Long Haired German Shepherds

Long Haired Sable

On occasion we will have a long coat German Shepherd puppy/dog available for purchase. Which usually brings up many questions from potential owners. This is the reason we've offered this page, so you can educate yourself about the traits and characteristics of these absolutely stunning dogs.

Common Names: Long Haired, Coated, Long Coats

Various Types of Coats: Stock Coat, Long Haired/Coated, Plush

There is a large range of coat length, type and fullness within the stock coat category as well.

Long Haired Black Sable - Var vom Eichenluft

What is a long coat gsd? A long coat German Shepherd is a pure bred Shepherd who posses a recessive "long coat" gene. A true long haired does not have an under coat. Which you can usually notice very easily because the hair is very silky and smooth to the eye and touch. The reason is because they don't have an undercoat which give the coat body.

How do you know the dog is a long coat? True characteristic of long hairs are; tufts of hair on his ears, between his toes, longer hair on the back of the fore and hind legs, and thicker mane. Long haired dogs have longer hair and different growth patterns.

Are there different types of long coats GSDS? There are technically 3 coat lengths in the GSD. Short, Long, and Long stock coats. You may hear the terms "Plush coat" it's merely a term used for this fuller coat often times the term is use in the show ring.

What is the difference between long and stock coat? The stock coat GSD is a "double-coated" dog breed. This means that its coat consists of a fluffy undercoat that helps insulate the dog and stiffer guard hairs on the top that help "waterproof" the dog. A long coat GSD, doesn't have have an undercoat, which gives them that feathering effect.

Long Haired Black Sable

Is there any difference between the temperment and drive?A long haired/coated German Shepherd is capable of doing anything a stock coat GSD can do, with the exception of being shown. However, there are many organizations and clubs throughout the world that are geared just to the long coats. Given them an opportunity to be bred, registered, shown, and worked as a stock coat dog. There are several specialized long-haired breeders who exist throughout the world. We wouldn't recommend majority of these type of breeders in the United States because, their dogs are unproven and in my cases not worthy of breeding.

Is there a size difference in the long coat? Typically the long coats possess a stockier build and substantial bone.

Is there a visual difference besides the coat? They have this incredible feathering effect throughout their coats, with a beautiful mane usually possessing a stocky build and substantial bone.

Long Haired Black & Tan

Do they shed worse? Interestingly enough, long coats do not shed nearly as much as a stock coat Germam Shepherd. The simple fact is its not true. There is no undercoat, meaning less hair to shed. They will 'blow' their coat once/twice a year and you will have minimal shedding in between. The shedding is minimal year around with long coats although all German Shepherds, stock coats, long coats, plush coats all shed once a year.

I often hear the term "Blowing Coat" - What does this mean? It generally refers to seasonal shedding, to shed out undercoat, which happens once a year.

What triggers shedding in German Shepherds? Contrary to belief, temperature doesn't trigger shedding but rather the amount of light does. So, the days getting longer, your dog is preparing for summer.

Is there more work in the grooming or does it have to be done more often? In my opinion no. I'd recommend to brush any dog (especially a long coat) 2-3 times a week to work out any tangles and knots before they become matted. Brushing a dog always pulls out all loose fur which helps minimize shedding day to day.

Long Haired Solid Black

Do they require special nutrition due to the coat? Absolutely no different nutritional needs then a stock coat GSD.

Do they get hotter in the summer? No, they stay cooler then a stock coat GSD, because they have only one coat oppose to a stock coat who has two coats.

Are genetic disorders more common in the long coat? There are no additional genetic defects or disorders to be concerned about beyond what a German Shepherd is prone to.

Can a long coat compete? Absolutely, a long coat can do anything a stock coat GSD can do! There are many misconceptions about the long haired/coated dogs, that I would like to address. Temperament, working ability, health and nerves are not effected by the type of coat the dog posses. In fact, many owners of long coats will tell you that the long coats are usually more outgoing, sweet, affectionate and comical. As far as working ability is concerned, longs are very capable of any task at hand. You will find a lot of Police K-9's around the world are long coats. This is because the working ability is not effected by the coat and usually sold at a discount. You will find long haired dogs in many fields of work such as; SAR, Therapy, Service work, etc.

Can you shave a long coat? Sure can but there is absolutely no need to unless the coat has become matted beyond a groomers assistance. When a dog becomes matted, its extremely painful for the dog, often times its not worth trying to "clean the dog up" its easier and less stress on the dog to shave them down.

Are they a better dog? Everyone has their preferences and opinions. Many owners of long coats will tell you that the long coats are usually more outgoing, sweet, affectionate and comical. Though this trait is considered a fault according to the breed standard, we find these animals to be absolutely gorgeous. They have this incredible feathering effect throughout their coats, with a beautiful mane usually possessing a stocky build and substantial bone.

What does it mean if two stock coat dogs produce a long coat? As a breeder who adheres to the strictest standards I find that the presence of a long coat in a litter is a good thing. Its a sign that both sire and dam are carrying the gene of many, many, many years go.

Why is the long coat a fault? Here's the thinking behind the standard: that a longer coated GSD is greatly diminished in weatherproofing because of a lack of undercoat and therefore is undesirable (per the breed standard).

Is the long coat the only fault the dog has? Yes, generally speaking. Although, this can vary from dog to dog, depending on various things. Other things that could be considering a fault could be ears, size, tail, teeth (over/under bite), and/or coloring.