User:John Cummings/Articles/Siloh



The Shiloh Shepherd is a new dog breed which Tina Barber began developing in 1974. Having been recognized by the American Rare Breed Association since 1991. Shiloh's have a unique genetic signature making the breed identifiable by the leading reputable Canine DNA testing Companies such as Embark, UC Davis, and Betterbred. The breed is carefully managed under 3 registries, The ISSA, ISSR  , and the ISSDC.

Vigorous health testing takes place before any breedings, including temperament tests, hip and elbow x-rays, holter monitor (heart EKG), auscultation test, degenerative myelopathy test, thyroid test, and a TLI test.

Shiloh Shepherds are bred for fluid movement, large size, and above all else, they are bred for intelligence, and stable temperaments. Their coats can be a variety of colors, including recessive black, or solid white, but Wolf Sable and black & tan are most common within the breed. They compete in obedience, agility, and herding events and often excel as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, livestock guardians, and service assistants. 

Appearance
The Shiloh Shepherd should have a regal bearing that shows intelligence and strength, with fluid movement, that is key to their distinct appearance.

The head overall is broad and wolfish, with a striking appearance that commands attention. The skull is as wide as it is long, slightly domed, and is equal in length to the muzzle. The stop should be moderately defined. The lips should be close-fitting, and the lower jaw should have a consistent thickness to the end of the muzzle. Ears should be firm, triangular and well cupped; they are carried erect when at attention. Their eyes can be a variety of browns shades ranging from dark chocolate to Amber. (Darker brown is preferred)

While in a 3 point stack, their topline should be strong and level, without any sagging or roaching. Tails should be straight and held low, with a slight Saber curve aloud. A ring or a hook shape is a major Fault.

Size standards
Their larger size should not impede their movement or grace. A Shiloh Shepherd is powerfully built and well-balanced. The male Shiloh stands 30 inches (76cm) or more in height with a minimum of 28 inches (71cm); weighing 120 to 140pounds (54–65kg) with a minimum of 100pounds (50kg). The female is smaller, standing at a minimum of 26 inches (66cm) or more in height with 28inches (71cm) or larger being ideal. Females should Weighing 100 to 120pounds (45–54kg) with a minimum of 80pounds (36kg). With their even proportions, Shilohs should appear only slightly longer than they are tall with a 9 to 10 body ratio. 

Coat types
Shilohs come in two distinct coat varieties: the smooth and the plush coat. The smooth coat should be of medium length and lie close to the body; the hair at the neck and on the back of the fore and hind legs may be longer and thicker than other areas. The outer coat will be dense and straight. The plush coat is longer, with a soft undercoat and a distinctive "mane" which extends to the chest. The body coat should not be over 5inches (12.5 cm) long but will have feathering inside the ears and behind the legs. Coats that are open, wooly or curly are serious faults. 

Coat colors
Shilohs come in a wide range of coat colors. Wolf Sable being that most common in the breed, but they may also be black and tan bi or dual colored. With both coat patterns coming in a variety of shades including silver, cream, grey, gold, brown, and red. Solid recessive black and solid white/Buff are also excepted. but Blue and liver are disqualifying faults. 

Shilohs may also have a small white blaze on the chest or white on the toes, but white in any other area is a fault. Pale, washed-out colors, and pink nose leather are also faults. 

Movement and gait
A Shiloh Shepherd's gait is the most distinctive and important feature of this breed. it should be smooth and rhythmic. Their long strides and flowing motion require good muscular development, but the dog should never appear cumbersome. Even while trotting, the straightness of their back should be maintained. The full trot is steady and level, without swaying or rolling. To help keep their balance, their feet are brought in toward their middle line when running. The forward reach of the dog should be as long as possible, ideally extending past the nose, but the feet should ideally stay close to the ground, differing from the smaller German shepherds "flying trot" where the front paws are lifted unnecessary high in a "showy" fashion. Faults in movement or carriage are serious. Accounting for 40% of the points each dog can earn in the show ring when being judge, via the breeds standard. 

Temperament
Courageous and self-confident, this gentle giant possesses superior intelligence wrapped in a heart of gold, faithfully protecting his home and those he loves. This extremely versatile and easily trained companion loves to swim, carry packs for the mountain climber, endure long trail rides, or pull heavy sleds. His excellent Air Scenting ability can be utilized in various ways. As a true, loyal Flock Guardian descendant, he is steady and bold without undue aggression; ready to die fighting for those in his care; yet sweet and loving when playing with small children, animals, or comforting the elderly."

Health
Shilohs have an average life span of 10–13 years.

As with other large/giant breed dogs, Shilohs may experience problems with gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as bloat. When young, it is especially recommended that Shilohs be fed a consistent diet of high quality food due to their sensitive stomachs. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth syndrome has also been reported and can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and difficulty absorbing nutrients from food. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is another health concern although manageable with digestive enzyme supplementation. Each condition is serious and should be treated immediately by a veterinarian.

Though less prone to them than German Shepherds, acording to OFA's 2019 study. Shilohs are susceptible to hip dysplasia and other skeletal disorders. Due to slow bone growth, if Shilohs are introduced to strenuous activities before maturity that impacts the joints, serious injuries can occur. An exhaustive and detailed genetic breeding program has greatly reduced the incidence of hip and elbow dysplasia. Panosteitis may occur during a Shiloh's growth stages.

German Shepherd Dog Inherited Ventricular Arrhythmia (GSDIVA), is an inherited heart condition that can cause sudden death in Shiloh Shepherd puppies. The amount of Ventricular Arrhythmias (VA) is age-dependent. Before 12 weeks (3 months) of age Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are rare but gradually increase with a peak frequency of VA, including Ventricular Tachycardia (VT), between 24 to 28 weeks (6 to 7 months) of age. Death most often occurs between the age of 16 to 32 weeks (4 to 8 months) and usually during sleep in the early morning hours or a resting period after exercise. After 28 weeks (7 months) the number of VA decreases such that many dogs after 100 weeks (25 months) of age no longer have arrhythmias and are not at risk. The most severely affected dogs do continue to have occasional VA. The diagnosis is determined by using a Holter Monitor when the puppy is between 4-12 months of age, (6 months being preferred). ALL SHILOHS should be holtered tested before maturity.

Titling and competition
Using their speed and balance, Shilohs perform agility related activities with ease. However, due to slower bone growth they should not perform strenuous obstacles or jumping until they reach maturity. Shilohs have herding instincts that make them excellent partners in the arena. Shilohs have been recognized by the American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) since 2004. The AHBA's preliminary test for Herding Instinct is used to determine if a Shiloh has the instincts and interest for herding.

Shilohs have been trained as search and rescue dogs. In March 2007, a Shiloh named Gandalf received national media attention after finding a Boy Scout lost in the mountains of North Carolina. A Shilohs' gentleness and calm temperament allow them to be a part of therapy work. Their intelligence and willingness to please make them highly suitable for work as assistance dogs. They respond quickly to training and retain the capacity to make independent decisions when situations change. They are frequent recipients of the AKCs "Canine Good Citizen" Award and have been awarded the Companion Dog title, the Companion Dog Excellent title, the Utility Dog title and been certified as Reading Education Assistance Dogs.

Shilohs are easy to handle and even children can be successful in the show ring. Currently, Shilohs can be shown in the American Rare Breed Association, the International All Breed Canine Association , Rarities Inc., the Rare Breed Club of South Western Ontario, the National Kennel Club, and the National Canine Association, International Canine Kennel Club as well as 3 breed specialty shows run annually by each registry.

History
The Shiloh Shepherd was developed by Tina M. Barber of Shiloh Shepherds (kennel) in New York, United States. In 1974, she began working to recreate an old style of German Shepherd Dog. Her goal was to preserve the type of dog she remembered from her childhood in Germany: dogs that are good family companions, intelligent, both physically and mentally sound, and large in size.

Tina separated her foundation stock from the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1990, and the FIC (Federation of International Canines) agreed to register these dogs as a separate breed. The name chosen for these dogs was "Shiloh Shepherd" after the kennel of origin. Shortly thereafter, the Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America (SSDCA) was formed to preserve and protect the future welfare of the breed. In 1991, the International Shiloh Shepherd Registry (ISSR) was established and took over registry functions from the FIC.

In 1993, The Complete Computer Place (TCCP), using a specially designed database program, officially started maintaining breeding records. This program tracked nine generations of pedigree and LMX (Littermate X-Ray Program) data and computerized all the older paper files. The ISSR used this program to document vital data on each Shiloh Shepherd in its registry. Tina Barber was the breed founder and participated actively as the President of the Breed Club. As well as Breed Warden for the ISSR. Tina Barber died at the age of 63 on May 30, 2011 in Warsaw, New York.

In October 2016, few years After Tina's passing, the ISSA was formed to specially focus on the breed development from a scientific standpoint. Modernizing its breeding practices with the most advanced technological tools. Using companies like Betterbred, as well as working with the University of California Davis to develop the most effective Biodiversity management program for the long term management of the breed. 

In 1997, during a period when the SSDCA was inactive, The International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club (ISSDC) was opened. In 1998, the ISSDC opened its own registry, calling it the ISSDCr. The Shiloh Shepherd Breed Association (SSBA) was opened shortly after and assumed registry functions for the ISSDCr. The National Shiloh Breed Registry (NSBR) was established in 2001 and The Shiloh Shepherd Registry (TSSR) in 2002. (In 2004, the ISSDC was reorganized as a parent club for the NSBR, the SSBA, and the TSSR.) In June 2009, the SSBA was closed.

There are significant differences of opinion between the founding club and registry and subsequently established clubs and registries as to how best serve the breed.

A great source of Original Info can be found Archived on Tina Barbers' original web page, which is no longer active. It can be accessed and navigated through this link. 

Registries

 * International Shiloh Shepherd Registry, Inc. (ISSR)  (Illustrated Breed Standard)
 * National Shiloh Breeders Registry (NSBR) (Breed Standard)
 * The Shiloh Shepherd Registry (TSSR)
 * Worldwide Shiloh Shepherd Breed Association LLC (WSSBA)

Clubs

 * Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America (SSDCA)
 * International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club (ISSDC) (Breed Standard)

Rescue

 * Shiloh Shepherd Rescue & Rehome
 * International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club Rescue