Long Haired German Shepherd: A Real Dog Lover’s Guide to Raising and Caring for Them

The long haired German Shepherd isn’t just a pretty face. This breed combines intelligence, loyalty, and beauty like no other. If you’re thinking about welcoming one into your life—or already have—this guide will help you understand everything that makes these dogs special, and how to keep them healthy and happy.

Forget robotic facts. This is written for real people by someone who genuinely loves dogs.

Where Do Long Haired German Shepherds Come From?

Originally bred in Germany for herding and guarding sheep, German Shepherds have become one of the most popular breeds worldwide. While most people picture the classic short-haired version, the long hair German Shepherd has always existed thanks to a recessive gene. It just didn’t get as much attention until recently.

Job origin: Herding, guarding
Modern roles: Service dog, police K9, family protector, hiking buddy

What Makes Long Hair German Shepherds Different?

They share the same strong, smart character as their short-haired cousins but have a longer, flowing coat that adds to their majestic look. Because of their longer fur, they need extra grooming—but many owners say it’s worth it for the beauty and softness.

Main Differences:

Coat: Long, silky hair with feathering
Undercoat: Often missing or thinner
Personality: Tends to be slightly more affectionate and relaxed

How Do Long Haired German Shepherds Look?

They’re large, muscular dogs with a confident stance. The long hair gives them a slightly more “wolf-like” or regal look. Some even have a windswept appearance, especially in the black long haired German Shepherd variety.

Height: 22–26 inches
Weight: 60–90 lbs
Colors: Black and tan, sable, solid black (hello black long haired German Shepherd!), bi-color

Popular Colors Table:

Color	What It Looks Like
Black & Tan	Classic look, tan chest & legs
Solid Black	All black, very sleek & rare
Sable	Multi-shaded, almost wild-looking
Bi-color	Mostly black with tan accents

Temperament: What’s It Like Living with One?

Long haired German Shepherds are often gentle giants. They’re known for being smart, loyal, and eager to please. That makes them amazing companions, especially if you’re looking for a dog that’s more than just a pet—they become family.

Personality in Real Life:

Devoted to their humans
Protective but not aggressive
Very trainable
Needs attention and stimulation

Grooming: Let’s Talk Hair

This is a big one. Owning a long haired GSD means grooming is part of your life. You’ll need to brush often, not only to keep them looking nice but to prevent mats and tangles.

Grooming Must-Dos:

Brush: At least 3–4 times a week
Bathe: Every 6–8 weeks
Clean ears: Weekly
Trim nails: Monthly
Brush teeth: 2–3 times a week

Handy Grooming Tools:

Slicker brush
Undercoat rake
Deshedding comb
Dog-safe scissors

Shedding: Do They Shed a Lot?

Yep. Even though they don’t always have a thick undercoat like regular GSDs, long haired German Shepherds still shed. You’ll find tufts on the floor, your couch, your clothes—you name it. But regular grooming really helps.

Training a Long Hair German Shepherd

These dogs are crazy smart. That means training can be fun, but you’ve got to stay on your toes. They’ll learn quickly, but they’ll also get bored if you don’t keep things interesting.

What Works:

Start young
Be consistent
Use positive rewards
Keep sessions short and varied

Socialization: Raise a Well-Rounded Dog

Expose your pup to everything early on—different people, dogs, noises, and places. It builds confidence and helps avoid behavior problems down the road.

Real-Life Examples:

Take them to the farmer’s market
Have a picnic with friends and their dogs
Let them walk near schools or playgrounds

Diet & Feeding: Fueling a Big, Active Dog

Food matters. What you feed your long haired GSD affects their coat, energy, and health.

Puppies:

3 meals daily
High-protein puppy food with healthy fats

Adults:

2 meals daily
Ingredients like chicken, salmon, brown rice
Omega-3s for coat and joint health

Exercise: These Dogs Need to Move

This isn’t a breed for couch potatoes. They love action, whether it’s fetch, hiking, or agility courses. Without enough exercise, they can get bored—and a bored GSD can be destructive.

Daily Goals:

At least 1 hour of walking or active play
Mental games like puzzle toys
Training sessions for mental stimulation

Health: What to Watch For

Long haired German Shepherds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they have their issues. Good breeders will screen for these problems.

Common Issues:

Hip & elbow dysplasia
Bloat
Degenerative myelopathy
Allergies

Prevention Tips:

Buy from ethical breeders
Feed high-quality food
Exercise regularly
Keep up with vet visits

Puppies: What to Expect

Bringing home a long haired German Shepherd puppy? Get ready for a mix of cuddles, chaos, and joy.

First Week Must-Haves:

Crate & comfy bed
Puppy food & water bowls
Toys that challenge them
Collar, leash, ID tags

Growth Timeline:

Age Range	What’s Happening
8–12 wks	Socialization, potty training
3–6 mos	Teething, chewing everything
6–12 mos	Teenage phase, test boundaries

Breeders vs. Rescue: Know Your Options

You can find long haired German Shepherds through breeders or rescue groups. Just make sure you’re supporting ethical practices.

Good Breeder Signs:

Health-tested parents
Clean, happy environment
Puppies are socialized
You can meet the parents

Rescue? Even Better:

Save a life
Many dogs are already trained
Still get that amazing loyalty

Common Myths (That Need Busting)

Myth: Long hair GSDs are lazy.
Truth: They’re just as active.
Myth: They’re not real German Shepherds.
Truth: 100% real, just a different coat.
Myth: They’re too high-maintenance.
Truth: They just need a consistent routine.

Real Pros & Cons

Why You’ll Love Them:

Loyal to the bone
Gorgeous coat
Easy to train

What You’ll Need to Manage:

Grooming takes time
They shed—lots
Need daily exercise

Final Word: Is a Long Haired German Shepherd Right for You?

If you want a loyal, beautiful, and active companion who loves being part of the family, this might be your perfect dog. Just make sure you’re ready to put in the time for training, grooming, and love.

FAQ – Long Haired German Shepherds

Do long haired German Shepherds shed?

Yes, they shed a lot. Not having a thick undercoat doesn’t mean they’re non-shedders. Expect fur on your floors, clothes, and furniture—especially in spring and fall. Brushing is your best friend.

What’s unique about a long haired German Shepherd?

They’re known for their silky, flowing coat and softer expression. Many people say they’re more affectionate too. While their look is what grabs attention, it’s their sweet, loyal nature that wins hearts.

Are all German Shepherds long haired?

Nope. Most are short or medium-coated. The long hair comes from a recessive gene, so both parents must carry it for pups to have longer fur. That’s why long haired GSDs are a bit rarer.

Are they considered long haired dogs by default?

Not really. It depends on their genetics. Some breeders specialize in long coated lines, but it’s still not the norm in working GSD circles. That said, many people now seek them out just for their looks and temperament.

Are German Shepherds long or short haired?

They can be either. The short coat is more common and considered standard. But the long haired version is just as much a German Shepherd—just with more glam. If you’re okay with extra grooming, they’re worth it.