Herding breed Large size 45-70 kg

Shiloh Shepherd

A large, gentle-natured shepherd bred to be calmer than the GSD - rewarding for owners ready for the size, coat, and exercise.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
45-70 kg · 66-71 cm
High
Exercise needs
Long daily walks plus a job to do
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Bonded but copes with a normal routine
Trainable
Training
Eager and responsive to training
Moderate
Coat care
Weekly brushing, heavy seasonal shedding
Good
Fit with kids
Patient and steady with children
Good
Other pets
Generally sociable with dogs and cats raised together
Moderate
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy

The Shiloh Shepherd typically weighs 45-70 kg, stands 66-71 cm, and lives 9-13 years.

Consider this breed if…

you have space and want a large, steady family guardian,
you can commit to daily long walks plus training or a job,
you want a shepherd bred to be calmer and softer than a GSD,
you can manage heavy seasonal shedding from a big coat.

Do not consider this breed if…

you live in a small apartment with no easy outdoor access,
you cannot budget for large-breed food and vet costs,
you want a low-shedding or low-maintenance dog,
you cannot provide daily exercise and mental engagement.

A typical day with a Shiloh Shepherd

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long walk or off-leash exercise, 45-60 min
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Settles near the family; chew or rest
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk and a training session
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Play or a shared task in the yard
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second walk, calm family time
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Sleeps indoors close to its people

Temperament and training

Trainability High
Sociability High
Guarding tendency Moderate
Sensitivity High
Independence Low
Energy High
Common owner mistakes
Underestimating the space, food, and vet costs of a giant dog · Skipping early socialization for a naturally watchful breed · Assuming the calm temperament means low exercise needs

Family and environment

Kids Good
Patient and steady; supervise around toddlers due to size.
Dogs Good
Generally sociable with proper introductions.
Cats Conditional
Fine with cats raised together; introduce carefully.
Apartment Poor fit
Too large and active for small-flat living.
House with a yard Ideal
Space suits this big, steady dog best.
City Conditional
Manages with committed daily exercise.
Countryside Ideal
Room to roam and a job to do.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Dental Disease Very common; routine brushing and cleanings help
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; signs often from 1-2 years
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Inherited; DNA test available
Epilepsy Seizures usually begin between 1 and 5 years

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

The parent breed, smaller and more intense
German Shepherd
A loyal, highly trainable working dog that needs a job and a confident handler - and carries a well-documented joint and spine burden.
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Similar size with a gentler temperament
White Swiss Shepherd Dog
A gentle, trainable white shepherd that suits active families - needs exercise, company, and consistent handling.
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Another large, gentle family giant
Leonberger
A calm, affectionate giant that makes a wonderful family companion for homes with space - the trade-off is heavy shedding, drool, and the short lifespan and joint issues of a giant breed.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Shiloh Shepherd cost in the US?
The Shiloh Shepherd is a rare breed with a small number of dedicated breeders, so expect waitlists and puppy prices commonly in the $1,500-$3,000 range. It is not a recognized AKC breed, so verify pedigree and health testing carefully. Over a 9-13 year life, food, routine vet care, and giant-breed costs typically add $15,000-$25,000 or more, and a major issue like hip surgery can add several thousand on top.
Is a Shiloh Shepherd calmer than a German Shepherd?
That was the breeding goal - a larger, softer, more laid-back temperament. Many are steadier and less intense than a working-line GSD, but this is a tendency, not a guarantee. Individual dogs vary, and all of them still need daily exercise, training, and socialization.
How much space does a Shiloh Shepherd need?
A house with a securely fenced yard is the sensible setup. This is a large dog that thrives with room to move and a family it can stay close to. Apartment life is a poor fit unless you can guarantee substantial daily outdoor exercise.
Do Shiloh Shepherds shed a lot?
Yes. The plush double coat sheds year-round and blows heavily twice a year. Plan on weekly brushing most of the year and daily brushing during seasonal coat changes, plus frequent vacuuming.