German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds in America.

They’re also one of the most versatile dogs out there. They can be trained to do just about anything, from drug detection to search and rescue work, service dog tasks to police duties.

Just like the overall breed, long-haired German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent dogs that make wonderful companions for pretty much any family situation – they’re even great with children!

But German Shepherds aren’t perfect for everyone either – if you live in an apartment or condominium complex without a yard, then this breed may not be right for you.

As always, it’s important to research your options before making a final decision on which type of pet is best for your lifestyle.

Long-Haired German Shepherds

This is a guide to long-haired German Shepherd dogs. It will cover everything from the basics about long-haired German Shepherds, how to groom them, and what you should know when considering one as your new pet. We’ll also include some classic examples of long-haired German Shepherds in this article so that you can get an idea of what they might look like. So without further ado, let’s jump into it!

Similar Dog Breeds

German Shepherd Dogs are also known for their long, silky coats. Some other breeds with coats like this include Collies and Old English Sheepdogs.

German Shepherd Hair Types

The four coats of the German shepherd are short with an undercoat (stock), medium with an undercoat (Plush – German), and long (with/without) an undercoat. The preferred show coat is the shorter length. However, longer hair tufts on ears, legs, and tail are paired with the ‘long’ category and are loved by many.

The long coat without the undercoat is softer and the lack of shedding due to the absence of an undercoat makes this type easier to maintain.

Long-Haired German Shepherd Overview

German Shepherds are active family dogs. They love to play and spend time with their human families. This breed can live in pretty much any kind of home, and they also do well in larger apartments provided they get a lot of exercise throughout the day. German Shepherds should be taken on walks every day, especially in an apartment or smaller home. The walk needs to be at least 60 minutes long to get the exercise they need.

History And Origin

The Long-haired German Shepherds were first found in the late 1800s in Germany, and it is believed that they may have come about because of crossbreeding between the local sheepdogs with imported sheepdogs. The long coat is the result of a natural mutation, not intentional breeding. Long-haired German Shepherds are now considered to be a separate breed from the standard German Shepherd, with some registries still accepting them as such.

They were very popular in the 1900s, but they declined in popularity after World War I due to their high-maintenance coats. Despite this, it is believed that there are at least ten thousand purebred long-haired German Shepherds today.

Temperament And Behavior

German shepherds are known for their high intelligence, reliability, and extreme loyalty to their families. They are often used as service dogs for people with disabilities.

Long-haired German Shepherd temperament is similar to the regular German Shepherd temperament, but they are less compact due to their long coats.

They are easygoing dogs that are not aggressive by nature. They have a calm disposition and tend to be very reserved around strangers.

However, they can become territorial if they feel threatened or cornered, leading them to show aggressive behavior towards intruders.

Their high level of intelligence makes them easy dogs to train. Long-haired German Shepherds have a strong prey drive and will want to chase smaller animals. They may also be too excitable around young children and unruly when playing with them.

Long-haired German Shepherds also need to keep up their exercise levels, which can be a problem for owners living in apartments and not walking them every day.

Some people claim that long-haired German Shepherds are overall more calm than their shorter-haired counterparts. However, a dog’s personality should always be considered on an individual case-by-case basis.

How Much Does A Long-Haired German Shepherd Cost?

On average, a long-haired German Shepherd will cost about two to three thousand dollars. This will largely depend on who you get your German Shepherd from.

It is important to be careful when choosing a breeder to purchase your long-haired German Shepherd because not all of them are trustworthy. The best way to find a reputable breeder is by asking for recommendations from other people, looking for reviews online, and contacting the American Kennel Club.

Keep in mind that a long-haired German Shepherd will cost a little bit more than short-haired GSDs. This is due to the rarity of their fur type.

Warning Signs Of A Bad Breeder

-Breeders who do not provide a contract or guarantee – your breeder should give you a written documentation of the type and age of the dog, as well as any health certificates.

-Breeders who don’t allow visits – They should be happy to let you visit them and their dogs as often as you like.

-Breeders that are hard to reach – Make sure that your breeder has an email address available and that they regularly answer phone calls.

-Breeders that seem “shady” – The breeder may be lying about where their puppies come from, where they’re located, or what type of dogs they are breeding.

Want more information on the cost of long-haired German Shepherds? Here is an overview of puppy and adult German Shepherd prices as well as the cost to care for them.

Long-Haired German Shepherd Dog Appearance

A fluffy German Shepherd can be recognized by its long, coarse, and curly coat. They have a thick undercoat to keep them warm during the cold winter months and a smooth, dense outer coat to protect them from rain and snow. Their fur does not have an undercoat to protect them from the intense summer heat because it would be too hot for them to handle.

The coat color of fluffy German Shepherds is generally black or ‘wolf’ colored with chestnut markings on their backs, tails, and ears.

Some owners complain that their dogs shed excessively. This is often due to the dog’s poor diet or improper maintenance on the owner’s part. It is recommended that you brush your fluffy German Shepherd every week with a very stiff brush to remove excess fur and prevent matting.

Photos of Fluffy German Shepherds

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Size

Long-haired German Shepherds are not a different size than standard German Shepherds.

A German Shepherd is a large-sized dog that ranges from 21-27 inches tall.

Males weigh 65-85 pounds. Females weigh 55-75 pounds.

Colors

Various shades of black, rust-red, white, and liver-brown are possible for the Long-haired German Shepherd Dog. The coat usually requires regular brushing or shearing. The coat may be wavy or curly and is often grayed with age.

Long-Haired German Shepherd Care Guide

Here are some facts about caring for a German Shepherd that will help you decide if you are willing to take on the responsibility.

Physical Exercise

German Shepherds are very active dogs by nature, so they need plenty of exercises to stay happy. They require at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day. The most popular exercises for German Shepherds are running and hiking.

They really enjoy playing in large open spaces where they can run freely. If you can find a solid group of well-socialized dogs that your German Shepherd can play with, exercise will be very easy.

Regular walks or hikes in the woods or fields are an excellent way to get your dog moving and enjoying itself while getting its daily dose of right-brain stimulation. A long walk in the park will also give your dog plenty of opportunities to socialize with other dogs and people.

Regular exercise is very important for your dog’s health, as these dogs are prone to obesity if they don’t move enough.

Mental Stimulation

German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs and require plenty of mental stimulation to keep them healthy. Entertainment for your dog can range from going out and seeing different places, socializing with humans and other dogs, and playing fun games meant for dogs.

Here are my favorite toys and games for German Shepherd Dogs. In this article, you will learn about all the different types of dogs toys and games you can try with your fluffy GSD.

Unsure if you can provide enough exercise for a German Shepherd? Consider one of these dogs that look like German Shepherds.

Grooming

The grooming process for a long-haired German shepherd is very time-consuming, especially if you have a dog that sheds excessively. You should brush your dog every day to avoid mats from forming on their coat. In addition, they should be bathed once every two weeks and given a thorough brushing afterward.

Here are my favorite brushing tools for German Shepherd dogs that I use on my own.

The most popular methods are using a slicker brush with an undercoat blade or combing with a metal comb.

One of the most important parts of grooming is bathing your dog regularly. To do this, you’ll want to fill up the bathtub with cool water before adding in some shampoo that has been designed for dogs. The steps are as follows:

1) Fill the bathtub with enough water so that when you put your dog in, they can stand comfortably without being overwhelmed.

2) Apply a small amount of shampoo to your dog’s back and let it sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing with a wet sponge or washcloth.

3) Rinse your dog thoroughly with clean water until all of the soap has been completely removed from its coat.

4) Dry your dog off with a towel as soon as you finish.

To extend the time between required bathing, you can opt to use a dry shampoo for dogs.

Here are my favorite dry dog shampoos that I use on my German Shepherd.

Nutrition

It is important to feed your German Shepherd a balanced diet that will ensure its health. Although they can eat any dog food, it’s best to stick to high-quality dog food that contains the correct ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Benefits of Raw Dog Food

The raw dog food diet is often recommended to help pets with urinary and digestive issues, allergies, and many other canine health concerns. There’s a growing body of evidence showing that certain nutrients found in raw foods, such as enzymes and probiotics, can provide the foundation for a healthier pet.

-Raw foods are high in vitamins and minerals that your pet needs to maintain good health.

-Raw foods can be a natural way to combat skin allergy or skin infection because these foods contain healthy bacteria that compete with the bad bacteria on the skin surface.

-In addition, studies have shown that raw dog food can help control stomach problems by keeping the digestive system working properly.

I’m not sure if you’ve heard of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products before, but I highly recommend checking it out! Raw dog food provides beneficial vitamins and minerals to ensure your pet stays healthy. The food helps combat skin allergies, skin infections, and stomach problems.

This is the brand of raw dog food I personally feed my German Shepherd, Zelda.

Love German Shepherds? Check out these stunning German Shepherd Mixed Breeds.

Health Concerns and Lifespan

German Shepherds are prone to specific health problems, such as hip dysplasia, obesity, and eye conditions. These issues can often be managed with proper monitoring and veterinary care.

The average lifespan of German Shepherds is between 10-12 years old.

Training a Long-Haired German Shepehrd

German Shepherds are often more difficult than average to train for a new dog owner. As a result, it is important to make your training environment as comfortable and inviting as possible and take the time each day to train your dog. It can be helpful to break training down into small chunks for easier, more manageable sessions.

If you want to teach an old dog new tricks, try using positive reinforcement techniques! These include giving treats or petting after your dog performs the desired action. In addition, you should set up an environment that is safe and orderly with minimal distractions from other animals or people.

In addition, you can use a clicker as an alternative way of communicating to your German Shepherd what behaviors they should do. A clicker is a small hand-held device that you can use to make a clicking noise.

There are also some training techniques to avoid, which include hitting your dog if they don’t obey a command and using harsh corrections. Instead of yelling at or spanking your pet, try giving them a time out in an enclosed space. Another tip is to be patient – German Shepherds are very smart but they also need time to process new information!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the long-haired German Shepherd called?

The long-haired German Shepherd is also referred to as a fluffy German Shepherd.

Are long haired German Shepherds hypoallergenic?

No, unfortunately, they’re not! The amount of shedding and dander that the German Shepherd produces makes them one of the most allergy-inducing breeds. The hypoallergenic claim is often falsely advertised and the coat length isn’t necessarily a factor in whether or not it triggers an allergic reaction.

How rare is a long-haired German Shepherd?

Long-haired German Shepherds are rarer than the other fur types.

What is the most popular gender of the long-haired German Shepherd?

The most popular gender of the long-haired German Shepherd is female.

Are long-haired German Shepherds less aggressive?

Long hair does not determine the level of aggression in a dog. You can learn more in this article ‘Aggression’ by the ASCPA.

Fluffy German Shepherd Breeders + Rescues

Long-haired German Shepherds cannot be intentionally bred due to their genetic makeup. With this in mind, I have listed some German Shepherd dog rescues that you can browse through as well as a reputable breeder. Enjoy!

German Shepherd Rescues:

Front Range German Shepherd Rescue – Colorado

German Shepherd Rescue of New England – Massachusettes

GSR NC – Nothern California

New Beginnings Rescue – South Carolina

Vegas Shepherd Rescue – Nevada

Washington German Shepherd Rescue – Washington

Westside German Shepherd Rescue – Southern California

German Shepherd Breeders:

German Shepherd Man – Florida