Unfortunately our puppy is in Maryland and I’m in Chicago so I won’t get my hands on her for two more months. Nontheless I’m excited as hell!
The dog’s breed is a Shiloh Shepherd (which you can see here: http://www.shilohshepherds.org). If you’ve never heard of the breed I’m not surprised. They are classified as a rare breed. Basically they are German Shepherds (and look almost exactly like a German Shepherd).
The original breeder back in the 70’s-80’s decided she didn’t like the direction the German Shepherd (as a breed) was taking so she set about to re-create the breed to its original standards (stable temprament, no health problems [i.e. hip dysplasia], super-intelligent and bigger overall). Basically Rin Tin Tin for those of us old enough to remember him. The breeder was successful and the Shiloh Shepherd was born. I think the AKC has recognized the animal as a distinct breed separate from a German Shepherd but I may be wrong about that.
I grew-up with Shepherds my whole life and remember our first as a super-dog that was unparalleled in the dog world. I’m sure my judgement is clouded by the love that exists between a boy and his dog but I still believe she was the best dog ever anyway (and I’m positive she’d kick all of your dog’s asses if she was of a mind too ). I have every reason to suspect that this new dog might be as good as that first one.
Anyway, for those of you willing to help I’d like name suggestions. So far the best my wife and I have come up with is Freyja. Freyja was a goddess in Norse mythology and seems to suit the type of dog we believe our puppy will be. We won’t actually name her till we get her and spend some time and see if any other names suggest themselves. Nevertheless having a list to prompt our decision making process would be nice (Shithead from the movie The Jerk has already been considered and discarded by the way).
Congratulations on choosing a real breed instead of one of those little hairy rats people try to pass off as dogs.
I’m sorry I can’t help you with names but I’m just very good at that sort of thing. I used to have a cat named Cat. My best suggestion would be Dog… or Bitch.
I was gonna suggest some kind of German word for “shepherd” or something, but then you posted this:
Now the only name I can think of is “Shep”. Of course, this name won’t do because it’ll always remind you that one day the dog will be old, sick,… nevermind. Enjoy the puppy.
BTW, I’m a “grown-up guy” and I still get misty when I hear Mac Wiseman singing that damn song. Elvis’ version sucks.
Here’s a funny thing. I followed your link, and to my surprise, that is the breed of dog that I dreamed about last night. I dreampt that I had one of those dogs (He was HUGE) named Hushie. Strange.
It seems like a really nice dog name. We have decided that’s what were are going to name our next female dog. Think about it.
A good friend of mine used to have a big shepard named Sheba and she was a doll. Super intelligent, gentle and a great companion. One day Sheba was out in the yard as was my friend’s 2-3 year old son Eric. Well all of the sudden we heard a great commotion- - dog barking and Eric screaming. We ran out to see that Eric had somehow gotten the gate open and was trying to go out. Sheba had him firmly by the seat of the pants with the waistband in her teeth, just sitting there. She knew he shouldn’t go out there by himself and he was soooo busted. The mental image of him running in place and Sheba sitting there nonchalant and unmoving is firmly ingrained in my mind. It was priceless. We always called her “the babysitter” after that. She was about 16 or so when she died and I still love telling this story.
Congrats on your new family member. I hope she brings much joy and love to your home.
My son named his dog Kitty. It was a protest against the 9 cats. It WAS pretty funny. When you yelled “Here Kitty”, you never knew who, or how many would show up!
As for the pup, I started a thread to name mine, too. My imagination isn’t what it could be.
But you CANNOT name her Tatertot, which is what I named mine.
As an aside I’ve seen Freyja spelled FREYJA and FREYA.
Is there a right or wrong to either spelling?
Also, congrats in the Great Dane pup. Every Great Dane (GD) I’ve met has been a real sweetheart! I’ve been told by Great Dane owners that GD’s think they are lap dogs so get used to a 150+ lbs. of dog trying to curl up in your lap while watching TV :).
Thanks Eggs. I know this is a goof but did the following strike anyone else as funny :).
(read carefully if you didn’t catch it first time through)
And for the record BIG dogs definitely ROCK! No rat dogs in my house!
Damnit! Well, there goes my idea. Since your dog is a variation of the German Shepherd, maybe you should find a good German female name, or you could always name her after me…
Ages ago we lived in the country and had a huge yard. Our front yard ran on for awhile and then sloped sharply down to a road.
My brother (David), around age 3 or 4 at the time, was tearing around our front yard with our first German Shepherd (Greta the Wonder Dog) sitting peaceably on the front porch.
At some point my Mom heard my brother screaming bloody murder and looked around to see what was up.
Apparently David had strayed too close to the end of the yard and Greta went and ‘retreived’ him on her own. Since David was a bit too big for our dog to carry she merely got him by the seat of his pants and was flipping (flopping?) him back up the yard. Thwarted in his pursuit of leaving the yard David was raising hell and smacking the dog which she completely ignored. After getting him most of the way back up to the house the dog let him go and sat down. After a moment or two of bewilderment David decided to try for leaving the yard again and made a beeline for the edge. Greta promptly caught up to him and flopped him back up the yard again.
After the second time David gave up and sat there crying and giving the dog baleful looks. The dog, ever the great protector and friend, plopped down next to him and licked his tears away.
My mom never moved to intervene. She was too stunned at watching this whole thing play out to disturb it.
Did I mention that Greta was a WAY cool dog? Amazing barely covers it.
: The original breeder back in the 70’s-80’s decided she
: didn’t like the direction the German Shepherd (as a
: breed) was taking so she set about to re-create the breed
: to its original standards (stable temprament, no health
: problems [i.e. hip dysplasia], super-intelligent and
: bigger overall).
I’ve heard many “serious” dog people dismiss the Shiloh Shepherd, saying that it’s not a real breed, that the original breeder is just out to cash in on the “bigger is better” attitude that some folks have with regards to dogs, and so on. Hey, if they breed true, it’s a breed IMHO. All sorts of medium-sized, shaggy, non-shedding mutts supposedly contributed to the recreation of the Portuguese Water Dog in the 1950s and 1960s. Hey, the Golden Retriever was created from a mix of some 10 breeds.
Many people with GSDs deliberately give their dog a non-threatening, non-German name, so the dogs don’t intimidate unsuspecting strangers. Hearing an owner yell German commands to a dog named Gunter or Adolph is quite a bit more frightening than a “Here, Tucker!” or “Sit, Guinness!”
Just don’t give the dog a humiliating name – they’re smart enough to kow when they’re being made fun of. You know the rules – two syllables, upbeat, nothing that an be confused with a command. Shiloh Shepherd – maybe somethng reflective of the Appalachians?
How bout Gretta? Not really German, but who cares about that? Good luck with your puppy, they are great, have three of my own OES “puppies” at home ages 5, 7, and 7
Good name pick but a previous Shepherd we owned was named Greta and I wouldn’t reuse the name. elmwood
I’d be curious to read any links you have for ‘serious’ dog people who dismiss the Shiloh. There is some sort of war happening right now in the world of German Shepherd Dog (GSD) breeders and dog shows. Apparently there are American bred GSD and German bred GSD and they both vehemently accuse each other of ruining the breed (I’ve just touched the surface of what’s happening and it’s quite vitriolic…I had no idea people could or would get so worked-up over something like this).
I do know that ‘show’ quality dogs should be avoided like the plague. Breeders going for the ‘look’ that is supposed to win dog shows have severly inbred their lines and the dogs suffer for it (much more pronounced health problems especially in the hips and also temperament problems).
The Shiloh has been bred for stable temperament and health as well as size so they’re not all about merely big dogs. Personally I chose the Shiloh for temperament and not size. In my view the size just happens to come along with the package.
I’ve met quite a few twitchy GSD’s in the past few years and that is NOT a good thing in a dog this size (they can do real damage to someone). Two GSD’s I’m quite familiar with as well (one belongs to my brother-in-law and one to my cousin). Both dogs have been through tons of formalized obedience training and both are scary to be around because the temperament is wrong (training can only do so much).
I adore the GSD breed but they have suffered because of their popularity. Not all breeders are conscientious and some just want to cash in (puppy mills) so you can end up with poor examples of the breed if you’re not careful. My wife and I have done tons of research on the Shiloh and got references on the breeder we chose (including two glowing recommendations from veterinarians who each have a dog from the kennel we chose). So far I haven’t seen anything bad about this whole thing but again, if you can point me to other opinions I’d be interested in seeing them.
As for breeding ‘true’ I believe Shiloh’s do. If they aren’t AKC recognized then they should be soon. The breeders association is going through the lengthy process to get the dog recognized formally as a distinct breed. Frankly I don’t give a crap about any of that. I just want the way cool dog(s) of my youth back and this breed looked to have the best chance of being that dog.
I’m trying to talk my husband into letting us get a dog. If we go for a purebred, I think I’d like a Viszla, but I’m also considering:
Portuguese Water Dog;
Goldens
Labs
Keeshonds
Chinook (interesting; hadn’t heard of them. I guess their status is pending with the AKC).
and another one I can’t remember. I looked up a bunch of stuff on http://www.dogbreedinfo.com and it was really interesting.
We have two cats so we need a breed that does well with small animals (I guess sighthounds are out; rats! I love greyhounds and their kind). Plus, I love big dogs.
We had a black lab/GSD mix when I was growing up; the look and friendliness of a lab and the protective spirit of a GSD.
Jeff, the brighter dogs, particularly those with a herding “instinct” (whatever the heck it is that makes them good with sheep, cattle, and such), will take care of children in that way. It’s amazing, but they grasp what the limits for a small child are and keep him/her within them.
Bunny, if I can offer advice, go for a golden. You’ll be cleaning up hair forever, but the combination of intelligence and love they have cannot be beaten. (Remembering Prince, my constant companion from my 7th birthday until he died the year I went away to college)
And in answer to the OP (see, I did get around to it), you need to meet the dog to know what his/her name is. When you encounter him/her for the first time, you’ll know.
Just another meaningless post to rant against the existence of rat dogs. I call them a rat in a dog suit. A dog in a rat suit works just as well too.
For some reason the link in the OP didn’t work, but I’m sure that you will be getting a wonderful animal. If the Shiloh breeders are actually following the original breeding criteria that the German officer who started the Shepherd breed put in place, then without a doubt your animal will be an outstanding specimen.
As to the name, Freyja is a great start, but I also vote for waiting to see what the little critter will inspire you with. Best wishes to you and your family for picking a real animal instead of some decorative sort of ornamental hairball.
). I have every reason to suspect that this new dog might be as good as that first one.
