ALL ABOUT Long Haired German Shepherds And Puppies
By Traci Needles, Owner of Nadelhaus German Shepherds
Updated March 31, 2024
ALL ABOUT LONG HAIRED AND LONG COAT GERMAN SHEPHERDS
Learn all about long haired German Shepherds from a breeder with nearly 30 years of breeding experience. Nadelhaus German Shepherds is a world class German Shepherd breeder located in Northern California. We breed to the world standard, adhering to the rules of the Verein für deutsche Schäferhunde. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve.
Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients.
What is a long haired German Shepherd?
Long-haired German Shepherds are the same as German Shepherd dogs (GSDs), but with longer hair. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. In the breeding and show dog world, they are described even more specifically as “stock hair” or “long stock hair with undercoat”.
Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two types is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs–it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog.
Terzia Mont D'Osiris - A Nadelhaus Long Coat Female German Shepherd
What does a long haired German Shepherd look like?
The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs.
According to the standards of the FCI, the standard for the long coat is described as:
“The guard hair should be long, soft and not close fitting, with tufts on the ears and legs, bushy trousers and bushy tail with downward formation of tuft. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane.
On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches.”
Where do long haired German Shepherds come from?
Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. In 1899, a dog club called the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) e.V. was founded by Captain Max von Stephanitz. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the 1900s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It wasn’t until this past decade, when the SV and FCI approved the change in conformation standards, that long coat German Shepherds became officially accepted into club breeding standards.
It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance.
The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed.
How big do long-haired German Shepherds get?
Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes.
Males: 24-26 inches tall, 65-90 pounds
Females: 22-24 inches tall, 50-70 pounds
Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked #2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs.
How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy?
In the photos below are two litter mates from Nadelhaus litters. In each photo, the puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs.
Left: long haired German Shepherd puppy, Right: short haired German Shepherd puppy
Left: long haired German Shepherd puppy, Right: short haired German Shepherd puppy
Long-haired German Shepherd ADULT dog next to a short-haired German Shepherd
Here is a video of one of our long-haired German Shepherd females, Terzia Mont D’Osiris, next to our short-coat stud male, Xavier von Babylon.
Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Both are red & black in color.
Left: Long-haired female German Shepherd Terzia Mont D’Osiris;
Right: Short-haired male German Shepherd Xavier von Babylon
How rare are long-haired German Shepherds?
Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced.
Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities.
Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds?
No, this is a common misconception. Long-haired German Shepherds have a thicker topcoat than an undercoat, so there is less shedding because there’s less undercoat. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance.
They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. You may notice the occasional leaves, twigs, or burrs getting caught in a long haired German Shepherd’s fur, but regular brushing is an easy fix for this.
It is also a common misconception that long-haired German Shepherds don’t have an undercoat like their short-haired relatives. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season.
Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat?
The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs (both front and back) and then thin the bushy tail.
Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
What are long haired German Shepherds called?
Long haired German Shepherds are also called:
Long coat
Long stock hair
Long stock hair with undercoat
Long stock coat
“Coaties”
How should I maintain my long-haired German Shepherd’s coat?
Regular brushing
Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. At Nadelhaus, we recommend an undercoat dog rake as the primary tool for brushing your dog’s coat. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs.
Bathing and drying
It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues.
Professional grooming
Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting.
Prepare for seasonal shedding
Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons (also called “blowing coat”). Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy.
Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Pay attention to your long-haired German Shepherd's coat and consult with a your dog’s breeder or a professional groomer for advice and recommendations.
How to groom your German Shepherd when it is blowing coat.
Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies?
Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. Check our Puppies & Litters page to see our current and expecting litters. We specialize in breeding red and black color German Shepherds.
If you are looking for a long-haired puppy or adult, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Traci Needles is the founder and owner of Nadelhaus German Shepherds™. Traci has been breeding German Shepherds since 1996. With nearly 30 years of experience with German Shepherds, she has extensive knowledge about this incredible working dog breed. Her mission is to breed German Shepherd dogs that have the ability to obtain Schutzhund titles and the highest possible conformation ratings. The German Shepherds she breeds are from 100% German bloodlines and Nadelhaus is a member of the GSDCA-WDA and SV of Germany.
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At Nadelhaus, we strictly adhere to the world standard for breeding, following the guidelines set by the Verein für deutsche Schäferhunde (SV). Our primary focus is on breeding German Shepherds that exhibit exceptional qualities including structure, movement, workability, trainability, hip and elbow health, pigment, and coat quality, all aimed at achieving the highest standards of excellence. Every one of our puppies is accompanied by a written guarantee.
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Our German Shepherd puppies are meticulously maintained with up-to-date vaccinations, thorough vet examinations, regular de-worming, and microchipping for identification. In addition, they undergo comprehensive temperament testing conducted by a professional dog trainer. We take pride in our commitment to providing ongoing support and assistance to our customers after the adoption process. Furthermore, our puppies receive ample socialization to ensure they grow up well-adjusted and ready to thrive in their new homes.
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With nearly 30 years of experience, Nadelhaus is a trusted name in German Shepherd dog breeding. Our rigorous selection process ensures that only the most outstanding parent dogs with impeccable pedigrees contribute to our breeding program. From birth, we provide meticulous care and nurturing to every puppy, aiming to preserve and enhance the exceptional qualities of this remarkable breed. This commitment reflects our ongoing mission to maintain and enhance the qualities that make the German Shepherd breed extraordinary.