Backpacking, Draft Dogs and Weight Pulling!

Shiloh Shepherds frequently display their inherited traits from the huge mountain livestock guardian and herding dogs behind the original German Shepherd to the origins of the AKC Alaskan Malamute. These ancestors contain several characteristics in common as they were primarily bred for heavy bone density and demonstrate a steady "mile-eating" trot.

Structurally, they were developed for powerful strength, stamina, and their dispositions revealed a dedicated, resourceful working dog and/or companion without the hyper, high energy levels of some of their smaller cousins.

The Alaskan Malamute is in a moderate percentage of history pertaining to the Shiloh Shepherd. Experts speak very highly about this respected ancient breed. Centuries ago, they were reared with the Eskimo families, playing with their youngest children - little infants were sometimes seen crawling in amongst the pups to nurse on the "Mother Malamute". At the same time, these companions were considered essential for virtual survival by sledging vital supplies from the seacoast to the village, hunting food for the tribe, and providing protection against dangerous polar bears or other threats.

A mature, well conditioned Shiloh Shepherd is an equally superb athlete and adept at reflecting these capabilities. Put your Shiloh's natural talents to good use by earning working or performance titles in Backpacking, Weight Pulling and Draft Dog opportunities!

Shiloh Shepherds are welcome to participate in "open" events regulated by the ALASKAN MALAMUTE CLUB OF AMERICA as well as several regional clubs. The ISSDC will honor AMCA qualifying Shilohs with the appropriate awards in the divisions of....

- Working Pack Dog
- Working Weight Pull Dog
- Working Sled Dog - Excursion
- Working Sled Dog - Race

Find out more about the AMCA working program at their website...
http://www.alaskanmalamute.org/working/working.asp

THE GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF AMERICA host Draft Tests which are open to any dogs including rare and mixed breeds. Their various Draft Titles and Freight Haul Course offer examples in both basic and advanced levels:

- Draft Test - DD
- Novice Draft Dog - NDD
- Open Draft Dog - ODD
- Novice Team Draft Dogs- NTDD
- Team Draft Dogs - TDD
- Freight Haul Course - 1 mile

For details regarding GSMDCA rules, please visit their site at...
http://www.gsmdca.org/draft/GSMDCADraftRegulations.pdf
GSMDCA Titles may also be earned by qualifying in "open" Bernese Mountain Dog Club Of America Tests and Matches.

Shiloh Shepherds may enter the BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF AMERICA Drafting events upon receiving any type of registration via UKC or CKC. The BMDCA offers the following Tests/Titles:

- Draft Test - DD
- Novice Draft Dog - NDD
- Open Draft Dog - ODD
- Brace Novice Draft Dog - BNDD
- Brace Draft Dog - BDD

Acceptable "Draft Rigs" may be a cart, wagon, sled, toboggan, or travois. Each of these must be equipped such that the "Draft Rig" cannot run up on the dog when hauling downhill. A dog must pass all the exercises in the first level in order to enter and qualify in more difficult classes. The primary requirement is the dog's ability to perform the assigned tasks. Dogs are also judged for their willingness of their performance. A dog which completes all the exercises within a reasonable time period should be scored as passed as long as it has succeeded without physical assistance from its owner or handler.

The UNITED KENNEL CLUB Weight Pulling information can be found at...
http://www.ukcdogs.com/WeightPullRules.htm You can select the appropriate weight pulling contests for your Shiloh and earn any or all of these UKC titles:

- United Weight Puller - UWP
- United Weight Pull Champion - UWPCH
- United Weight Pull Champion Excellent- UWPCHX
- United Weight Pull Champion Outstanding - UWPCHO
- United Weight Pull Champion Supreme - UWPCHS

The INTERNATIONAL SLED DOG RACING ASSOCIATION also supports several more groups offering Backpacking, Weight Pulling and Freight Hauling and Sled Races of different varities. Check out their calendar for upcoming events at...
http://www.isdra.org/Events/International_Directory/Frame.htm

SLED DOG CENTRAL is very similar to an online encyclopedia for beginning "mushers" - an excellent educational resource where you can find all the answers to your questions from "A...Z", even select a "mushing mentor" to help you get started! Go to their fantastic website at...
http://www.sleddogcentral.com

DOG SCOUTS OF AMERICA offer formal Hiking Tests/Titles regulated by rules according to the Bi-State Weight Pull Club. You may visit their extensive website at...
http://www.dogscouts.com

Qualifying dogs are awarded DSA Badges of Certification for avid hikers and backpacking Shilohs:

- Pack Dog - PD
- Pack Dog Excellent- PDX
- Utility Pack Dog - UPD

The INTERNATIONAL WEIGHT PULLING ASSOCIATION (IWPA) is a very popular organization which offers multiple events all across the country. If you are looking for serious weight pulling competition, this is the one - so be sure to check them out at...
http://www.iwpa.net

(Photo: "Shiloh" (Hilltop Shilohs) owned by Lesley de Klerk, South Africa)

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Agility

Canine Good Citizen

Herding

Obedience

Flyball

Draft Dogs

Protection

Search & Rescue

Water Rescue

Service

Therapy

Temperament Test

ATTENTION
ISSDC Members!

We want to hear from YOU!!

Please send your title statistics to WORKING DOGS and get your Shiloh listed.

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