Long Haired German Shepherd Info – Interesting Puppy, Adult Facts To Know
(Last Updated On: April 17, 2021)
Everybody knows what the German Shepherd dog breed looks like. They are one of the most popular breeds in the entire world and there are thousands of them serving faithfully in the military and police service.
Some of these dogs are guide dogs for people with disabilities and some are trained to search for avalanche victims.
Did you know that there is another type of German Shepherd breed called the Long Haired German Shepherd? These are basically identical breeds. Both of them have the same head and body. The only difference is in the length of their coats.
The long haired German shepherd puppy is almost identical to their short-haired buddies. Both breeds have the same body features and identical heads.
That means that you can expect an adult German shepherd to grow to the height of up to 26 inches and to weigh around 90 pounds.
Females are smaller in size since they usually grow up to 24 inches and weigh around 75 pounds.
The main difference that you will notice the first is the difference in the texture and length of the hair. The important thing to know is that they don’t have an under coat like the short-haired German shepherd, so their hair appears to be shinier.
That can cause some problems. Without an undercoat, they don’t have enough protection from harsh weather conditions. Because of that, people don’t use them for hunting, pulling, or herding.
Info on Exercise
If you are familiar with German shepherd as a breed, then you know that they like to exercise due to their high energy level.
It is happiest when exercising. Regular walks are not enough for this dog, he needs intensive walks where he is able to run. This is important because he needs to get rid of the huge amount of energy.
If you like to jog or ride a bicycle, then this dog might be perfect for you. They like to play by chasing after their owners. Also, playing fetch is also a great way to spend their energy.
The thing that its owners love the most is their obedience and their eagerness. Compared to the standard German shepherd, this breed is known for the much higher level of obedience and better temperament.
For those who own German shepherd, you know that they have a great temperament. Another thing worth mentioning is that they love to spend their time with their human.
That makes them great for apartments and homes without yards, but they will need to exercise regularly.
Also, they are very loyal to their families. They will take every opportunity to show bravery which also makes them great guard dogs. Their protective nature and playfulness make them great for families with babies of toddlers.
This breed has no problem with staying indoors. If you are worried about keeping a large dog in your home, you shouldn’t.
Do make sure that you spend some time outdoors every day. If they don’t spend their energy, they might become destructive.
Also, since they don’t have an undercoat, they need to be sheltered during the night. The best thing you can do is to let them sleep indoors or build them a warm shelter.
It can be affected by the same health problems a short haired German Shepherd can have. Some common conditions are epilepsy, eczema, elbow dysplasia, digestive problems and hip dysplasia.
Even though elbow and hip dysplasia are generally inherited, other problems are caused by people carelessly breeding long haired German Shepherd. This makes them prone to various hereditary issues. The average lifespan of this breed is from 9 to 13 years. A quick check up at your vet can tell you if there is some kind of a problem with your dog.
Grooming
If you decide to adopt one, you should know that you will constantly be cleaning dog hair in your home. This breed can shed their hair at enormous amounts. There should always be a vacuum cleaner on the hand to clean out some huge clumps of hair.
Also, to prepare for all that hair. You should place lint brushes in your closet and your drawers. Every time you leave the house, you will have to brush your clothes.
It is also important to keep their hair in good condition by frequent brushing. If you don’t brush them, their hair can get tangled and form knots. Then you will have an even bigger problem on the hands. You won’t have to brush your him every night because brushing him at least twice a week is more than enough.
Just make sure that you use the metal brush if you wish to keep his coat untangled and healthy. When it comes to bathing, you will be glad to hear that it is only recommended when necessary. So, when your dog gets all muddy and stinky, it is time for a bath. After that, dry him with a towel and let him groom himself.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a puppy that loves his family, then look no further. Long haired German Shepherd puppy is a loyal, brave, loving, playful, and protective dog who puts his family in the first place. Just make sure that you are ready for walks and intensive play sessions.
As an established writer in the Pet industry for the last 7 years and building a career at a couple of reputable Californian vets, Leigh has written countless pet articles to contribute to the industry's wealth of knowledge. She is dedicated to helping readers and enjoys nothing more than exploring the outdoors with her children and pets. Find out more.
