You’ve seen them. Those majestic, lion-like dogs with flowing manes and tails that look more like a plume of smoke than a canine appendage. They’re stunning. Honestly, a well-groomed long hair german shepherd is probably one of the most eye-catching animals on the planet. But there is so much weird misinformation floating around about these "coated" dogs. Some people think they’re a different breed entirely. They aren't. Others think they’re "defective" because they don't meet a specific show standard from the 1920s.
Let's get real for a second.
If you are looking for a dog that stays in the background, this isn't it. A long-haired GSD (German Shepherd Dog) is a statement piece that requires a vacuum cleaner with industrial-grade suction and a human who doesn't mind a little (okay, a lot) of extra brushing. But if you want a dog that looks like a literal forest spirit and has a temperament that often—strangely enough—leans more toward "cuddly companion" than "hard-nosed police dog," you’re in the right place.
The Recessive Gene Mystery
Basically, the long coat is caused by a recessive gene. It’s like blue eyes in humans. You can have two parents with standard, short, "stock" coats who suddenly produce a litter with a couple of fluff-balls in it. This happens because both parents were carrying that "l" allele. For a long time, the SV (the German club that basically governs the breed) considered this a fault. They thought long hair was a practical disaster for a working dog.
Why? Because if a dog is out herding sheep in a blizzard or chasing a suspect through a bramble patch, that long, silky fur is going to trap snow, burrs, and mud. It gets heavy. It mats. In the eyes of old-school breeders, the long hair was a liability.
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But things changed. In 2011, the world of dog shows finally caught up to what the rest of us already knew: these dogs are beautiful. The "Long Stock Coat" with an undercoat was officially recognized. However, the "Long Hair" without an undercoat is still technically a fault in most circles because it offers zero protection against the elements.
Is Their Personality Actually Different?
Ask any owner of a long hair german shepherd and they will tell you their dog is "softer" than the short-haired variety. Now, "softer" in the dog world doesn't just mean the fur. It refers to temperament. While there is no scientific study proving that coat length is linked to brain chemistry, the anecdotal evidence is staggering.
- Social Butterflies: They tend to be a bit more approachable.
- The "Velcro" Factor: Owners report these dogs are often more clingy.
- Less "Edge": They frequently lack that sharp, intense drive seen in working-line short hairs.
Maybe it's because people treat them differently. You’re more likely to snuggle a dog that feels like a Teddy bear than one that looks like a sleek, muscular athlete. Or maybe, because breeders of long-hairs often focus on the pet and show market rather than the high-intensity police/military market, they’ve accidentally bred for a more mellow house dog. Whatever the reason, if you want a GSD that is a bit more likely to chill on the sofa than try to jump over your 6-foot fence, the long-haired variety is usually a safe bet.
The Grooming Reality Check
Let's talk about the hair. It’s everywhere. It’s in your coffee. It’s on your black leggings. It’s probably in your car's air vents. If you think a standard German Shepherd sheds a lot, you aren't ready for this.
A long-haired GSD has "feathering." This is the long, wispy hair behind the ears, on the backs of the legs (trousers), and on the tail. These areas are mat magnets. If you skip brushing for a week, you’re going to find hard clumps of fur behind the ears that you’ll eventually have to cut out with scissors.
The Golden Rule: Never Shave Them.
I can’t stress this enough. People see their dog panting in July and think they’re doing them a favor by giving them a summer buzz cut. Don’t. The German Shepherd's coat—even the long one—acts as insulation. It keeps the heat out just as much as it keeps the cold in. Shaving them ruins the coat’s texture and can lead to sunburn and skin infections.
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Instead, invest in a high-quality undercoat rake. Brands like Artero or even a simple Furminator (used carefully) are life-savers. You aren't just brushing the top; you’re digging out the "dead" hair from the undercoat before it has a chance to weave itself into a rug on your dog's back.
Health Concerns You Need to Know
They live about 7 to 10 years on average. Sometimes you get lucky and hit 12 or 13, but that's the exception. Because they are large, deep-chested dogs, they have the same risks as any other GSD.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This is the big one. Always ask a breeder for OFA or SV "a" stamp certifications. If they can’t show you the parents' hip scores, walk away.
- Bloat (GDV): This is a medical emergency where the stomach twists. It can kill a dog in hours. Many owners now opt for a "gastropexy" (stomach tacking) during the spay/neuter surgery to prevent this.
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): Think of this like ALS for dogs. It’s a progressive paralysis that starts in the hind end. There is no cure, but there is a DNA test.
Because of that thick coat, they are also prone to "hot spots"—moist dermatitis that flares up if the skin doesn't dry properly after a bath or a swim. Always blow-dry your long-haired GSD. Air drying takes forever and leaves the skin damp for too long, which is basically an invitation for bacteria.
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Training a "Thinking" Dog
Don't let the pretty face fool you. This is still a German Shepherd. They are incredibly smart. If you don't give them a job, they will find one—and you won't like it. Their "job" might become "redesigning the sofa" or "barking at every leaf that moves."
They need mental stimulation more than just a walk around the block. We're talking scent work, hide-and-seek with toys, or advanced obedience. They want to work with you.
How to Spot a Long-Hair Puppy
You can't always tell at 4 weeks. Most GSD puppies look like little fluffy potatoes at that age. But by 8 to 10 weeks, look for the "tufts." Check the ears. If there are long wisps of hair growing out of the base of the ear, or if there is fur sticking out between the toes (the "hobbit feet" look), you’ve got a long-haired dog.
Their coat will change drastically. Between 4 and 6 months, they usually "blow" their puppy coat and look a bit awkward and scraggly. Don't panic. The full, majestic "lion's mane" doesn't usually reach its peak until the dog is about 2 or 3 years old.
Actionable Next Steps for Future Owners
- Interview the Breeder: Ask specifically if they test for the "l" gene and if they prioritize temperament or looks. A "show line" long hair will be very different from a "working line" one.
- Buy the Right Tools: Skip the cheap plastic brushes. Get a metal undercoat rake and a long-pin slicker brush before the puppy arrives.
- Check Your Vacuum: If you don't have a vacuum with a tangle-free brush roll, get one. You’ll be using it daily.
- Schedule a Vet Consult: Discuss the pros and cons of "gastropexy" early on, especially if you plan on an active lifestyle.
- Start Grooming Early: Get your puppy used to the brush and the hair dryer from day one. If you wait until they’re 80 pounds to try to blow-dry them, it's going to be a battle you won't win.
The long hair german shepherd isn't just a dog; it's a commitment to a specific kind of lifestyle. It's a life filled with beauty, loyalty, and a whole lot of brushing. But when that dog leans against your leg and looks up at you with those intelligent, almond-shaped eyes, the extra 20 minutes of grooming every day feels like a very small price to pay.