Long Haired German Shepherd Puppies for Sale

Long haired German Shepherds are among the most striking and loyal dog breeds you can welcome into your home. With their flowing coats and intelligent eyes, these dogs capture hearts wherever they go. But before you search for "long haired German Shepherd puppies for sale," it's important to understand what you're committing to — because bringing one of these puppies home is a 10 to 14-year responsibility.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about long haired German Shepherd puppies, from their temperament and care requirements to how to identify a reputable breeder and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're a first-time German Shepherd owner or adding to your family, this information will help you make an informed decision.

Breed Overview

The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile and recognizable breeds in the world. Originally developed in Germany for herding sheep, they have since become renowned for police work, military service, search and rescue, and as devoted family companions. The long haired variety shares the same lineage and working ability as the standard coat, differing only in the length of the outer coat.

Temperament & Family Fit

Long haired German Shepherds are known for their unwavering loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. These dogs form deep bonds with their families and are naturally wary of strangers — making them excellent watchdogs. But this protective nature means they require early socialization and consistent training to ensure they develop into well-mannered adults.

They are generally good with children when properly introduced and socialized from a young age. However, their herding instincts may cause them to nip at running children or try to "herd" family members. Supervision is always recommended with young children, not because German Shepherds are aggressive, but because their size and energy can be overwhelming.

• Intelligent: German Shepherds rank among the top three most intelligent dog breeds. They learn quickly and thrive on mental challenges.
• Loyal: They form intense bonds with their families and want to be involved in everything you do.
• Protective: Their natural guarding instinct makes them excellent watchdogs, but requires training to manage appropriately.
• Active: They are working dogs with high exercise needs. A bored German Shepherd is a destructive German Shepherd.
• Trainable: They excel in obedience, agility, tracking, and protection work. Their eagerness to please makes training rewarding.
• Social: They need regular exposure to new people, places, and situations to prevent fear or aggression.

Coat Care & Grooming

The long coat is one of the most appealing features of these dogs — and also one of the most demanding. Long haired German Shepherds require significantly more grooming than their standard-coated counterparts. Their long outer coat and dense undercoat are prone to matting and tangling, especially if neglected.

Managing Shedding

Long haired German Shepherds are heavy shedders. Their double coat is designed to protect them from the elements, and they lose that coat in large quantities twice a year — typically in spring and fall. During these periods, daily brushing is necessary to prevent mats and reduce the amount of hair in your home.

Regular grooming not only keeps your dog comfortable but also allows you to check for skin problems, lumps, parasites, and injuries. Make grooming a positive experience by rewarding your dog with treats and praise. If your dog develops skin issues like red, itchy paws, consult your veterinarian promptly.

Health Testing & Common Issues

Long haired German Shepherds are prone to several genetic health conditions that responsible breeders screen for. Health testing is not optional — it's the hallmark of an ethical breeder. When researching long haired German Shepherd puppies for sale, always ask for proof of health clearances on both parents.

Responsible breeders will provide OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHIP certifications for hips and elbows, and DNA test results for genetic conditions. They will also be transparent about the health history of their breeding lines. If a breeder cannot or will not provide these clearances, walk away.

Finding a Reputable Breeder

Finding a reputable breeder is the most important step in your search for long haired German Shepherd puppies. A good breeder is not just selling puppies — they are placing family members in loving homes. They will interview you as thoroughly as you interview them, and they will be available to support you throughout your dog's life.

What to Look for in a Breeder

• Health testing: Both parents should have OFA/PennHIP clearances for hips and elbows, and DNA tests for degenerative myelopathy and other breed-specific conditions. Ask to see the certificates.
• Breed knowledge: A good breeder can explain the breed's history, temperament, and care requirements in detail. They will ask you detailed questions about your lifestyle, home, and experience with dogs.
• Breeding philosophy: Reputable breeders prioritize health and temperament over appearance. They breed to improve the breed, not just to produce puppies.
• Puppy environment: Puppies should be raised in a clean, stimulating environment with plenty of human interaction. They should be exposed to different sounds, surfaces, and people.
• Health guarantee: Reputable breeders offer a written health guarantee that covers genetic conditions and provides clear terms for replacement or refund.
• Lifetime support: A good breeder is available for questions and support throughout your dog's life and will take back a dog they bred if you can no longer care for it.
• References: Ask for references from previous puppy buyers. A reputable breeder will happily provide them.

Red Flags to Avoid

• No health testing: If they can't provide certificates, they haven't done the testing.
• Multiple breeds: Breeders who produce many different breeds are often more concerned with profit than breed health.
• Puppies available immediately: Reputable breeders have waiting lists and carefully screen buyers.
• No home visit: A good breeder wants to see where their puppies will live and will insist on meeting you in person.
• Pressured purchase: If you feel pressured to buy without asking questions, walk away.
• Puppies separated too early: Puppies should stay with their mother and littermates until at least 8 weeks old — ideally 10-12 weeks for large breeds.
• No contract: A written contract protects both you and the breeder.

You can also check the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) for breeder referrals, and the AKC website for breed club listings. For more detailed guidance, read our comprehensive guides on how to find a reputable dog breeder and questions to ask a dog breeder. Also review red flags of a bad dog breeder and understand the difference between puppy mills and reputable breeders.

What to Expect When Buying

Purchasing a long haired German Shepherd puppy is an investment — both financially and emotionally. Understanding the process and what to look for will help you avoid scams and ensure you bring home a healthy puppy.

The Buying Process

1. Research and contact breeders: Identify breeders in your region who specialize in long haired German Shepherds and contact them to discuss availability. Expect to be placed on a waiting list — sometimes months long.
2. Ask questions and review health clearances: Ask about health testing, breeding practices, and puppy socialization. Request copies of health clearances.
3. Visit the breeder: If possible, visit the breeder's home or facility to meet the parent dogs and see how the puppies are raised. This is the best way to assess the conditions.
4. Meet the puppy: When puppies are old enough (around 6-8 weeks), visit and observe their behavior. Look for a puppy who is curious, confident, and responsive to people.
5. Review the contract: Read the contract carefully. It should include health guarantees, return policies, and possibly limited registration terms.
6. Prepare your home: Before bringing your puppy home, puppy-proof your house, set up a crate, and stock up on supplies. See our puppy-proofing guide.

When your puppy comes home, you'll need to establish a routine for potty training, crate training, and socialization. For more tips, read our guides on stopping puppy whining at night and training your puppy to tell you when they need to go out.

Training & Socialization

German Shepherds are highly trainable, but they need consistent, positive training from an early age. Their intelligence means they learn quickly — both good behaviors and bad ones. Early socialization is critical to prevent fear, anxiety, and aggression issues later in life.

Puppy Training Timeline

• 8-12 weeks: Start basic commands (sit, stay, come) and housetraining. Introduce crate training. Begin socialization with gentle, positive experiences.
• 12-16 weeks: Continue basic commands and socialization. Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class if vaccinations allow. Teach leash manners.
• 4-6 months: Formal obedience training. Practice commands in increasingly distracting environments. Teach leave it and drop it.
• 6-12 months: Advanced obedience, off-leash training (in safe areas), and possibly agility or tracking. Continue socialization throughout adolescence.
• 12-24 months: German Shepherds mature slowly. Continue training and provide mental stimulation. Consider protection sports if you want to channel their protective instincts.

For detailed training guidance, see our guides on leash training and training your puppy to ring a bell to go outside. If you're interested in advanced training, explore service dog training.

Frequently Asked Questions