Shiloh Shepherd

Breed Standards for the Shiloh Shepherd

General Appearance: The Shiloh Shepherd is powerfully built with unsurpassed beauty and elegance.

Head: The head is broad and noble, slightly domed and in proportion to the head. The length and width of skull are approximately equal. The muzzle should be predominantly black.

Ears: The ears are moderately pointed in proportion to the skull opened the front and carried erect when at attention.

Eyes: Shades of dark to very light brown will be accepted (no other colors are allowed) of medium size, almond shaped, set a little obliquely and not protruding.

Neck: Strong and muscular, relatively long and slightly arched.

Forequarters: The shoulder blades are long and angled. The pasterns are strong and springy and angulated at approximately a 25 degree angle from the vertical.

Body: The entire body should appear to be well coordinated yet muscular. The back is broad and straight, strongly boned and well developed.

Gait: The gait should be considered a very critical part of the overall perfection of this breed. The gait is outreaching, elastic, tireless without effort; smooth and rhythmic, covering the maximum amount of ground with the minimum amount of steps. It covers a great deal of ground. There must be a good muscular development to obtain this kind of ideal motion.

Color: Shades of black with tan, golden tan, reddish tan, silver and cream are as desirable as are various shades of richly pigmented golden, silver, red dark brown, dark gray or black sables. Also solid black or solid white is acceptable as long as the nose, eye rims and lips are solid black.

Coat: Smooth: A double coat of medium length. The outer coat should be as dense as possible with the hair straight, harsh and lying close to the body.

Plush: A close fitting double coat of medium coarse guard hairs with a softer undercoat.

Temperament: A courageous and self-confident dog that possesses superior intelligence and is faithful in protecting his family.