Long Haired German Shepherd: 101 Guide Before Buying

The long haired German Shepherd is a very famous herding canine breed from Germany. This dog breed is also a good family pet. There are many interesting things to know about the long haired German Shepherd that we will discuss further.

Here are a few specifications about the long haired German Shepherd.

• Height – 22 – 26 inches
• Weight – 50 – 90 pounds
• Temperament – Affectionate, Athletic, Intelligent, People-oriented, Loyal
• Colours – Black, black & tan, grey, black & silver, red & black, etc.
• Coat type – shedding, long, single-layered coat

Long Haired German Shepherd Origins

It is said that the long haired German Shepherd comes from Wurttemberg, Germany. It is located near Switzerland and makes the region colder. The long coats are evolved and considered as an advantage to protect the dog from cold harsh temperatures.

Long Haired German Shepherds Are Intelligent

Canine psychologist Stanley Coren says that this breed is the 3rd smartest canine breed. Long haired german shepherd has a great ability to process things. Hence, you can train this breed in a shorter period.

Military and police use Long haired german shepherds for guarding, reducing, searching, and assisting things. Because they are intelligent, they can understand you, different words, and even your mood. GSDs are as smart as a 2-year old kid.

Exercising Needs

Long Haired German Shepherds are very active. Therefore, they need a lot of exercise to keep them occupied and happy. Also, this will prevent their excessive barking and habit of nibbling. Lack of physical stimulation can cause issues with the behaviour they display.

Therefore, GSDs need at least 2 hours of exercising everyday. Exercising can include walks and other training activities like jumping, playing fetch, etc.

Temperament And Behavior

The Long Haired German Shepherd has a bit of a different personality than the standard German Shepherd Dog. They are known for their courage, might and protective nature. However, the long haired GSD has these qualities but the treatment of strangers is different.

They are very outgoing. As they were bred for companionship, they are friendlier and make pals more easily than the standard GSD. Because of their high energy, they are great playmates for kids.

Long Haired German Shepherds Shed Heavily

Long haired German Shepherds shed heavily round the year and are not ideal for people who have allergies. Here, an interesting fact is that they do not have a double coat like standard GSDs.

The standard GSDs have dense double coats with rough outer coat and soft undercoat that help them to protect themselves. On the other hand, Long haired german shepherds have silky coats in a single layer.

Long Haired German Shepherds are Good Guard Dogs

As they are very intelligent, this breed is a good guard dog. You can use them to guard livestock, and protect houses, and any property.

Guarding is very natural to them because of their original aim of protecting and herding sheep. They are tough to trick when you provide proper training. The bond they share with their owners makes them develop a very protective nature about others.

Require lots of mental stimulation

The long-haired German shepherd’s intelligence is a blessing and a curse. It is fun to play with this breed but if you fail to give enough mental stimulation, the breed can get bored easily. They can turn out to be destructive.

They may destroy toys, beds, couches, and other things they find in front of them. This is the result of less mental stimulation. You will get the same result if you leave them alone for 8 to 12 hours.

Common health problems in Long Haired German Shepherds

Long-haired German shepherds are great canines for people, however, they can get certain illnesses. Therefore, make sure you do frequent health screenings. Here are a few common health problems in long-haired german shepherds –

• Hip dysplasia – Hip dysplasia is when the hip joint of your dog does not fit together perfectly. This will eventually lead to arthritis.
• Canine Degenerative Myelopathy – It is also known as Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM). This disease causes weakness in the back legs that leads to paralysis.
• Elbow dysplasia – This is a condition where a canine’s elbow socket does not form correctly. This ultimately leads to pain and problems.
• Anal furunculosis – This is a very painful disease. Anal furunculosis causes ulceration around the canine’s bottom.
• Epilepsy – This is a brain disorder that causes seizures.
• Inherited eye diseases – This includes cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia.
• Haemophilia A and B – Haemophilia A and B are bleeding disorders that prevent blood from clotting. This ultimately causes the wounds to bleed even more than they should.
• Pituitary dwarfism – It is a hormone deficiency which causes body growth problems and reduces a canine’s lifespan.

Grooming

This breed sheds a lot. Therefore, the canine requires a lot of care. Moreover, you need to keep a lot of patience while grooming them as mat and clumps are very common in their coats. You need a good brush that will help you do your work easily.

Brushing your canine’s coat for a few minutes will prevent mats in the future. Also, be prepared to clean your house frequently to keep everything clean. As this breed is powerful, you need to take care of them more efficiently.

Food Requirements

Thai depends on your Long haired German Shepherd’s age. The best way to understand a standard diet for your canine is to take help from the vet. he/she will recommend the exact food to you.

The cost of owning a Long Haired German Shepherd

Initial cost-

1. Equipment – Lead, collar and tags, harness, dog bowls, dog beds, pet-safe toothbrushes and toothpaste, grooming brushes and toys.
2. Vaccines – Vaccination is very important. In case you have rescued a canine, you need to do some basic vaccinations. In case of buying a canine, you need to ask the seller about the vaccines.
3. Neutering – it is recommended to spay/neuter your canine once it is 6 months old. Therefore, you need to consult with your vet about it. The spaying/neutering price will vary from location to location.

Steady cost –

1. Accessories – Poo bags, toys, grooming accessories, etc.
2. Food
3. Pet insurance/ vet bills – Regular checkups, any injury or illness.

Other costs –

1. Daycare – In case you are unable to take care of your canine or take him for a walk, you can pay someone to look after your pooch.
2. Boarding – If you are not available for more than a day, then you can keep your canine in boarding.
3. Training – Training is very essential for canines. This is because some canines may get behavioural issues as they grow old.

Final Words

In conclusion, I would say that if you have an active lifestyle, you can get a Long Haired German Shepherd for sure. This is a very affectionate and very loyal canine.

It will protect you from danger and cuddle with you during a relaxing time. This breed is also known for its intelligence and courage. You just need to put in some extra effort in exercising, grooming, and mentally stimulating them.

I hope you enjoyed the article. I will be back soon with more interesting and informative pieces of writing. Till then, stay connected. Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to buy before getting a German Shepherd?

Here is a list of items you need to buy before getting a German Shepherd-

• Good Quality Crate.
• Training tools.
• Strong Leash and Collar.
• Good Brush.
• Chews and toys.
• Healthy Food.
• Shampoo and conditioner.
• Fenced Yard.

Are long-haired German Shepherds better?

Long-haired german shepherds are similar to standard german shepherd dogs. However, the only slight difference is in temperament. The long-haired German Shepherds are friendlier than the standard GSDs.

Can German Shepherds be left alone for a long time?

No, you should not leave the German shepherd home alone for more than eight hours. They can get bored easily and can become destructive. They may end up destroying beds, toys, sofas, mats, etc.