Shiloh Shepherd Dog

Short History of the Shiloh Shepherd Dog

German Shepherds date back to as early as the 7th Century A.D. The German Shepherd’s roots are in the mountainous sheepdog of Germany. It is said that the breed descended from the Bronze Age wolf. In the 7th century, there was a German dog similar to the Shepherd, but lighter in coat. By the 16th century, however, the same breed had darkened in coat color. About 1880 the German army modified this breed for work as a military dog. The first German Shepherd exhibit was in 1882 in Hanover. Credit for the formation of the modern breed is given to fancier Rittmeister von Stephanitz. In 1899 German von Stephanitz began a breeding program to produce a stable, reliable shepherd dog. He combined long-haired, short-haired and wire-haired dogs from Wurtemberg, Thurginia, and Bavaria. His friend Herr Artur Meyer also helped in the breeding process, and from 1899 to 1935 Stephanitz oversaw the group that promoted the German Shepherd. Until 1915 the breed was split up into three separate versions: the long haired, the short haired, and the wire haired. Later, the wire haired became practically extinct, and these days the long haired is disqualified from the show ring. 48,000 of these dogs served in the First World War, and thus became hugely popular. They have been used for search and rescue, police, army and sentry, scent discrimination and as a guide dog. At the time, it was insulting to call anything by the name of “German”, with the war and discrimination. But English sheep herders did not want to get rid of the useful dogs, therefore they called them Alsatians, because they originated in Alsace. Finally after 40 years, in 1971, the British Kennel Club allowed the name to be German Shepherd Dog again. In 1974 Tina Barber set out to restore the German Shepherd breed to its former glory, meaning the larger version that had sounder temperament and was once so prominent in the breed. Focusing on larger size, intelligence, good temperament, and sound hips, she combined German Shepherd and Giant Malamute and changed her Kennel name to “Shiloh Shepherds”, which is where the breed gets its name. In 1990 the breed was separated from the German Shepherd in the AKC, and Barber kept all records of registries that named the breed “Shiloh Shepherd.” In 1991 the International Shiloh Shepherd Registry was established. Due to disagreements among the members, splinter groups split off to form their own Shiloh Shepherd registries. Today the Shiloh Shepherd has a small but growing number of fans and specimens.

Temperament

While their countenance may be a bit intimidating, the Shiloh Shepherd is the perfect family pet for those with children, offering a gentle and loving attitude toward all family members and even other pets. This breed is known for its calm, serene personality and extreme intelligence. Unlike some dog breeds, this is thought by many to be a pleasure to train, and is easily adaptable to almost any lifestyle or environment.

As is the case with other breeds, not all Shiloh Shepherds have the same personalities or temperaments. With this breed, much of your puppy’s personality will be influenced by its environment, whether a rural country setting, suburban home, or city apartment. The Shiloh Shepherd may develop a lack of confidence or even fearfulness when around others if it has not been properly socialized, particularly if it has been somewhat secluded during its upbringing. However, if you are looking to adopt a pet that is fiercely loyal, courageous, and the perfect watchdog, consider this magnificent, imposing breed.