Shiloh Shepherd

The Shiloh Shepherd is a comparatively recent American breed whose development began in the 1970s under breeder Tina Barber. Barber had worked with German Shepherd Dogs but wanted to produce a larger shepherd-type dog emphasizing a more moderate, family-oriented temperament and substantial build. Her breeding program eventually separated from conventional German Shepherd breeding, and the name Shiloh Shepherd was adopted for the developing population around 1990. German Shepherd Dogs formed the primary foundation, while additional dogs were introduced during development to broaden or alter particular traits. Because the breed was created relatively recently, its history is documented through breeder organizations rather than centuries of traditional working use. Several Shiloh Shepherd registries and organizations emerged as breeders disagreed over aspects of the developing standard and breeding direction. Shilohs can have either plush or smooth coats and are generally larger than typical German Shepherd Dogs. They have been bred primarily as companions, although individual dogs participate in therapy, assistance, obedience, tracking, and other activities. The breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Its development provides an interesting example of a modern breed deliberately created from an established shepherd population according to a breeder's specific vision rather than emerging gradually from a traditional regional working role.