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Do Long Haired German Shepherds Shed

Do German Shepherds Shed Differently

How Often do German Shepherds Shed Hair?

The fact is that German Shepherds are shedding machines! The short-haired German Shepherd has more hair than a long-haired GSD. For that reason, they are going to shed more than a long-haired, but that does not mean that a long-haired German Shepherd is not going to shed heavily.

German Shepherds of any variety are large animals. As with most canines, your German Shepherd is going to have a hefty amount of shedding. Most dogs with a double coat will require regular brushing to keep the second coat down to a minimum and reduce shedding.

Although a short-haired German Shepherd will shed more, the difference is not that much. A long-haired German Shepherd will have its fair share of shedding as well. It may seem like a German Shepherd with a longer coat sheds more, but the hairs often get caught in the coat due to the length. Both types of German Shepherds shed all year long, and particularly have two stretches during the year where shedding is extremely heavy.

There is also the plush coat German Shepherd to be considered as well. Similar to a long-haired German Shepherd, their coat is mostly considered a genetic accident, and the American Kennel Club does not recognize them because of that. German Shepherds, in general, are heavy shedders and are not recommended for people with pet allergies.

Long Haired German Shepherds Are Not Recognized By Most Major Breed Clubs

Though beautiful and popular, the long haired German Shepherd coat is considered a genetic defect.

The long haired German Shepherds luscious locks may be beautiful, but this characteristic is actually considered a breed defect, which makes the long haired German Shepherd ineligible for show or competition.

While long haired German Shepherds can be born into a litter with short haired German Shepherd siblings, the long haired pup will be considered a defective coat type, oftentimes leading him to be sold for cheaper.

This is because the long haired German Shepherd is not considered an official type of German Shepherd, and is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, nor is the coat considered part of the breed standard.

Still, this hasnt stopped the long haired German Shepherd from growing in popularity and making a name for himself amongst families, dog lovers and even working professionals alike. In spite of his longer defective coat, the long haired German Shepherd is still one of Americas most popular dogs.

He is a top choice for families and works proudly as a service dog, military dog, police dog, and therapy dog for those in need.

Furthermore, there are hardly many differences between the long haired German Shepherd and the classic German Shepherd, outside of coat type. This means that temperament, exercise, health issues, and lifespan are all relatively identical.

Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. Lets learn more.

German Shepherd Hair Types

There are 4 different types of German shepherd coats or hair types including

  • Short Haired: Short haired German shepherd will have 1 Inch hair with an Under Coat
  • A medium-Hair German shepherd: Medium-Hair German shepherds are covered with an undercoat, commonly known as a Guard coat. These German Shepherds are very frequent and it is essential for the Show lines. This hair is usually between one and two inches long.
  • Long hair with undercoat: These German shepherds will have at least two inches long hair, usually very thick with an undercoat, and make an excellent breed during winter.
  • Long Haired without undercoat: Long Haired GSD which looks quite similar but the undercoat will be missing.

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Short Hair Vs Long Hair Differences

It is not hard to spot the difference between a long and short haired. The most distinctive feature will be their large mane. This makes them look like a proud lion.

A long coat will also be two to six inches in length. Regular short hair coats should be no longer than two inches.

If you cannot tell how long their coat is, you can look for some characteristics that are unique to them.

Long haired German Shepherds will have feathering around their ears and behind their legs, similar to a cream Golden Retriever. They also have hair in between their paws and their tails will be very bushy. The short haired variety has none of these features.

If you are still not sure, you can look to see if your dog has an undercoat. All short hair GSDs will have a double coat. If the undercoat is missing, you know that you are looking at a type of long hair.

The long haired German Shepherd can be identified from as early as ten weeks young. These puppies are born with their mane, feathering and long coat. It does not change as they grow.

Coat & Colors In Competition

Do German Shepherds Shed? A Lot, Here Are 5 Easy Solutions ...

Color during competition does matter when showing off your dog. Multiple colors arent allowed in most competitions including pure white, solid blue, fawn, pure red and spotted black and white as previously mentioned. Some colors such as gray, liver, light blue, and panda are deemed faulty by major kennels, but not always.

The long-haired variant has had a long history of being banned and reinstated. If you want to show off your long-haired beauty, it better have an undercoat, or else they wont be accepted. Black and tan, black and cream, black and silver, red and black, black and red, black, sable, dark sable, black sable, and bi-color/bi-black are all accepted color variants, so finding the proper color is the least of your worries.

Although the Germany Shepherd breed has a long track record of competition wins, the long-haired variant is out of luck when it comes to frequent wins, or wins at all. The banning of the long-haired variety has made it difficult for them to be recognized.

They are often overlooked at dog shows in favor of the classic breed look: black and cream. This doesnt mean that these dogs are bad in competition. It is more likely that the association with the breed is stronger with the tan or sable color scheme. If you want a show dog, I would recommend passing up the long-haired variant. You should only be looking for the short to medium haired version.

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Obtain A Brush & Use It Regularly

Your dog brush is going to be seeing a lot of action, so we advise investing in a high-quality product. And for double-coated dogs, I suggest going with the Furminator.

Plenty of German Shepherd owners swear by this product. Plus, I use this with both my dogs, a Corgi and an Australian Shepherd. Both of which, are double-coated dogs that shed just as much.

Now that you have a dog brush, be prepared to use it at least once a week. Brushing is going to be your main defense against keeping their topcoat healthy. However, you may want to brush them twice a week during coat blowing season.

Also, it helps prevent skin problems from developing while removing potential tangles or matted fur. If you dont brush your German Shepherd for a long enough time, the matting can become extremely painful for them.

When brushing, follow these four tips to ensure the whole experience goes well every time.

What Needs To Be Considered For Grooming And Care

As these dogs are the owner of a beautiful and long coat, unlike the short-haired German Shepherds, it is essential to groom them regularly. Because of their long hair, they shed around all the seasons.

You should keep your vacuum cleaner ready all the time to clean their hair. As it has long hair, it is more prone to parasite and matting. Thus, regular brushing is pretty crucial to keep its hair shiny all the time.

Also, they require a regular bath at least once a week. Wash their coat with dog shampoo and then condition it to retain their hairs shine, silkiness, and texture.

After shampoo, dry their hair with a hairdryer otherwise, it will take at least a week to dry them naturally. While washing them, keep a keen eye on their skin to know about any rash or other skin problems. If you find one, rush to the veteran immediately.

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Their Owners Love Them

Despite the hate that these dogs sometimes receive for being the lesser version of the German Shepherd, they are a great, lovable dog, and their owners love them so much!

If you own a long haired German Shepherd, you will probably have people asking you what breed your dog is all the time. This unique dog is so rarely seen that people often assume that they are a mixed breed dog with something like a collie.

Even if other people dont know what your long haired German Shepherd is, that wont make you love them any less!

Long Haired German Shepherds Can Be More Susceptible To Severe Weather Conditions Than Their Short

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Cold and heat can impact your long haired GSD differently, so keep an eye on him and know his needs.

For the most part, there is very little difference between the long haired German Shepherd and the short coated German Shepherd outside of physical appearance. However, one of the biggest differences due to their different coat types is their ability to withstand certain elements.

The short coated German Shepherd, with his wooly undercoat, is better equipped for outdoor play in both hot and cold weather conditions. Double coated dog breeds have a built-in insulation that keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The long haired German Shepherd, on the other hand, has only a one layered coat. His fur is long and silky, and he doesnt have that extra wooly undercoat to help protect him from the elements.

For this reason, a long haired German Shepherd can be more susceptible to certain health issues like heat stroke and hypothermia. When outside during more extreme weather, be sure that your long haired German Shepherd is equipped with the tools he needs, including access to fresh, cool water, a place to get out of the sun or cold, and clothing like dog sweaters or jackets when appropriate.

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Feeding Your Long Haired German Shepherd

Finding the correct food for German Shepherds can be difficult because they are prone to joint problems and food allergies. A German Shepherds diet should be designed for a large dog breed that requires a lot of energy and exercise. For suggestions on what to feed your German Shepherd dog and how much to feed him, talk to your veterinarian or a professional nutritionist. As they progress from puppyhood through adulthood and senior years, their food requirements will change. Keep track of these dietary requirements.

When your German Shepherd is still a pup, you want a food that isnt too high in protein. Because too much protein might lead puppies to grow too quickly and develop joint problems, its best to avoid it.

Look for a hypoallergenic dog food with a unique protein if your German Shepherd appears to have food allergies. Diets with a limited number of foods include fewer substances that can cause allergic reactions. Some food allergies include, corn, soy, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, pork, lamb, fish, rabbit and beef. Check out these options that could assist you in reducing some of these allergies:

Allergy reducing Dog Food:

These types of dog foods are specifically developed to help your dog overcome food allergies while also preventing yeast infections and other issues that cause itchy skin.

How Do I Get My German Shepherd To Stop Shedding

There is no way of stopping your German Shepherd from shedding because it’s the natural cycle of renewing their coat to keep it healthy. However, regular brushing, deshedding, and bathing your German Shepherd during their shedding seasons will help. Also, providing your German Shepherd with nutritious food will help prevent excessive shedding.

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The Long Haired German Shepherd Makes A Great Family Dog And Gets Along Well With Other Dogs When Raised Properly

When properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds in general make wonderful family companions.

As we just discussed, a long haired German Shepherd can make an incredible family dog, so long as he is properly raised and trained.

German Shepherds are known to get along well with children. They are playful, affectionate and protective of their families, which makes them excellent additions to homes of anyone looking for a guard dog or a dog that looks out for their family members.

Of course, its imperative that you not only train and socialize your German Shepherd at a young age to prepare him for proper behavior around youngsters, but its also important to teach children how to respectfully interact with the family dog.

Refrain from leaving young children alone with your German Shepherd, and work with age-appropriate children on how to understand basic canine body language.

Where Can You Find Long

5 Effective Ways To Decrease German Shepherd Shedding ...

It would be no surprise if youve decided to adopt a long-haired German now. But, there are some things you need to know first right before buying.

Long-haired German shepherd price: Since the beginning of this blog post, weve talked about how rare they are compared to the standard breed. Thats why theyre bound to cost more.

Were talking about a price of anywhere from $300 to $2500. So doing a lot of research to look for a proper breeder will surely pay off.

Safer breeding methods: The difference between long-haired German shepherd puppies and standard GSDs is that careless breeding methods arent widespread.

This is due to the fact that breeders cant be 100% sure theyll get a long-haired GSD even through selective breeding, like weve previously tackled.

The Bottom Line

True, these fluffy German shepherds are lovable creatures. Theyre great for your family, especially for the kids. But sometimes, they may prove to be hard to handle if you dont know anything about them.

Thats why you should have your questions answered as soon as possible. This includes their origins, description, temperament, health, and more importantly, how to take care of one.

To avoid any regrets later on, I suggest looking for long-haired German shepherd puppies for sale only if youre not a couch potato.

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More Information & Facts About The German Shepherd Dog Breed

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Home » Breed Info » Short Haired German Shepherd vs Long Haired: Comparison

Bathing With Deshedding Treatment

Ideally, bathe your dog once every 6 10 weeks. Again, this process helps remove a lot of loose and dead hair, along with keeping their coat smelling great.

But we can take it one step further by applying deshedding shampoos and conditioners that slick hair down and allow for easier removal.

Simply bathe your dog like you normally would, but apply a deshedding treatment and allow it work its magic for 5 minutes before rinsing.

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Grooming My Long Haired German Shepherd

Long haired German Shepherds require a little more attention in this department compared to the shorth haired German Shepherd. Under normal conditions you will need to brush your long haired German Shepherd several times a week. Their shedding will increase during seasonal change, and you will need to increase your brushing from several times a week to daily. Once you notice a reduction in shedding you can return to brushing them daily to a couple of times a week.

To get your German Shepherd groomed properly you will need a slicker brush and a comb. The slicker brush will remove the initial shedding and by using the comb afterwards to remove tangles and more of the undercoat if their is still any remaining.

Brushing them before you give them a bath is also advisable as water makes the mats and undercoat tighter. I do not recommend shaving your long haired German Shepherd. Their coat keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. There is also a possibility that their coat might not grow back after they are shaved. If you really struggle with your German Shepherds coat rather seek a professionals advise.

Long haired German Shepherds enjoy living indoors. They get quite attached to their family dont do well when alone for long periods at a time. Should you have no choice but to leave your German Shepherd outside at night, be sure to get them a proper shelter that protects them from adverse weather conditions.

Get Ready For Lots Of Vacuuming And Fur Balls

How Much Does A German Shepherd Shed – Vacuuming Routine

Long hair means more shedding. Though they are heavy shedders all year, the three weeks before fall or the beginning of spring is particularly notorious for malting.

Aside from all shedding, their coat has the unfortunate tendency to clump up and mat.

First, youll need the perfect brush. Go for a metal brush with lengthy teeth that will get all the way down to the roots. This will make sure you pull out all the mats and knots.

Make sure not to brush too hard. Since there is no undercoat, you could end up scratching the skin if you arent careful enough.

All this means you will need to be a dedicated groomer for your furry friend. Aside from reserving several minutes a day for grooming, we recommend always having a vacuum and lint roller nearby.

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