How Much Does A Shiloh Shepherd Cost?

With their noble wolf-like appearance, intelligence, and intensely loyal temperament, Shiloh Shepherds can make wonderful companion dogs for the right owner. However, their large strong size, high activity needs, potential health issues, and training requirements mean owning this unique breed requires significant long-term financial commitment and dedication.

While acquiring and raising a Shiloh Shepherd has notable costs, their steadfast companionship, eager-to-please nature, and regal beauty rewards dedicated owners immensely. Still, this breed is not ideal for first-time dog owners. Do extensive research before making the considerable investment in one of these magnificent dogs.

How Much Does A Shiloh Shepherd Cost?

A Shiloh Shepherd puppy costs from $1500 to $3500 (≈1.3 months trading your time for $15/hour) or more from a responsible, health-focused breeder, depending on pedigree, bloodlines, and whether companion or show quality. Be very wary of "bargain" puppies that may come from puppy mills.

Adoption/Rescue Fees - Adopting a young or adult Shiloh Shepherd through a shelter or breed-specific Shiloh Shepherd rescue on average costs $300-$600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour), including medical expenses like spay/neuter, vaccines, and deworming. Look for health and temperament testing.

Collar/Leash - A properly fitted martingale collar and strong leash will cost $50-$100+ (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job). Sizing up as they grow is essential. Harnesses are great for training and control.

Crate - A 48" extra-large metal crate for adult size runs $300-$500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour). Ensure enough room to stand and turn when full grown.

Bowls - Durable ceramic or stainless-steel food and water bowls cost $30-$75 (≈5 hours of labor required at $15/hour) depending on size. Non-tip elevated bowls work well.

Multiple Beds – Orthopedic foam beds providing joint support cost $100-$300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) depending on size. Washable waterproof covers are useful. Provide a bed in each main room.

Puppy Supplies – Gate, pen, potty pads, enzyme cleaner, Kongs, food puzzles, slow feeder, grooming supplies, car restraint, etc. can cost $500+ (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) initially.

Initial Vet Costs – The first vet visit including exam, vaccines, heartworm test, flea/tick/deworming and microchip averages $500-$800 (≈1.3 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary). Spay/neuter costs around $300-$500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour).

From All Things Dogs, the price range for Shiloh Shepherd puppies averages $1,500 to $2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage), with variations based on lineage, breeder reputation, and appearance.

Canine Journal suggests a starting price of around $1,000 (≈1.7 weeks working every single day at $15/hour) for a Shiloh Shepherd puppy, potentially higher for those from award-winning lineages.

According to DogBreedsList.info, the average price range for a Shiloh Shepherd puppy is $1,000 to $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour).

A-Z Animals notes that the purchase cost for a Shiloh Shepherd varies but typically falls between $1,000 and $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour).

Monthly Expenses

High Quality Diet – These giant, active dogs need a protein-rich diet to support joints and muscles. Expect to spend $100-$150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per month on premium dry kibble or $200+ (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) on frozen raw, fresh food diets.

Chews and Treats – Allocate $30-$60 (≈4 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) for healthy chewing treats. Use food puzzle toys. Limit calorie-dense treats to avoid obesity.

Toys – Their strong jaws require a steady supply of durable, reinforced toys. Budget $50-$100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per month for damaged item replacement. Rotate toys to maintain interest.

Grooming Tools and Supplies – With thick shedding coats, expect costs of $50-$150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) monthly for vacuum cleaners, shedding tools, shampoos, conditioners, brushes, combs, nail clippers, etc.

Professional Grooming – Every 6-8 weeks, grooming to control shedding and properly tend to their thick coat costs $85-$125 (≈1 day working without days off at $15/hour) on average per visit. Nail trims add $15-$25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour) more.

Flea/Tick and Heartworm Medication - These preventatives range from $40-$125+ (≈1 day working without days off at $15/hour) monthly depending on product type, the dog's weight, and local rates.

Poop Bags - $20-$40 (≈2.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour) monthly, estimating 2-3 bags needed per day. Refillable dispensers with biodegradable bags reduce waste.

Routine Vet Care - Budget $200-$400 (≈3.3 days of your career at $15/hour) annually for exams, vaccines, bloodwork and other diagnostics to maintain health.

Shiloh Shepherd Health Issues

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – This painful degenerative joint disease often requires surgery costing $2500-$5000+ (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour) per joint or lifelong medications/injections for management. Reputable breeders screen breeding dogs.

Allergies – Both environmental and food allergies may require prescription veterinary diets costing $100-$150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) monthly or allergy shot therapy ranging from $500-$2000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour) annually if symptoms persist.

Bloat – This life-threatening twisting of the stomach requires expensive emergency surgery often exceeding $5000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour). For deep-chested breeds like Shiloh Shepherds, some owners choose preventative gastropexy, costing $1000-$2000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour).

Cancer – Common in large breeds, cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications, and supportive care can cost $5000-$15,000+ (≈5.7 months dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) over a multi-month course depending on the type and stage at diagnosis.

Additional Shiloh Shepherd Ownership Costs Training – Their strong, independent nature makes professional training essential for behavioral control. Classes cost $200-$400 (≈3.3 days of your career at $15/hour). Private sessions average $125+ (≈1 day working without days off at $15/hour) hourly. Refresher courses are often warranted.

Microchip and Licensing – For ID, microchipping is around $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour) initially, with low annual registration fees. Licensing through your county/city costs $25-$100+ (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) depending on jurisdiction.

Boarding – During vacations, kennel boarding costs approximately $45-$75+ (≈5 hours of labor required at $15/hour) daily. In-home pet sitters charge $25-$50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour) per daily visit.

Dog Walker – For midday exercise or potty breaks, dog walkers average $15-$25 per 20-minute visit.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Alaskan Malamutes, Tibetan Mastiffs, or Akita Puppies.

Long Term Healthcare Costs

Pet Insurance – To offset vet bills, comprehensive plans cost $100-$160+ monthly with deductibles of $500-$1000+ per condition. Figuring insurance into your budget helps avoid big medical bills.

Preventive Care – An annual budget of $600-$1000 covers vaccinations, wellness checkups, screening tests, heartworm medication, flea/tick prevention, dental cleaning and other preventive care to maintain health.

Medical Emergency Fund – Having $5000-$10,000 set aside provides a financial safety net in case of severe illnesses, injuries, or emergency surgeries. Expenses add up rapidly for large breed dogs. Prevention and insurance help reduce reliance on this fund.

Alternative Acquisition Options

Adopting Retired Adults – Many Shiloh Shepherd owners must reluctantly give up beloved dogs due to changes in life circumstances. Adopting a trained adult or senior through a breeder or rescue provides a lower cost, equally rewarding alternative to buying a puppy.

Importing – Importing a Shiloh Shepherd from reputable breeders in Europe often costs $2000-$3500 including travel crate, vetting, and international flights. Importing involves risks like trauma, illnesses, and adaptation challenges.

Final Words

From sizable purchase costs to significant lifetime expenses for healthcare, training, food, supplies and miscellaneous needs, owning a Shiloh Shepherd requires extensive financial preparation and dedication.

But for the right owner willing to provide proper socialization, extensive activity, conscientious training, and devoted companionship, the regal Shiloh Shepherd offers rich rewards. Do your due diligence regarding breed traits and costs before bringing one of these noble gentle giants into your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the climate like for a Shiloh Shepherd?

While able to tolerate cold weather, Shiloh Shepherds adapt well to most climates. Their thick double coats help insulate them from heat and cold. Ensure access to shade and water in high temperatures. Time exercise to avoid peak heat when over 90 degrees. These versatile, people-focused dogs thrive in indoor home environments.

Are Shiloh Shepherds good guard dogs?

Shiloh Shepherds can make good watchdogs, being naturally protective of their families. Their large size and bark may deter intruders. However, they are not true guard dogs. With proper socialization and training, Shiloh Shepherds display reserved loyalty rather than unwarranted aggression. Their intimidating presence provides deterrence, but they are not attack dogs.

How do I know if I have a Shiloh Shepherd?

Shiloh Shepherds resemble their German Shepherd forebears but with key differences like a broader head, brighter eyes, large size often over 100 pounds, and extremely bushy tail. Review your dog's pedigree papers or get a DNA test like Embark Veterinary to validate its breed. Personality-wise, Shiloh Shepherds are calm, highly trainable, and devoted to their families.