Originally how I got into my dogs was my research into Shilohs for years and years. (early 90s) Shilohs actually stem from the same GSD as many of my dogs' lines, but they added in a few outcrosses. One was Samson Woo, who was a Malamute cross in so they are now no longer able to be AKC registered German Shepherds as they are no longer purebred GSD. Many of those original older, pure GSD (and some of the original crossed lines) lived until 11-13 years of age, but from what I understand, they've had many issues regarding the loss of size, the loss of "type" (the dogs are becoming much more streamlined, with light bone and slender heads), and many health problems. It's very unfortunate.
Plus there's all sorts of drama regarding the various registries, I'm glad I ended up getting into my dogs instead because I have had more than a few Shiloh breeders ask to use my dogs to incorporate in (I always politely decline as it would be too confusing for puppy buyers) because they feel that my dogs look more like what a true Shiloh should be compared to what is being produced now. If you do your research, you can find a good dog but you just have to be careful since they've had some things pop up. I'm glad I got my dogs though :)
