feline fanatic

In a nutshell, much bigger, less prone to many of the German Shepherd diseases, especially hip dysplasia and the neurotic-ness that decades of inline breeding did to AKC GSD. Plush coats (long haired coats) like Keuka and smooth coats (like your standard GSD) are both accepted in the breed.

The breed founder was originally from Germany and bred and showed GSD but she became disenchanted and heartbroken with the breed when so many of her dogs became plagued with hip dysplasia and seemed to lack many of the characteristics she had come to expect from GSD. She wanted the dogs she remembered from her youth in Germany, large, family oriented dogs that were highly intelligent, good with kids and protective of the family so she set out on the course of developing the Shiloh. She brought in as many old world/old line dogs she could find that were not bred to the AKC standard. Introduced malamutes to increase the gene pool, lessen the chances of hip dysplasia and get the size back and has spent decades working on her breed. They are considered a "rare" breed so not yet recognized by AKC. As happens in the dog world, other breeders she initially worked with, broke away from her guidelines and standard and formed new clubs so there are two Shiloh clubs out in the world now, both striving to be recognized by AKC by participating in shows and such. Others broke off entirely and are now selling their dogs as King Shepherds. Sadly the breed founder passed away last year but her daughter is carrying on the founding kennel and there are still many breeders out there.