Scientific name Canis lupus familiaris Origin Germany Rank Breed | Mass 22 – 40 kg (Adult) Higher classification Dog | |
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Other names Langstockhaariger Deutscher Schäferhund; Long-haired German Shepherd; Altdeutscher Schäferhund Variety status Not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club. Height 55 – 65 cm (Adult, At the withers) Similar German Shepherd, German Longhaired Pointer, White Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, Great Dane | ||
Old German Shepherd Dog (German: Altdeutscher Schäferhund) is a controversial name for the long-haired variation of the German Shepherd Dog (German: Langstockhaariger Deutscher Schäferhund), which is not a separate breed recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Nonetheless, there are efforts to establish this variety as a separate breed.
Contents
History
Under the Society for the German Shepherd Dog the long-haired variation of the German Shepherd was not accepted for a long time. This changed in 2009. In 2010, the long-haired variation was again accepted. Before that, Breeders of the long-haired variation of the German Shepherd had founded their own Kennel Clubs and had called the long-haired hair variation the "Old German Shepherd".
Some old German landraces of cattle dogs are also called Altdeutscher Schäferhund (Old German Shepherd Dog). To avoid confusion, all of these races are now summarized under the generic term Altdeutsche Hütehunde (Old German Herding Dogs).
Appearance
Most of them appear similar to the long-haired variation of the modern German Shepherd, although with slightly different colouring patterns. The coat may be any length and can be shaggy, smooth or wiry. The colours may be black, brown, grey or tan. They are generally the same height as a typical German Shepherd: 55 and 65 centimetres (22 and 26 in) at the withers. They weigh between 22 and 40 kilograms (49 and 88 lb) but can be larger.