If you’ve ever spotted a long haired German Shepherd trotting by, you’ll know it’s hard not to stare. That flowing coat, proud stance, and sharp gaze make them look straight out of a film set, majestic yet approachable. But behind that stunning fur is a dog with serious brains and heart.
Originally bred in Germany in the late 1800s, German Shepherds are among the world’s most popular breeds, consistently ranked in the top 3 most intelligent dogs. Around 90 % of working police dogs worldwide are German Shepherds or their mixes, which says a lot about their loyalty, confidence, and trainability. The long-haired version shares all these traits but with a gentler, more family-friendly twist.
Owning one, however, isn’t just about admiring its good looks. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the long-haired German Shepherd.
The History of the Long Haired German Shepherd
Every legend has humble beginnings, and for the long haired German Shepherd, that story starts in 19th-century Germany. Back then, breeders wanted a dog that could herd sheep, guard property, and look majestic while doing it. The German Shepherd is a mix of brains, brawn, and loyalty that quickly became one of the world’s most admired working dogs.
The long coat appeared thanks to a recessive gene, passed quietly through generations until someone noticed these pups weren’t just clever; they were gorgeous too. These fluffier Shepherds had longer, silkier fur around their ears, tails, and chest, giving them a dramatic, movie-star look. Today, they’re recognised as purebred German Shepherds, but the long coat still makes them stand out in a crowd.
Honestly, there are a whole lot of facts about German Shepherds, and here’s another mind-blowing one: the long-haired variety isn’t a separate breed, just a different coat type. And while some show rings prefer the shorter coats, the long-haired ones have won hearts worldwide.
Appearance, Personality, and Temperament
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coat and Colours | The long-haired German Shepherd has a thick, double coat with feathering around the legs, belly, and ears. Common colours include black and tan, sable, and rare variations such as the black German Shepherd, blue German Shepherd, and white German Shepherd. Each coat has its own unique charm! |
| Build and Size | Large, athletic, and strong adult males can weigh up to 40 kg, while females are slightly smaller at 30 kg. They’re well-balanced dogs with a noble, confident stance that commands attention. |
| Personality Traits | Loyal, protective, and highly intelligent, these are classic German Shepherd facts. The long-haired type tends to be gentler and more people-oriented, often called the “softies” of the Shepherd world. |
| Temperament | Calm yet alert. They love human companionship and form strong family bonds. When properly socialised, they’re excellent with children and other pets. |
| Behaviour and Intelligence | Ranked among the top three most intelligent breeds in the world, they can learn commands quickly and thrive on mental challenges. Perfect for obedience, agility, and service work. |
| Family Compatibility | Affectionate, loyal, and dependable, they adore being involved in family life. A long-haired German Shepherd will follow you from the sofa to the garden just to stay close. |
| Energy Level | Naturally energetic and playful. They need plenty of daily activity to stay happy, both physically and mentally. Expect to exercise for at least 60–90 minutes a day. |
Standard German Shepherd vs Long Haired German Shepherd: Differences and Similarities
The differences between the standard German Shepherd and the long-haired German Shepherd are mostly skin-deep or coat-deep. They share the same bold heart, intelligence, and loyalty that have made the breed a household name worldwide.
The long-haired variety just comes with a bit more glamour, waving that silky mane like it owns the park. While the short-haired German Shepherd is all business, agile, low-maintenance, and always ready for duty, the long-haired type is the family favourite, gentler and more affectionate, but still tough when it counts.
In fact, when people debate between a German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois, it’s usually about work style rather than heart. The long-haired German Shepherd is the all-rounder, balancing brawn, brains, and loyalty with that calm confidence everyone admires.
Grooming and Health Care
Having a long-haired German Shepherd is like having a living, breathing fur coat that sheds on command. Regularly grooming your pooch is non-negotiable. Brush three to four times a week to keep that luscious double coat tangle-free and shiny. A gentle detangling spray or slicker brush will make life easier for both of you. Bathing every six to eight weeks keeps odours away, but make sure you dry them thoroughly. Damp fur can invite yeast infections, especially around the ears, armpits, and paws.
Speaking of paws, keep an eye out for any swelling, redness, or constant licking. Long walks and playful zoomies can sometimes cause minor irritations or trapped debris between their toes. Cleaning their paws after outdoor play and trimming the fur between paw pads can prevent a lot of trouble before it starts.
Diet also plays a huge part in keeping their coat and immune system healthy. High-quality kibble rich in protein and omega-3s does wonders, but you can also add a few safe human foods for dogs, such as vegetables, rice, potatoes, or blueberries, as treats. Also, avoid feeding your dog garlic, onions, and chocolate.
Are Long-Haired German Shepherds Good with Kids?
Absolutely. Long-haired German Shepherds are often called gentle giants for a reason. They form strong bonds with their families and are naturally protective, making them wonderful with children. Their patient, affectionate nature means they’ll happily play tag in the garden one minute and curl up for cuddles the next.
That said, supervision is still key. These dogs are large and energetic, so teaching both the dog and the kids how to interact respectfully keeps playtime fun and safe. Early socialisation and consistent training help them understand boundaries, while their intelligence makes them quick learners.
What is living with a Long Haired German Shepherd like?
Life with a long-haired German Shepherd is a mix of cuddles, a little bit of chaos, and constant companionship. They’re the kind of dog that follows you everywhere, even to the bathroom, just to make sure you’re not secretly having fun without them. Whether it’s the rare blue German Shepherd, the striking white German Shepherd, or the black German Shepherd, they all share the same loyal heart beneath those gorgeous coats. They love space to play and need regular exercise, but they also enjoy family time just as much as fetch time. Not every Shepherd wants to be the life of the dog park, though some just hate socialising and prefer sticking to their humans. That’s fine too; every dog has their quirks; owning one is like gaining a best friend with a big heart.
Long Haired German Shepherd FAQs
Are long-haired German Shepherds rare?
Not rare, but less common than short-haired ones since the long-coat gene is recessive. You’ll often find them in specialised breeding lines.
What is the lifespan of a long hair German Shepherd?
The lifespan of a long hair German Shepherd averages 9–13 years, depending on genetics, diet, and exercise. Regular vet visits and joint care help them stay active longer.
