Shiloh Shepherd Breeders

I made a lot of money during those early decades because my oversized, child-safe protection dogs sold for top prices. The Shilohs I trained for personal protection were sold to families with children who wanted protection but they didn't want a .357 Magnum! They just wanted a (harmless) water pistol that looked like one and they were willing to pay many times the normal "trained import" price to get just what their family needed!!

I also designed a unique form of training that accomplished what I needed for my clients and for my own breeding program. By the end of the '80's I had made significant progress but realized I had to exercise more control over my breeding program and also that I needed to go computerized in order to really track and tabulate results.

One of the breeders I was working with was Steve Betcher who was trying to produce larger White Shepherds with good hips. During our genetic talks I explained about my data research and how I would love to put all of it into a special dream software program! So enter the TCCP, a specialized program which enabled me to set up the International Shiloh Shepherd Registry. That also allowed us to track pedigrees and all of the hip data ^[2] and puppies produced by the ISSR Licensed Breeders!

In 1990 I wrote a formal ISSR Breed Standard ^[3] that was lavishly illustrated and is easy for anyone to understand. The correct Shiloh Shepherd is a dog no less than 28” and 120 pounds, with proud carriage, effortless movement, impeccable character that includes a “heart of gold”. Two clearly described coat types was defined. The emphasis was on size and soundness, both mental and physical.

But my success in setting type, intelligence and sound hips had caught the attention of those who were mass producing puppies and representing them as 'Shiloh Shepherds' and the fake Shilohs were reflecting badly on my own breeding program. When I had first opened my registry to these folks I was only focused on gene pool expansion! I was willing to allow them to make all of the money on the puppies they produced and sold for thousands of dollars because of my name, reputation, and success. Knowing we could not risk everything we had accomplished and what had in fact become a “breed”, all I asked for was that they follow the ISSR Rules. ^[4]

If a Shiloh Shepherd breeder is working towards developing a bloodline or in my case, a breed, structure and movement must be carefully maintained. If a novice walks past a show ring full of dogs, they should be able to tell an Akita from a Husky!! That's why I worked so hard to write the Shiloh Shepherd breed standard, and then had to fight to protect it!

Every breeder has disappointments and setbacks and I’ve had my share but my dogs and my breeding goals have never let me down. People will be people but a well bred dog will always be true. Maybe that's why I feel that we must look into AKC recognition, to get protection for the Shiloh Shepherd and those who have worked so hard to hold true to a massive, intelligent, gentle but protective breed with a sound mind and body.

In order for this breed/these dogs to survive we have to ask, can AKC help? At one time the SV ruled the German Shepherd Dog’s future with an iron hand, but I just read about a long haired GSD that had so many genetic problems he had to be put down at 15 months! That is why the International Shiloh Shepherd Registry holds the key to correct type and temperament, but also to maintaining clear genetics.

As a breeder I’ve given nearly four decades to developing a type of dog that bred so true, it became a unique breed in far less time that it took for other AKC registered breeds to get recognition. Some would say it is a miracle and in a way that is true.

My Shiloh Shepherd breeding program began before there was a breed standard other than in my head. The Shiloh was and is so unique, it sold itself. Thanks to other dedicated Shiloh Shepherd breeders, it evolved into a magnificent BREED, today known around the world as the Shiloh Shepherd.

Reference Information:

[1] http://www.shilohshepherds.info/lmx.asp   ~   [2] Hip data and registry

[3] Shiloh Shepherd Breed Standard   ~   [4] International Shiloh Shepherd Registry, Inc

Go to New Zion Shiloh Shepherds to see Shiloh Shepherd puppies or upcoming litters. Tina passed away May 30th, 2011.  Her daughter, Lisa Barber continues the legacy in New York.  Email Lisa or she can be reached at (585) 567-8040

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