imladris shilohs
  • LINKS
  • EPI INFO
  • RAW FEEDING
  • RAISING YOUR SHILOH

recommended links

To learn more about Shiloh Shepherds or learn where you can see them in action check out the following web sites:

» International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club (ISSDC) [www.shilohs.org] Be sure to check out the local chapters to see if there are events planned for your area.

» About Shiloh Shepherds ~the library [www.aboutshilohshepherds.com]

For information about Conformation Shows where Shiloh Shepherds participate check out these sites:

» NAKC/Rarities [www.raritiesinc.ca]

» American Rare Breed Association [www.arba.org]

» International All Breed Canine Association [www.iabca.com]

» Rare Breed Club of South Western Ontario [www.rbcswo.hypermart.net]

» ABI Dog Shows [www.abidogshows.com]

Additional Sites to Explore:

» Aspen Knoll Shilohs [www.aspenknollshilohs.com] Stud Owner, NH

» Brick Chapel Shilohs [www.brickchapelshilohs.com], Breeder, Ohio

» Cabin Run Shilohs [www.cabinrunshilohs.com], Breeder, Maryland

» Island Shilohs [www.islandshilohs.com], Breeder, Bahamas

» Miracle Shilohs [www.miracleshilohs.com], Breeder, PEI Canada

» Nottingham Shilohs [www.nottinghamshilohs.com], Breeder, Virginia

» Ocean State Shilohs [www.oceanstateshilohs.com], Breeder, Rhode Island

» Pacific Crest Shiloh Shepherds, Breeder, California

» River Crest Shilohs [www.rivercrestshilohs.com], Breeder, Kentucky

 

» Dog Breed Designs ~wildeoffice [www.dogbreeddesigns.com], Our Designer

» Shiloh Shepherd Boutique [www.shilohshepherdboutique.com]

» ~wildeshots photography [www.wildeshotsphotography.com]

 

» TSSR, The Shiloh Shepherd Registry [www.tssr.info], Our Registrar

» WSSBA, World Wide Shiloh Shepherd Breed Association LLC, Our Registrar

and even more:

» Best Bully Sticks [www.bestbullysticks.com], great snacks

EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency)
is a genetic disorder that particularly affects certain breeds, including GSD's and their relatives, though it may be found in nearly ALL breeds. The disease presents itself in dogs losing or being unable to gain weight. Other symptoms can include:

» loose, smelly, light color stools

» lethargy,

» dull coat,

» and rarely aggressive behavior, particularly where food is involved.

This happens because the dog is unable to process the food they are eating and though eating prodigious amounts is quite literally starving to death. Related problems include SIBO and low B12.

Fortunately for most dogs the problem can be controlled with enzymes which predigest the food for them. If SIBO and/or low B12 are also a problem treatment options include antibiotics and B12 shots. EPI is not curable, but in nearly all cases is treatable, though expensive to do so.

There are help groups available to guide the EPI dog owner through the process of treating their dog. Once stabilized, the EPI dog can lead a long, otherwise healthy life.

Research is currently underway to find the genetic marker(s) so that breeders can test their dogs and, hopefully, remove those dogs at risk for passing on the genes from the breed pool.

To learn more visit: [www.epi4dogs.com/news.htm]

How you can help raise money for EPI Research:

Search the Internet with GoodSearch [www.goodsearch.com] :: powered by Yahoo! Select *EPI RESEARCH FUND* as your charity

Purchase EPI wine from [http://dogs4acause.org/index.php?pr=love]

raw feeding

In 2007, if someone had told me I would be feeding my dogs raw food, I would have looked at them like they had two heads and said, "No way!" But in researching the best options for Ariel when she developed EPI that is what much of the research pointed to.

Reluctantly, I started purchasing ground raw food and her immediate response was so good that I started Strider on it as well. A few months later I graduated to a 1 hp meat grinder and purchasing meat in bulk. Strider graduated to whole hunks of meat and bones, while Ariel will always have ground meat so that the enzymes can pre-digest her food for her.

Strider was about eight months old when he was completely switched to a raw diet and his bouts of Panosteitis stopped. Whether the raw diet had that effect is purely speculation, but since Strider is a really big boy, I suspect that the raw diet, at least in part, helped him avoid the pain that many young Shilohs go through during their growth process.

We have now switched all the dogs to a raw diet, and so far, the dog’s health has been great. We plan to continue to feed raw from this point forward.


RAISING YOUR SHILOH

Raising a Shiloh is fun, but does require a good deal of socialization so you need to be prepared to spend lots of time getting the puppy out and about.

Before purchasing your first Shiloh you should make it a point to meet as many breeders and Shiloh owners as possible. A good place to do this is at a dog show. Check out the links section for the various venues. Additionally, some of the ISSDC local chapters hold get-togethers and always welcome new Shiloh owners or those interested in the breed.

It is a good idea to meet both sire and dam of the prospective puppy to see what type of personality they have. Also, whenever possible, visit the breeder and check out the condition of the dogs in their care. If that is not possible, get as many references as possible and check them out. A good breeder will also want to check out your references and find out what you are looking for in a puppy. They will then try to match you with a puppy that meets your needs and desires.

Once you have your puppy, take him/her on lots of trips, both short and long, to meet people of all ages and other animals. Always make sure that you protect your puppy to prevent it from harm and to establish your role as the alpha. A puppy left to fend for him/herself can take on the alpha role and may become difficult to handle as she/he gets older. Or the opposite may happen and they may become extremely shy and can be unpredictable in new situations.

Shilohs want to be with their people. Though they like a good romp in the great outdoors, chances are they will be knocking to come in to be with you if you are not outside with them. Be prepared to have your Shiloh nearby most of the time. And remember, once you own one Shiloh, you are likely to want another. They are just that awesome!