A long-haired German Shepherd has a distinctive appearance, which sets them apart from other German Shepherds. In this article we will see how the German Shepherd with long hair differs from other types of German Shepherds.
We will also look at the highest grooming requirements of a long-haired German shepherd dog and share some tips on the best way to groom them. We will also explore if there are differences in health or temperament between short and long haired German Shepherds.
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Long-haired german shepherd
Long-haired German Shepherds have their origin in the First World War when English soldiers encountered particularly different German Shepherds, with one variation: they were long-haired.
And it happened in the region of Alsace, France on the border with Germany, the soldiers realized that they were German shepherds but because they were in a warlike conflict with the Germans they decided to call them ALSACIAN SHEPHERDS.
The only difference between a long-haired and a short-haired German shepherd is the length is their coat. Short-haired German Shepherds have a double coat of hair consisting of an undercoat and an outer coat. But, long-haired German Shepherds have only one coat of hair on their coat, this single coat is smooth and silky.
Therefore, if you choose to bring a long-haired German Shepherd into your life, you will find that their grooming requirements are significantly higher than those of other breeds. And that can be especially true for the long-haired German Shepherd.
So let’s take a look at the preparation below.
Grooming Your Long Haired German Shepherd
The long-haired German shepherd constantly shed hair, so you should have the foresight to be frequently vacuuming all this shedding hair.
You have to take special care with your dog’s hair as it tends to easily become matted as a result of its length. You must take care of it and brush it properly. The brush to use is made of metal and the brushing is always outwards. You must do this brushing at least 2 times a week, and that will guarantee that the hair is tangle-free and the hair layer will remain healthy.
As for the baths, you should only do them when necessary since the German shepherd with long hair lacks the second protective mantle and therefore does not contain enough natural oils to be bathed frequently.
Check the cleanliness of their ears so that they receive a good cleaning, the wax can stick to the hair that surrounds the opening of the ear.
Ensure the natural wear of their nails with frequent walks on hard surfaces, if necessary, go to the vet to teach you the correct cut as it is essential for their care
Long Haired German Shepherds Haircuts
You might be tempted to think that it is a good idea to get a haircut for your long-haired German Shepherd every now and then.
But, this is not a good idea, for a variety of reasons.
While some dog breeds have hair or hair that is suitable for cutting, any dog that has a double coat does not fall into this category. And as we’ve already discussed, the long-haired German Shepherd has a thick, lustrous double coat.
This coat serves both to keep your dog warm in cold weather, and to protect him from the sun and UV rays in summer. By removing this fur, your dog cannot regulate his body temperature effectively.
Of course, there may be times when a German Shepherd with long hair needs a haircut. But these are certainly the exception to the rule. A rescue dog may be extremely matted and need to shave to remove these painful hair knots.
If a dog needs a surgical procedure, then of course the affected area will need to be shaved. But in most cases, it is better to leave this dog’s beautiful coat as nature intended
Long-haired German Shepherd temperament
Since your long-haired German Shepherd is essentially the same as any other German Shepherd, you can be pretty sure that they will inherit the same traits as any other German Shepherd.
As one of the most popular breeds in the US, German Shepherds are known for their fierce intelligence and protective instincts.
They are highly trainable, making them a popular choice for working dogs. They are often used as police, search and rescue, service dogs, and many more jobs where a dedicated and intelligent breed is required.
German Shepherds are very loyal and need to be socialized as young puppies to ensure that they are well behaved when meeting strangers.
As an active breed, they require a lot of exercise. Also, remember to combine physical exercise with mental stimulation as both are equally important to the German Shepherd.
Without enough exercise, German Shepherds can quickly get bored and frustrated.
Long Haired German Shepherd Health
The health of your long-haired German shepherd will be no different than that of a German shepherd in any other long coat.
And within this breed, there are some health concerns that need to be discussed.
This breed is known to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. The breeding dogs should have been given a score for this. The higher the score, the better. So when you look at the puppies, ask to see the scores for the two parent dogs.
Many German Shepherds have been bred to have an extreme slope on their backs. This can have a negative impact on your health and well-being.
The most common health problems that affect German Shepherds are:
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Swelling
- Dissecting osteochondrotis (OCD)
- Von Willebrands disease
Long Haired German Shepherd Puppies
When looking for a long-haired German Shepherd puppy , it’s best to spend some time visiting local breeders. Ask to see the two parent dogs, and see what kind of temperament they have.
Puppies of working parents may not be suitable for a family home, so be sure to discuss this. Long-haired German Shepherd puppies are less common than short-haired ones.
This is because, in German Shepherds, the gene for short hair is dominant, and the gene for long hair is recessive. This means that short-haired German Shepherds can also carry the gene, without expressing it in their coats.
Some breeders consider the long hair of some German Shepherds to be a “genetic flaw.” This is probably because the breed standard mentions a medium-length coat.
We cannot find any scientific evidence to suggest that the long hair gene could be labeled defective. So perhaps, regarding German Shepherds bred specifically for the show ring, it would be more accurate to call it undesirable.
Despite this, some show dog breeders may decide to breed two dogs together, both of which carry the recessive gene for long hair. Some of the resulting puppies may have long fur.
Other breeders decide to focus specifically on breeding long-haired German Shepherds.
Either way, there are plenty of long haired German Shepherd puppies out there waiting for their forever home.
The price of the German shepherd with long hair
At the time of publishing, we looked at prices for short and long haired German Shepherd puppies . We found long-haired puppies that ranged from $ 275 to $ 1,800.
In contrast, short-haired puppies ranged from $ 250 to $ 4,495.
So, while the starting price of both types are similar, the maximum price of a German Shepherd puppy with long hair is much more reasonable.
German Shepherd Grooming Tools
If you are bringing a longhaired German Shepherd puppy home soon, you should first think about assembling a grooming kit. Selecting the best products for your dog’s specific coat will make your job much easier.
Here is a small selection of products that you would like to consider.
A self-cleaning brush is perfect to use year-round on the long hair of the German Shepherd. The fine, flexible metal bristles are designed to reach into your dog’s double coat to remove any loose hair. The self-cleaning feature of this brush is a great time saver, meaning you can quickly remove any built-up hair with the push of a button.
A two-sided detangling comb can help detangle tough tangles without pulling on your dog’s fur. The rounded tips make this brush suitable for sensitive skin.
Every few months, you may choose to give your long-haired German Shepherd a bath . Using a hypoallergenic pet wash is a good idea to help protect sensitive skin. Using a soap-free formula that includes conditioner will help keep your dog’s coat in good condition.
When it comes to your long-haired German Shepherd’s shedding season , a disposal tool is highly recommended. These tools are designed to remove the inner layer of hair, without damaging the top layer.
Another essential tool that you are likely to consider if you have a German Shepherd with long hair is a vacuum cleaner specifically designed to treat pet hair.
No matter how effective your grooming regimen is, you will likely end up with dog hair in your home. Choosing a vacuum cleaner that can remove these hairs from both floors and furniture is a great investment.
Your German Shepherd with long hair
Long-haired German Shepherds are impressive dogs. Although they are not favorites in the ring, they have many fans elsewhere.
His temperament and health is the same as that of a longhaired German shepherd . However, its long coat requires a fairly regular grooming session to keep it under control.
Once a routine has been established with your long-haired dog, it will soon become second nature.
If you have a long-haired German Shepherd , or have any grooming tips you’d like to share, please leave us a message in the comments section. We would love to hear from you!
I love the animals. Reading and writing about them, their customs, their peculiarities or the attention they require is exciting, and I also believe that it makes us better people. I share articles that solve the questions that dog caregivers face on a daily basis.