Would you like to know about the German Shepherd coat structure and 4 types of coats? You’re in the right place
People are often confused about identifying coat types and lengths of German Shepherds. In this post, to clear your confusion, once and for all, we have thoroughly explained the German Shepherd’s coat structure and different coat types with pictures and provided useful insights into proper care.
Topics
- German Shepherd Coat Structure
- Undercoat (Insulation Layer)
- Outer Coat (Guard Hairs)
- 4 Types of German Shepherds Coats
- Stock Coat (Short Hair With Undercoat)
- Plush Coat (Medium Hair With Undercoat)
- Double Long Coat (Long Hair With Undercoat)
- Single Long Coat (Long Hair Without Undercoat) – Faulty
- Comparison Table
- Ideal German Shepherd Coat Type According to AKC
- Conclusion
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01. German Shepherd Coat Structure
The German Shepherd is a double-coated breed. This means its coat is composed of two distinct layers:
- Undercoat (Insulation Layer)
- Outer Coat (Guard Hairs)
| Misconceptions: People often call long coat (hair) German Shepherds “double coat” or “triple coat” and stock coat (short hair) German Shepherds “single coat”. They are completely wrong. Every purebred German Shepherd is a double coat whether it has short hair or long hair. |
1.1 Undercoat (Insulation Layer)
The undercoat is dense, soft, and woolly, providing insulation. It protects the dog from extreme weather, both cold and heat, by trapping air close to the skin. This layer sheds significantly during seasonal changes.
The undercoat in German Shepherds is generally not visible when looking at the dog, as it is covered by the outer coat. You might notice the undercoat when you part the fur or during shedding seasons when the dog loses a significant amount of undercoat fur.
| Insulation is a material or substance that reduces the transfer of heat, sound, or electricity, helping to maintain desired temperatures or block unwanted noise and energy flow. |
1.2 Outer Coat (Guard Hairs)
The outer coat comprises longer, coarser guard hairs that repel water, dirt, and debris. This layer serves as a protective barrier against external elements, including UV rays, thorns, and insects.
The synergy of these two layers makes the German Shepherd highly resilient to various climates and environmental conditions, a trait that has contributed to its popularity as a working dog.
02. 4 Types of German Shepherd Coats
You must have a clear understanding of German Shepherd coat structure, now in this section, we will explore the 4 different types of German Shepherd coats.
- Stock Coat (Short Hair With Undercoat)
- Plush Coat (Medium Hair With Undercoat)
- Double Long Coat (Long Hair With Undercoat)
- Single Long Coat (Long Hair Without Undercoat) – Faulty
01. Stock Coat (Short Hair With Undercoat)
The Stock Coat is the most common coat type found in German Shepherds and is often the standard coat seen in working-line GSDs.
This coat type is ideal for working dogs due to its low-maintenance and practical nature. The undercoat ensures that the dog stays warm in colder climates and dry in rainy conditions, making it perfect for police, military, and herding tasks.
- Length: Short and close to the body.
- Texture: Dense and straight, offering protection against harsh weather conditions
| Care: Stock-coated German Shepherds require regular brushing (once or twice a week) to manage shedding and maintain their coat’s health. |
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02. Plush Coat (Medium Hair With Undercoat)
The Plush Coat is a slightly longer version of the stock coat but remains dense and functional.
While not as commonly seen in working dogs as the stock coat, the plush coat is prized in show lines for its balanced aesthetic appeal. It offers the same weather resistance as the stock coat but is considered more visually striking.
- Length: Medium length, with slightly more feathering around the chest, legs, and tail.
- Texture: Soft yet thick, providing a luxurious appearance.
| Care: A plush coat requires more frequent grooming, typically 2–3 times per week, to prevent matting and manage shedding. |
03. Double Long Coat (Long Hair With Undercoat)
The Long Coat with an Undercoat also known as Double Long Coat is a stunning variety of the German Shepherd, known for its flowing, thick, luxurious fur.
Long-coated German Shepherds are more commonly found in show lines or as companion dogs rather than working lines. The undercoat ensures they can endure colder weather but may make them less suited to extremely wet or hot environments.
- Length: Long, with prominent feathering on the ears, chest, belly, legs, and tail.
- Texture: Thick and wavy or straight.
| Care: Long-coated GSDs need regular grooming, ideally every other day, to prevent tangling and maintain the coat’s glossy appearance. Seasonal shedding may require additional brushing sessions. |
04. Single Long Coat (Long Hair Without Undercoat) – Faulty
The Single Long Coat also known as Open Coat is a coat with long hairs that lacks the dense, insulating undercoat. This means the dog has only one layer of fur, which is the long, flowing outer coat. The Single Long Coat, also called the “Silky Coat,” is rare and less common, and often considered a genetic anomaly within the breed by kennel clubs such as AKC.
Without an undercoat, dogs with single long coats are less suited to extreme weather conditions, particularly cold or wet climates. These German Shepherds are primarily companion animals and are admired for their striking appearance.
- Length: Long, flowing fur with feathering on the chest, tail, and legs.
- Texture: Soft and silky, often less dense than other coat types.
| Care: This coat type demands diligent grooming, often daily, to prevent matting and maintain the coat’s health and luster. The lack of an undercoat can result in lighter shedding compared to other types. |
03. Comparison Table
Quick overview of different coat types of German Shepherds:
| Coat Type | Length | Undercoat | Weather Resistance | Grooming Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Coat | Short | Yes | Excellent | 1–2 times per week |
| Plush Coat | Medium | Yes | Excellent | 2–3 times per week |
| Double Long Coat | Long | Yes | Good | Every other day |
| Single Long Coat | Long | No | Poor | Every other day |
04. Ideal German Shepherd Coat Type According to AKC
According to the breed standards of the American Kennel Club, the ideal German Shepherd has a double coat of medium length.
The outer coat should be dense, straight, harsh to the touch, and lie close to the body. A slightly wavy, wiry-textured outer coat is acceptable.
Short hair covers the head, inner ears, foreface, legs, and paws, while the neck features longer, thicker hair. The rear of the forelegs and hind legs has slightly longer hair extending to the pasterns and hocks.
Coat faults include soft or silky texture, overly long outer hair, woolly or curly coats, and single (open) coats.
05. Conclusion
Understanding the four coat types of German Shepherds—Stock Coat, Plush Coat, Double Long Coat, and Single Long Coat—can help you choose the perfect companion based on your lifestyle, climate, and grooming preferences.
Each coat type has its charm, from the practicality of the stock coat to the breathtaking beauty of the medium and long coats. Regardless of the coat, all German Shepherds share the same loyal, intelligent, and loving temperament that has made them one of the most beloved breeds worldwide.
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