Do you know what an expensive German Shepherd is? Have you ever heard of the word plush coat German Shepherd? If you are not sure what this means, I will do my part here to make the concept of the ambiguous words easier to understand.
The plush coat is an American word and is not the official word to describe coat length in German Shepherd Dog. This means that the coat is more ‘plush’ than the short coat and is more prominent in the show ring. It’s basically a long, full coat.
Also Read: What is German shepherd double coat: Single Coat vs Double Coat
As we discussed earlier on this site German Shepherd dogs basically come in 3 coat lengths: they are standard, plush, and coated. So what does that mean? How do you know which coat your GSD is wearing?
To make it even easier I will also add pictures below to further explain the topics discussed here. So first let’s talk about the standard coat. This is the coat most German Shepherds wear.
What is a plush coat German Shepherd?
Plush Coat German Shepherds have much longer hair compared to standard coated dogs and have a much fuller undercoat. Their hair is thicker, fuller, and longer than the stock coat. So an expensive coat is shorter than a long coat but more expensive or longer than a stock coat.
Now coated GSDs are very different. Coated German Shepherds are also known as Long Coated German Shepherds. As their description suggests, these GSDs have a very long coat around their ears, behind their legs and on the chest and tail with long fur. These long feathers (aka feathering) are very beautiful and make dogs look almost like “coli” – just talk about the coat.
Which coat German Shepherd is best?
A double coat with a medium length is considered highly desirable. This type of coat can be very hostile depending on the dog. A short coat is sometimes considered acceptable by racial criteria.
What’s the most expensive German Shepherd?
But what are the most expensive German Shepherds you ask? Well, basically when it comes to coats they are between standard quoted GSDs and quoted German Shepherds – but they are close to the standard quote dogs overall. Plush-coated GSDs do not have any feathers.
Expensive Coat German Shepherds have very long hair and a very full undercoat compared to standard coated dogs. Their coat is thicker, thicker, and longer than a standard coated GSD – and it is also very clear to the touch and the eyeball.
But to make it even easier, I will illustrate with a few pictures here to make the point a little easier to understand. So, I hope these descriptions and pictures will help you to better understand the difference between standard, coated, and expensive German Shepherds.
Distinctive Features of Plush Coat German Shepherds
While short coat German Shepherds are known for their sleek appearance, plush coat German Shepherds have their own unique charm. These dogs have a fuller, more luxurious coat that sets them apart from their short-haired counterparts. Let’s explore the distinctive features that make plush coat German Shepherds stand out.
Longer outer coat
The most noticeable feature of a plush coat German Shepherd is their longer outer coat. Unlike the short coat variety, plush coat GSDs have fur that’s typically longer and fuller. This gives them a more voluminous appearance, making them look larger and fluffier than their short-haired relatives.
The plush coat is often described as being in between the short stock coat and the long stock coat. It’s longer than a standard coat but not as long as a full long coat. This medium-length fur contributes to the “plush” look that gives these dogs their name. The hair on a plush coat GSD is generally straight and coarse, providing excellent protection against various weather conditions.
Thicker undercoat
Another key feature of plush coat German Shepherds is their thicker undercoat. Like all German Shepherds, plush coats have a double coat consisting of a coarse outer layer and a softer undercoat. However, in plush coat GSDs, this undercoat tends to be denser and more abundant.
The thicker undercoat adds to the overall fullness of the dog’s appearance. It also provides excellent insulation, helping to keep the dog warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. This dense undercoat can vary in thickness depending on the season, typically becoming fuller in winter and slightly thinner in summer.
The combination of a longer outer coat and a thicker undercoat gives plush coat German Shepherds a luxurious, full-bodied look that many find appealing. This coat type is often preferred in show rings and is considered very desirable for conformation events.
Feathering on ears and legs
While not as pronounced as in long coat German Shepherds, some plush coat GSDs may display slight feathering on their ears and legs. Feathering refers to longer, softer hair that grows in certain areas, giving a slightly tufted or fringed appearance.
On the ears, this feathering can create a fuzzy look, with longer hair around the edges. Some plush coat German Shepherds might also have slightly longer hair on the back of their legs, although this is typically less noticeable than in long coat varieties.
It’s worth noting that the degree of feathering can vary among individual dogs. Some plush coat GSDs might have more noticeable feathering, while others might have very little. This variation adds to the unique appearance of each dog.
Despite these distinctive features, it’s important to remember that plush coat German Shepherds are not a separate breed or variety. They’re simply German Shepherds with a particular coat type. Like all GSDs, they require regular grooming to maintain their coat’s health and appearance.
Plush coat German Shepherds often shed less noticeably than their short coat counterparts. This is because the longer outer coat tends to trap loose undercoat hairs, preventing them from falling around your home.
However, this doesn’t mean they shed less overall – it just means the shedding might be less visible on a day-to-day basis. Whether you prefer the sleek look of a short coat or the fuller appearance of a plush coat, both types of German Shepherds make wonderful companions.
The choice often comes down to personal preference and grooming commitment. Regardless of coat type, all German Shepherds share the breed’s characteristic intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature that make them such beloved pets.
Grooming and Maintenance Differences
When it comes to grooming and maintenance, both short coat and plush coat German Shepherds have their own unique needs. Understanding these differences is crucial for keeping your furry friend looking and feeling their best.
Brushing frequency
Short coat German Shepherds require regular brushing to manage their shedding and maintain a healthy coat. It’s recommended to brush them at least once a week during normal periods. However, during shedding seasons, which typically occur in spring and fall, daily brushing becomes necessary. This helps remove loose hair and prevents it from ending up all over your home.
Plush coat German Shepherds, on the other hand, might need more frequent brushing due to their longer fur. While they may shed less noticeably than their short-haired counterparts, their fluffy undercoat can get trapped by the longer outer fur, making them more prone to matting. To prevent this, brushing every few days is advisable, with daily brushing during shedding seasons.
For both coat types, using the right tools is essential. An undercoat rake and a slicker brush are great for removing loose fur without harming the skin. Many German Shepherd owners swear by de-shedding tools like the Furminator, which can be particularly effective during heavy shedding periods.
Bathing needs
When it comes to bathing, both short coat and plush coat German Shepherds have similar requirements. Contrary to what some might think, German Shepherds don’t need frequent baths. In fact, bathing them too often can strip their coat of natural oils, leading to skin issues.
A good rule of thumb is to bathe your German Shepherd every 6 to 10 weeks, or as needed if they get particularly dirty. When you do bathe them, use a mild, dog-specific shampoo to protect their skin and coat. For plush coat GSDs, you might want to consider a deshedding shampoo and conditioner to help manage their longer fur.
After bathing, it’s crucial to dry your dog thoroughly, especially for plush coat German Shepherds. Their thicker coat can retain moisture, which could lead to skin problems if not properly dried.
Dealing with shedding
Shedding is a fact of life with German Shepherds, regardless of coat type. They’re often jokingly referred to as “German Shedders” due to their significant hair loss. Both short coat and plush coat GSDs shed year-round, with two major shedding seasons annually.
To manage shedding, regular brushing is key. For short coat German Shepherds, brushing once or twice a week is usually sufficient, increasing to daily during heavy shedding periods. Plush coat GSDs might benefit from more frequent brushing to prevent loose undercoat from getting trapped in their longer fur.
During shedding seasons, both coat types will benefit from daily brushing sessions. It’s best to do this outdoors to avoid filling your home with loose fur. A combination of an undercoat rake and a slicker brush can help remove the majority of loose hair.
For both coat types, a healthy diet can also play a role in managing shedding. High-quality protein in their food can contribute to a healthier coat and potentially reduce excessive shedding.
Remember, while plush coat German Shepherds might seem to shed less, they’re actually just trapping more loose fur in their longer coat. This means they require vigilant grooming to prevent matting and skin issues.
By understanding these grooming and maintenance differences, you can keep your short coat or plush coat German Shepherd looking their best and feeling comfortable year-round.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between short coat and plush coat German Shepherds has a significant impact on caring for these beloved dogs. Both coat types have their unique characteristics, from the sleek appearance of short coats to the fuller, more luxurious look of plush coats.
This knowledge helps potential owners to choose the right dog for their lifestyle and to provide the best care possible.To sum up, whether you prefer the low-maintenance appeal of a short coat or the fluffy charm of a plush coat, German Shepherds make fantastic companions.
Their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature shine through regardless of coat type. By grasping the grooming needs and physical traits of each coat variety, you’re well-equipped to give your furry friend the care they need to thrive.
