LONG COAT GERMAN SHEPHERDS
(Long haired German Shepherds)
When Rittmeister von Stephanitz first brought attention to the German Shepherd Dog as a recognized breed, there were two varieties of coat in the dogs, long coat and the short stock coat most often seen today. Stephanitz, recognizing the incredible versatility of this dog, in 1899, established the SV (Schaferhund-Verein). This breed club established rules for the German Shepherd Dog including tests for working ability (schutzhund) and breed confirmation. Unfortunately, Stephanitz believed that the long coat pups lacked undercoat and therefore would not have the weather resistant versatility he desired in the breed. However, because of their outstanding abilities, long coats were also admitted into the show ring, but they were given a lower rating for the coat. Coat length was not originally a disqualification. Over time, the FCI and the VDH, naturally began to view long coat as non standard and therefore eventually rejected, from competition in confirmation, this type of coat.
However, long coat pups continue in the gene pool of the German Shepherd Dog. They are admired for their beauty, working ability, and their outstanding balanced and trainable temperament. Many people, especially those who have owned one and come to cherish the pleasant disposition that generally follows the long coats, are working to have the German Shepherd Breed organizations once again recognize the different varieties of coat. In other breeds of dogs, such as Dachshunds (where coat may come in smooth, wire haired, or long) breeders have come to appreciate the diverse strengths represented in the breed as a whole. It has been pointed out that with all the physical and mental weaknesses demonstrated in dogs of limited gene pool, it makes no sense to discriminate against a trait which is so beautiful and confers such desirable mental qualities. Up until 1915 these dogs were allowed to be exhibited for confirmation. It is telling that so often the top dogs of today carry the long hair gene, even though it remains only a recessive trait.
To address this negative bias, in 1984, the LSVD (Langstockhaarschaferhundeverein Deutschland) was formed. By 1991, they had petitioned the SV, VDH, and the FCI to accept the long coat variety once again. At that time the petition was denied. But bolstered by the consistent excellence of the breed, long hair breeders remain undeterred. By 1989, several long hair clubs were formed: The ASVD and the LSGS in Switzerland. In these organizations as in the LSVD, long coats are shown in confirmation as well as in working ability competition.
Talk to anyone who has owned a long-coated shepherd and they will not only describe in glowing terms the dog's beauty, but they will undoubtedly tell you about a dog unmatched by others in terms of loyalty, trainability, and unbeatable temperament.