Long-Haired German Shepherd
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Find Long-Haired German Shepherd BreedersGet to Know Long-Haired German Shepherds
- Long-Haired GSDs Are Not a Separate Breed: The long-haired variety is simply a coat variation of the German Shepherd, not a distinct breed. Long hair can occur naturally in the gene pool, and it became more popular as a desired trait in the 20th century.
- Their Coat Requires Extra Care but Offers Stunning Beauty: Their long, flowing coat gives them a majestic, almost “wolf-like” appearance. However, it also means they shed more and require more maintenance than their short-coated counterparts.
- They Are Still Highly Versatile Working Dogs: Despite their luxurious coat, long-haired German Shepherds can perform the same roles as standard GSDs — police work, service tasks, search and rescue, and protection. Their coat doesn’t impact their drive or intelligence.
- They Have a Double Coat That Changes with Seasons: Like all German Shepherds, they have a dense undercoat that thickens in winter and sheds heavily in spring and fall. This seasonal “blowout” can be intense, so regular brushing is crucial.
- They Are Known for Strong Family Bonds: Long-haired German Shepherds often form intense attachments to their owners and can be very protective. They thrive when included in family life and given consistent attention.
Breed History
The German Shepherd breed was developed in the late 19th century in Germany by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who aimed to create an intelligent, versatile working dog for herding and guarding. The long-haired coat variation appeared naturally within the breed’s gene pool, but it was not the original standard. Over time, long-haired German Shepherds gained popularity for their striking appearance and were accepted in many registries as a recognized variation. Today, they are appreciated both as working dogs and loyal family companions, with the same high intelligence and drive as short-coated German Shepherds.
Personality and Behaviour
- Highly Protective of Their Family: Long-haired German Shepherds are naturally protective and often take on the role of guardian. With proper socialization, they can distinguish between normal situations and real threats.
- Strong Work Ethic and High Intelligence: They thrive on mental stimulation and tasks that challenge their minds. Without adequate outlets, they can become bored and may develop destructive behaviors.
- Sensitive to Owner’s Energy & Tone: These dogs often mirror their owner’s mood and can become anxious if the household is chaotic or tense. They respond best to calm, confident leadership and consistent routines.
Care
- Exercise: Long, daily exercise sessions plus mental stimulation (training, scent work, or agility) are necessary to keep them balanced.
- Training: Early socialization and consistent, positive training are essential to manage their protective instincts and strong will.
- Grooming: Brush several times per week (daily during shedding seasons) to prevent matting and control loose hair.
Long-Haired German Shepherd Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
German Shepherd Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation SV Evaluation |
| Elbow Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation SV Evaluation |
| Temperament Test | Results of GSDCA Temperament test submitted to OFA |
| Cardiac Evaluation | (Optional) Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Results registered with OFA. Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam |
| Autoimmune Thyroiditis | (Optional) OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory - recommend yearly testing |
| ACVO Eye Exam | (Optional) Eye Examination- recommend annually until age 6, every 2 years thereafter |
| Degenerative Myelopathy | (Optional) DNA based DM test results from an approved lab |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Long-Haired German Shepherd Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Long-Haired German Shepherd is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Long-Haired German Shepherd
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Long-Haired German Shepherd puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Long-Haired German Shepherd, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Long-Haired German Shepherd is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
