These breeds have been discovered with the purpose of acquiring less aggressive and more family-friendly dog breeds. Over the years they have managed to garner attention towards themselves as well gather affection from a multitude of sources.

As they begin this climb on the charts of canine fandom popularity, here is a low down on their characteristics and differences:

King shepherd vs Shiloh shepherd

Historical Background

Shiloh shepherds were bred by mating American German shepherds and other breeds, most notably Malamute. The process started in the 1970s with the intention of breeding less aggressive family dogs on the lines of German shepherds.

King Shepherd, on the other hand, was built by mixed-breeding between American line of German shepherds, Shiloh shepherds, and other breeds like the Great Pyrenees dog. They were developed in 1991 by American breeders Shelley Watts Cross and David Turheimer.

Both these breeds are not yet recognized by either AKC or FCI. In 1995, American Rare Breed Association was formed to recognize King Shepherd dogs.

However, with their gaining popularity, we have our fingers crossed.

Physical Attributes

Our Shiloh shepherds weigh about 80 to 130 pounds and stand tall at 26 to 30 inches. The King shepherd weighs 90 to 150 pounds and can attain a height between 25 to 29 inches.

In comparison, German shepherds who are considered large dogs weigh 49 to 88 pounds and stand at 22 to 26 inches.

Thus, both these dogs fall under the category of Giant dogs. However, King Shepherd is the heavier dog among the two. Their large size compensates for their less aggressive behavior when they are expected to perform the role of a watch dog.

Appearance

Shiloh shepherds have a more wolf-like appearance. This is due to their triangular ears. King shepherds, on the other hand, have large ears and do not project wolf-like looks.

Shiloh shepherds mostly have long ‘plush’ coats. The coat comes in colors tan black, golden, grey, silver, and white.

King shepherds have fluffy, water-resistant coats that usually come in tan-black, solid black, and solid white colors. These dogs are mostly long-haired. Both these dogs shed on a moderate to a high level.

Health and Nutrition

Both Shiloh shepherd and King Shepherd were bred with the additional objective of reducing the chances of Hip Dysplasia that usually plagues their ancestor, our very own German shepherd.

It is true that the possibility of hip dysplasia has significantly reduced in both these species.

However, it is important to remember that both of them are large dogs. The large size of canine comes with its own set of diseases and anomalies. King Shepherds are known to suffer from Elbow and joint Dysplasia as well.

However, overall they are both healthy breeds.

Their huge size also implies that they have huge dietary requirements. Kind shepherds require 8 to 10 cups divided into two meals per day while an average Shiloh Shepherd may require 3 to 4 cups of dry food divided into two meals per day.

Both these dogs are high-energy dogs (although not energetic as the GSD) and thus their dietary requirements need to be carefully met to keep them at the top of their game.

Temperament

Both these dogs were bred to tone down the aggression that flares easily in German shepherd dogs. This in turn was meant to breed dogs that were more manageable for families.

However, that is not to say that they cannot turn out to be good watchdogs. In fact, they also are protective of their own families and what they lack in aggression is compensated by their large stature.

Shiloh Shepherd is friendlier towards strangers than King Shepherds. Both of them display more friendly behavior towards strangers than an average German shepherd, although it all boils down to the right socialization as well.

Both gel well with other pets, although King shepherds have a slight aversion to cats.

Shiloh shepherds have moderate tolerance to hot and cold climates. King shepherds are dog breeds that survive and flourish in areas with slightly lower temperatures and a colder environment. They have moderate tolerance to high-temperature conditions.

Exercise

Both these dogs are giant dogs that require large spaces to survive. They may not do well in apartments or houses without backyards.

They also require their daily walk or regimen of exercise. However, they are comparatively less energetic than German shepherds. But this does not imply that you can just hang your boots and get into your cozy bed after a long day at work.

They need to get the excess energy off their system. Or your house and furniture will have to face the brunt of your overzealous dog. This is especially true in the case of King Shepherd, who can turn your lovely home into a cyclone hit ravine if you are too lazy with it, too often.

Both are intelligent dogs. Shiloh shepherd is a slightly calmer dog and thus easier to train than King shepherd. King shepherd dogs have a herding mentality and often herd other house pets and even children.

Our Verdict

Both these dogs are excellent family-oriented dogs that can match up to your energy levels if you are not an overtly sports enthusiast. They are loyal and can protect your family with all the ferociousness that they can find in their hearts.

King Shepherds are however the more popular dogs with the ranking of 193 as compared to Shiloh Shepherd’s 347. On this alone, we hand it the crown. However, both of them are giant loving dogs with the size of hearts that matches their large stature.

Speaking of large sizes and statures, find out why German shepherds and other large dogs need a yard.

The post King Shepherd Vs Shiloh Shepherd: The battle of the descendant breeds appeared first on Purrfect Paws.

If you’re planning to induct a new family member, you’ll want to weigh all the options available to you. Dog lovers do have their biases: German shepherds have had consistently high popularity ratings amongst pet parents over the years. Despite their misconstrued reputation of aggression and restlessness, the German Shepherd is a reliable and loyal breed. On the other hand, the Shiloh Shepherd, a product of selective breeding from German Shepherds, is claimed to be a definite upgrade over German Shepherds. 

If you pitched both breeds against each other in a full-fledged Breed Battle, who would win? Let’s take a look into how both these breeds with common underpinnings size up against each other!

German Shepherd Vs Shiloh Shepherd : Genetics

To understand the differences of both these breeds, it’s important to first delve into their history and genetic constitution. 

Towards the end of the 19th century in Germany, an ex-cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, cross-bred working sheepdogs in rural Germany, aiming to create a working herd-dog that could walk for long periods. The result was entirely different from the German Shepherds as we know them today, with a rough coat, short tail and looking quite like wolves or mongrels. Over the centuries, the breed continued to be refined to make for the handsome dog we all are familiar with.

However, retaining the qualities of a high-end authentic GSD through years of in-breeding came with a heavy cost; the breed continues to grapple with sloping back and hip dysplasia amongst other genetic physiological anomalies. There were also concerns that dog owners could not really manage their temperament. 

In the mid-1970s, Tina Barber, a German Shepherd dog trainer in New York, acknowledged these issues with German Shepherds. Aiming to breed for a docile, calmer, more family-friendly behaviour instead of the GSD’s working temperament, she created the Shiloh Shepherd.  It has a German Shepherd foundation stock, mixed with the bloodlines of Alaskan Malamute, Canadian White Shepherd and a Czech Wolf Dog, perfected over 40 years of development for stronger hips and a healthy frame.

These cherry-picked qualities have helped to guarantee resilient and healthy Shilohs. However, experts opine that the limited genetic diversity in the course of breeding Shilohs could in fact lead to other health concerns, specifically auto-immune diseases. 

German Shepherd Vs Shiloh Shepherd : Attributes

1. Physique

German shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs, standing tall at around 24-26 inches (male) or 22-24 inches (female) at the shoulder. These heavyset dogs weigh between 65-90 pounds (males) and 50-70 pounds (females). Shilohs are bred to be significantly larger than GSDs of the same sex; as per breed standards, an ideal male Shiloh should measure 28-30 inches at the shoulder and weigh 100-130 pounds; females should be 26-28 inches in height and 80-100 pounds in weight.

Both the GSD and Shiloh shepherd have a scissor bite, with quite a strong jaw grip. 

Both the GSD and Shiloh have triangular, pointy ears; the triangular shape is smaller in the case of Shilohs, with a less pronounced square head as compared to the wedge-shaped head of the GSD, making it look more “wolfy” in appearance. Shilohs are not as oblong in the body as GSDs. 

The gait is an important attribute in both breeds. GSDs are meant to be athletic, with a trotting gait. On the other hand, the Shiloh Shepherd’s gait is a ground-covering, extended, suspended trot.

2. Coat

German shepherds have a dense double coat, coloured tan/black or red/black, that keeps them warm in most cold conditions. Shilohs have a thick, harsh double coat, with two acceptable varieties, smooth and plush.

While the long “plush” coat is popular amongst Shilohs, German shepherds with long coat do exist but is not a standard attribute. Shiloh Shepherd coat colors are varied, including black/tan, golden tan, reddish tan, silver, cream. 

3. Grooming Requirements

Both breeds tend to shed a lot, because of their double coat. They both generally have two annual “blow-outs”, where they shed a heavy amount of hair all at once. However, in general, GSDs shed more than Shilohs, so you may need to clean up more frequently. 

The grooming requirement for GSDs is higher; you need to groom their coat pretty frequently, since the matting of their thick double coat may cause their body to overheat. On the other hand, Shilohs are low maintenance.

4. Temperament

GSDs are self-assured and they love to please their masters. They display a good degree of Loyalty and obedience. They are pretty intelligent and have a natural curiosity, which makes it easy to train them. This makes them excellent service or search/rescue dogs. GSDs can display wariness & suspicion of strangers and have been known to be aggressive. However, this emerges as a side-effect of poor socializing skills in the early years of training. 

The Shiloh Shepherd was selectively bred to display docility, mild and gentle temperament but with high intelligence. Despite its relatively huge size, as compared to the GSD, it’s a perfect family dog, a powerful but devoted companion. While it is not recognized under the AKC, Shiloh Shepherds do have their own standards that describe them as courageous and self-confident. Shilohs are noticeably calmer and easier to handle than most working shepherd breeds, including German shepherds. They are intelligent but require early socialisation and consistent training. 

One word of caution: as a dog owner, please keep in mind that Shilohs do originate from herding and guardian roots. They still get bored quickly and dislike isolation. Don’t be surprised if your Shiloh starts yapping and barking and destroying things. 

The German Shepherd is a slightly better choice for novice owners, compared to the Shiloh Shepherd. The Shiloh Shepherd is a gentle giant; being extremely kid-friendly, you need not worry about this dog being around your toddlers. 

You should expect a quietly confident giant with less of the health issues associated with a German Shepherd. They show the least territorial tendency amongst all the Shepherd breeds. 

5. Energy Drive

The German Shepherd is a versatile working dog with a high energy drive. Because of this attribute, you would have a hard time restraining your pawed pal. You may need to give him plenty of activities, toys and treats to keep him productively engaged. They can display hyperactive tendencies, especially if not exercised enough, or if they’re bored or have separation anxiety.

Shiloh Shepherds retain some traits of their German sires and dams, including the same high energy and drive, making a few individuals capable of doing demanding tasks such as Search and Rescue work. Their herding foundation gives them an energy drive to hike up mountains and the partner capability in an agility ring. However, do note that the Shiloh was not bred as a “working” breed; thus, calmer, social, amiable behavioural traits are expected. Their “softer” temperament vis-à-vis German shepherds make them easy-going and less likely to be a training challenge for their human partners.

6. Health concerns

A healthy dog is a happy dog. As an informed and responsible dog parent, you must get your pooch checked up for any ailments at the vet regularly. Look out for some specific conditions that may be plaguing your precious bud. GSDs are particularly prone to skeletal disorders such as canine hip dysplasia, Cauda equina syndrome, and arthritis. This is chiefly a result of genetic flaws passed down in the bloodline through inbreeding—a peril of purebred pooches. Apart from that, GSDs are predisposed to suffer from nerve degeneracy, Von Willebrand disease, and pancreas degeneration. Because of this, your GSD may need to make more frequent trips to the vet.

Hip Dysplasia is prevalent in most German Shepherd progenies such as Shiloh Shepherds, weakening their hips and causing arthritis in dogs. Shilohs are not immune to this; however, they were bred using a special program that helps them strengthen their hip bones. In large dog breeds like Shiloh shepherd, Gastric Torsion or Bloat is common and may be fatal. Amongst other disorders, Degenerative myelopathy, Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, Ventricular arrhythmias and Panosteitis are seen. Despite these health concerns, Shilohs are relatively healthier. 

German Shepherd Vs Shiloh Shepherd : Bottomline

Both the German shepherd and the Shiloh Shepherd are extremely fun, loyal and admirable dogs to have in your family. You can be assured of a really active and playful time while training or exercising them.

German Shepherds or Shilohs, both tend to be heavier breeds, thus you need to be careful not to overexert them, lest they happen to develop skeletal deformities, as such dogs are prone to have. 

On one side, you have GSDs, that fare particularly well for new pet owners. Resources and specialist vets are available to help you take care of them; but their overall health is significantly poor, if not looked after properly.

On the other hand, Shilohs have successfully managed to push out these health-related disorders from their bloodline. Furrier, healthier and an intelligent companion with a calm demeanour, this gentle giant is your go-to breed. In more ways than one, Shilohs have the potential to win this breed battle!

Whatever be your personal preference—an active, stylish GSD or a smart, sweet and softie Shiloh, both breeds will be your faithful comrades. 

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