide range of article categories, from in-depth features to engaging how-to guides. Tracy's expertise extends to the field of animal health, where she has overseen articles on complex topics such as canine surgery and procedures.