Our Shiloh Story

In 2016 while on vacation in Colorado, we came upon our first Shiloh Shepherd sighting. We were captivated by the gorgeous creature and its calm demeanor with all the activities and crowds around for the GoPro Games. After seeing the dog several times that weekend, we could not resist a greeting. The owner was very kind to spend time with us sharing information about the breed. On the plane ride home, we concluded that someday we would want to have one as part of our family!

Both Bob and I grew up with dogs including Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Keeshonds, and an Old English Sheepdog. Once married we started a pack of our own (2 Goldens, a rescue German Shepherd/Belgian Sheepdog, and a rescue Greyhound). In 2018, as we sadly had to say goodbye to our two Goldens; we began to think about that Shiloh Shepherd. I started researching the breed and contacted a handful of breeders. I discovered pursuing this rare breed was going to be a bit more challenging, as there were very few breeders in the southeast. After several months of searching, we came across the ISSDC website and noticed a club sponsored event (Barktoberfest) that was being held in PA. After learning that the public was welcome, we made the 10 hour trip for the event. What a weekend – lots of Shilohs, everyone was very kind and welcoming, we even volunteered to help out with temperament testing. It also gave us the opportunity to meet several breeders; and probably more important-them meeting us. The rest of the story (as they say) is history!

About Our Shilohs

Andorra

Three months after that fateful trip to Barktoberfest in PA, we were blessed with our first Shiloh, from Ridgewood’s Noah/Gemma litter. Andorra (think Country not Bewitched) is a beautiful black/silver sable girl that loves everyone including children and wineries. We quickly learned when we had Andorra with us, we must add at least 30 minutes in order to respond to the inevitable question “is that a German Shepherd”, then proceed to share information about Shilohs.

Every year we make multiple trips to PA for the ISSDC events. Each time learning more and more about the breed and building wonderful relationships in the Shiloh community. We started to become more involved with the ISSDC organization and contemplated breeding. And of course, (like potato chips) you can’t have just one!

Gavia

In 2020, we were contacted by Stardust Shilohs regarding a potential breeding female from their Quinn/Mystic litter. We jumped at the chance, and picked up Gavia (Italian Mountain Pass) in 2021. We were unsure about breeding, but took all the appropriate steps for health testing. Since we were considering breeding, we wanted to see how she might do in the conformation show ring. Gavia’s first attempt at 11 months of age was fun but did not produce any results. We decided to try again in 2022 at the ISSDC International Event Weekend. Much to our surprise (and many others) she received the Best of Breed award at one show and Best of Winners award at another show. At Barktoberfest that same year, she received another Best of Winners award. All this success translated into her achieving her Breed Championship and was recognized as National Select #3 by the ISSDC and TSSR.

After seeking much counsel and mentorship from long-standing Shiloh breeders and of course passing all the rigorous health testing; we are delighted to announce that we will be breeding Gavia in 2024.

About Beth & Bob

We live in the beautiful rolling hills of upstate South Carolina. Beth is a retired corporate executive and spends some of her free time volunteering for the ISSDC – Interim Treasurer on the Board and Chair of the Communications Committee. Bob still flies folks around the US as a commercial airline pilot. Our dogs live in our home full time and are extremely spoiled. So much so that several years ago we decided a motor coach would be our method of vacation travel so no fur baby gets left behind!

The Start

In honor and memory of our original (non Shiloh) pack
Aspen (Golden), Roubaix (Shepherd mix), Elba (Greyhound) & Tuscany (Golden)

A little fact ~ we name all of our dogs/pets after places or locations!