The Shiloh Shepherd originated in 1962 when Tina Barber of Gainesville, New York, engaged in an intense, strenuous breeding program goaled to increase size, stabilize temperament, enhance coat quality, and deminish the occurrence of Hip Dysplacia in the German Shepherd Dog. After many successful years of breeding, her dogs became noted for their intelligence, healthiness, trainability, and size. There are now two coat types, plush and smooth, and a wide range of acceptable colors, some very unusual. Size is a very important aspect of the Shiloh Shepherd. Although they are large, Shilohs are to be very agile, capable dogs, never clumsy or sloppy.
Shiloh temperament is calm, enduring, friendly, and gentle, protective but never unduly aggressive.
It is never shy nor easily spooked. Intelligent and easily trained, Shilohs make wonderful eventing dogs, in almost any class. The breed is also extremely versatile and enduring, an excellent obedience or agility prospect. Some individuals have proved to be impressive schutzhund dogs, but this is not for all Shilohs. And, of course, the breed is making its mark as a service dog.