Mentorship Opportunities

Our main goal in breeding is to not only provide families with the best companions but to also do everything in our power to further this amazing breed! Our Shilohs are first and foremost our family. They live in our home freely and do not live in a kennel situation. This leads us to a difficult balance between pushing to continue the breed, while also limiting the amount of dogs we have personally, as we want to meet all of their mental and physical needs individually.

To combat losing the battle on either side of the coin, we have many wonderful families that allow us to use their NewMoon Shiloh progeny in our breeding program! This further allows our dogs to live fulfilling lives, while allowing their families to invest in the breeds future under the NewMoon name.

We are constantly seeking families interested in mentorship arrangements. We typically try to place at least two breeding prospects per litter to assure the genetic value of that specific pedigree continues forward. In our eyes, breeding solely for pet puppies defeats the purpose of helping this breed continue well into the future.

Below are some common questions regarding this process. Please note we are highly selectively about who we work with on the mentorship level. We do not accept everyone who is interested, and require a phone interview after a puppy application is submitted to make sure this situation fits both parties favorably. Mentorship relationships are a huge part of NewMoon Shilohs, and have led to lifelong friendships between all involved!

What do mentorship opportunities entail?

Mentorship is flexible based on the situation and agreement. Your NewMoon pup is your family member and will still follow the normal holter monitoring process all of our puppies go through at around 6 months old. At 2 years old, your pup will go through adult health testing, which we will help coordinate and assist you with in all ways possible. NewMoon Shiloh’s will be responsible for assisting you in all registration related items that need to be completed. Once your dog has passed all health testing, they will be listed on NewMoon’s website, and we will be responsible for coordinating all tasks related to breedings behind the scenes. Depending on if you have a stud or a breeding female, obligations to both sides will vary greatly and can be discussed further in depth via a phone conversation. All normal medical and care costs of the puppy are the responsibility of the puppies family.

What is required of me if I want to be involved?

First we ask that you submit a puppy application, once that is received we will coordinate an initial interview call. The normal puppy process is otherwise followed by the same parameters but breeding prospects are placed first before pet puppies. We require mentorship candidates to keep their dogs intact, complete all health testing and registration requirements and stay in active contact with NewMoon Shilohs during the dogs development. When the dog passes health testing there may be times we require your dog to go to a reproductive specialist on short notice to fulfill any necessary breeding tasks. Your dog will never be out of your care in these instances. Plans are typically made well in advance to partake in breedings but there are times things progress quickly or a specific day is needed for a breeding. All breedings are approved through NewMoon Shilohs and follow our registries steps and clubs ethical standards.

What if I am not interested in becoming a Shiloh breeder on my own?

Mentorship opportunities can help in guiding you into developing your own Shiloh breeding program OR it can simply be a relationship under NewMoon Shilohs. You are not required to become a breeder yourself and can just function under the NewMoon name if you only wish to help the breed in a small (and invaluable) way! Generally speaking these relationships are low effort on the puppy families part.

Do I have to show my dog in order to participate?

You are not required to show your puppy to participate in this program. It is however strongly advised as proving your dog in different facets (whether it be agility, obedience, CGC, nose work, barn hunt, or conformation, etc.) shows the versatility and value in breeding your dog! We are very open to mentoring people who want to get involved in showing their puppies.

What does health testing my dog entail/require?

Health testing includes holter monitoring between 5-8 months of age (NewMoon Shilohs owns a holter and this can be done at home), Hip and Elbow testing at 2 years of age through OFA or PennHip, an OFA Echocardiogram at 2 years old, Parentage and Dm testing (only requires a cheek swab). There are other optional tests that can be performed if the owner so chooses.

Is there an additional financial commitment to participating in this process?

We determine mentorship agreements on an individual basis. Generally the owner is responsible for health testing costs minus the holter monitoring process. However, if this makes otherwise participating in the program difficult for your family, other arrangements can be made.

What do I receive in return for participating in this program?

Once again agreements vary on an individual basis. For males, this typically entails receiving a future puppy at no cost or splitting of stud fees as applicable. For females, this can vary greatly but there is potential for financial compensation and puppies back depending on the circumstances and agreement. This can be discussed much further in depth on the interview call.

If interested in mentorship opportunities the first step is submitting a puppy application. Be sure to mark your interest in this process or reach out directly!