The shepherd, called the Shiloh Shepherd, or, as it is abbreviated as shilon, is a young breed, which today is quite rare. Despite this, it is gaining more and more popularity due to its qualities and exterior. A description of the breed Shilon Shepherd will be presented in the article.
Appearance story
The start of work on the breed should be considered 1974. The Shilon Shepherd was bred thanks to the American Tina Barber. For many years this woman was engaged in breeding German shepherds, but not all the qualities of this breed satisfied her. In particular, the breeder was unhappy with the excessive nervousness of the German shepherds. Therefore, in the breeding of a new breed, emphasis was placed on the stability of the psyche, stability and predictability of the reactions of the animal. Representatives of Shilon shepherd dogs (photo can be seen in the article) should not be cowardly, nor should they be characterized by excessive aggressiveness. According to the classification of the American Kennel Club (AKC), this breed is considered conditionally recognized (F - foundation stock). In 1990, it was officially recognized by the International Cynological Federation, based in Belgium.
Clubs of breeders of Shilon shepherd dogs strictly monitor their breeding and select only the best individuals for it. In addition, they conduct the so-called testing of the temperament of dogs, while checking how they react to loud noises, the appearance of strangers, and other dogs. According to its results, a special certificate is issued to each chilon.
Outside the United States, the breed is still rare.
Standards
The official breed standard has not yet been adopted, so we can only talk about the general characteristics of the Shilon shepherd. This dog is beautiful, looks harmonious, has a proportional physique.
The growth at the withers of a representative of the breed, depending on gender, with a weight of 36 to 73 kilograms is 66-76 centimeters. Thus, it can be seen that in size these dogs are significantly superior to their closest relatives - German Shepherds. Males, as usual, are larger.
The back of shilons is much better developed than that of German and East European shepherds. Paws - widely spaced, large, strong. Broad, muscular chest. The back has a slight bias towards a low-set, slightly curved tail, covered with long hair.
The head has a typical shepherd shape, with an elongated muzzle. Eyes are closely set, usually dark brown. Ears are erect, looking forward, of medium size.
Color shilons most often have a typical German shepherd (black and tan, brown). There are specimens that are completely white or black, as well as black and silver. The hair of Shilon shepherds is much longer than that of German. For this breed, all available colors and any length of coat are considered acceptable.
The life expectancy of chillons is from 10 to 14 years.
Character Features
This dog is a great companion. She is friendly, treats children well, is attached to the owners. Other animals usually get along well.
He is well versed in various situations, well adapted to the environment. Very stress resistant, balanced. The animal is affectionate, sociable, obedient, flexible. For service, for example, to the police, these dogs are usually not taken precisely because of their excessively soft nature. For the role of a watchman, they are also not very suitable.
Competent training will help get rid of excessive credulity on the Shilon Shepherd, and in addition, recognize the owner’s undeniable leadership. She will become more obedient and will treat strangers with more caution. The breed is easily trained and perfectly trained. Begin training with 3-4 months.
Chilon Shepherd Dog: grooming, content features
These dogs are quite unpretentious, but due to their natural activity they need movement. Long, at least 1 - 1.5 hours daily, walks in the green zone, park, forest - an indispensable part of their life and an indispensable condition of health. Shilons love active games with the owners, especially those in which you need to catch and bring various items on command.
The long hair of Shilon Shepherds requires care. It must be combed regularly to prevent stalling. Often you should not bathe the animal. If necessary, you can wash your feet after a walk, and wipe other parts of the body with a damp towel.
Unfortunately, this breed, like others, is subject to a number of diseases.
Food
Feed the animal should, like dogs of other breeds, twice a day. Use for this is necessary only high-quality feed or products. If you decide to feed the dog natural food, it can be lean meat - turkey or chicken, cooked in a porridge with vegetables, dairy products of minimal fat content. You can use canned dog food. It is useful to periodically give the animal bones.
Many dog owners opt for dry foods containing many vitamins, necessary, in particular, for a healthy and beautiful coat. Sometimes you can find recommendations to combine natural and ready-made dry food in the dog’s diet, but, as owners of animals say, this is not very useful and can lead to indigestion. In any case, it will be useful to consult a veterinarian to choose the best option.
Finally
The article briefly described the breed that was still little known in our country - the Shilon Shepherd. Despite the absence of its official recognition in many countries, it is gaining more and more popularity precisely thanks to the qualities of character, on which emphasis was placed upon its breeding.
These are ideal companions and guides, and those who decide to have such a dog will not regret their choice.