We’ve already put together a guide outlining the different types of German Shepherds – we make mention of short haired German Shepherds in that guide.
We’ve also put together a comparison of short and long haired German Shepherds in a separate guide.
In the guide below, we’ve shared important information specifically about Short Haired German Shepherds.
Let’s look into the Short Haired German Shepherd in greater detail!
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
Short Haired German Shepherd: 7 Things You Want To Know
Are Short Haired German Shepherds Really A Type Of GSD?
Technically, a short haired German Shepherd is not really a type of GSD, but rather just an available coat length.
Coat length is more of a variable, just like coat color and coat pattern.
What Is A Short Haired German Shepherd?
A short haired German Shepherd is a term used to describe a German Shepherd with a short coat length.
Short hair could unofficially be classified as around 1 inch in length.
This is compared to the medium and long haired German Shepherds.
To put that in perspective, there are 4 unofficial types of German Shepherd coats:
– Short length coat with an undercoat (around 1 inch in length)
– Medium length coat with undercoat, often referred to as a plush coat.
This is the most common coat and is the desired type of coat for dog shows (around 1 to 2 inches in length)
– Long length coat with undercoat (around 2 inches or longer, and thick)
– Long length coat without an undercoat (around 2 inches or longer, and thick – missing an undercoat for insulation/weather protection)
If you speak to a knowledgeable German Shepherd breed expert though, they might tell you that only medium/plush and long haired coat designations are the only stock coats – both with an undercoat.
Short Haired German Shepherd and Breed Conformance
Short haired German Shepherds are not disqualified from show rings, but they don’t seem to be favored as much by the medium length, plush, dense outer coat type German Shepherds.
The American AKC states (US German Shepherd Breed Standard) “The ideal dog has a double coat of medium length.”
The SV standard (European GSD breed standard) favors a “Long, soft, dense guard coat [outer coat], with undercoat”.
Long straight top coats, and long coats without undercoats are disqualifying faults.
What Is The Temperament Of A Short Haired German Shepherd?
There is no scientific evidence that coat length influences temperament of a German Shepherd.
The best indicator of a German Shepherd’s temperament is the genetic material available to them.
In simpler terms, a German Shepherd puppy has the best chance of having a stable temperament if both his or her parents have stable temperaments (and their family tree shows a history of stable temperament dogs).
Similarly, if you get a backyard type breeder who has little knowledge of the German Shepherd breed or dog breeding in general, there’s a higher chance they breed dog’s together who have temperament issues.
What Color Are Short Haired German Shepherds?
There are three main types of genes that determine how a German Shepherd’s coat looks:
Coat length genes
Coat color genes
Coat pattern genes
So, a short haired German Shepherd can be any of the available common colors in the German Shepherd breed.
Different German Shepherd lines might have a predisposition to certain coat colors, so look at the parents of the dog to get an idea of what color a short haired GSD might be.
What line are the parents, and what colors are they?
Do Short Haired German Shepherds Shed Much?
Compared to other breeds, German Shepherds shed a lot – especially when they blow their coat between certain seasons.
Short haired GSD’s also might seem like they shed a lot more than longer coat GSD’s because loose hairs aren’t as likely to get caught in a thick outer coat.
Then again, it can depend on the dog.
Some owners will tell you their short haired GSD drops as much hair as long haired GSDs they’ve had, whilst others will tell you the opposite.
Regular brushing (3 to 4 times a week) with a good deShedding tool and slicker brush can drastically reduce the amount of hair that is dropped inside the house, and consequently the amount of vacuuming.
How Much Does A Short Haired German Shepherd Puppy Cost?
On average, you might pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for a pet, or family dog type short haired German Shepherd from a breeder.
For short haired German Shepherds with pedigrees, papers, working titles, specific lines, and puppies who have a proven regulated breeding history – you can pay thousands of dollars.
Medium/plush coat GSDs tend to be more popular though, so you might not pay as much for a short hair GSD.
Don’t get ripped off or buy from shady or unethical breeders – read this guide carefully.
When adopting a short haired German Shepherd, you might pay anywhere from $50 to $500 – which covers adoption fees.
Where Can I Buy A Short Haired German Shepherd For Sale, or Adopt A Short Haired German Shepherd?
You can adopt from a short haired German Shepherd from shelter or rescue centre, or buy from a breeder.
It is encouraged to adopt as a first priority because there are so many loving and sociable dogs that are looking for a caring owner and loving home.
Good breeders that care about their dogs can be hard to find, but they are out there.
Breeders that have short or medium length coat studs and dams are more likely to have short haired German Shepherds available.
But, shorter haired GSD parents can produce long haired offspring and vice versa.
When looking at buying or adopting a GSD, have a read of these guides first:
Things To Consider When Adopting or Rescuing A German Shepherd
What To Look For When Buying A German Shepherd Puppy: Ethical Step By Step Guide
Where To Find A German Shepherd Rescue or Shelter Near You
Where To Find The Best German Shepherd Breeders Near You
More Information & Facts About The German Shepherd Dog Breed
We’ve put together this guide with over 100 interesting pieces of information and facts about the German Shepherd Dog Breed.
Friendly Disclaimer
TheDailyShep.com are not veterinarians, or animal professionals/experts. Information provided is for informational purposes only – it is not a substitute for professional or qualified advice.
The information is based on either our own thorough research, and/or own experiences, as a means of free speech.
By consuming this information, you accept that TheDailyShep.com do not have client or patient relationship with you, and TheDailyShep.com are not advising you to act on anything you read.
You should always consult your own veterinarian, animal expert, or health care professional and follow their advice before making decisions on all matters.
You can find our full set of disclaimers and T & C’s in the footer of this site.
Enjoy your reading, and thank you for being here
','' ); } ?>