The German Shepherd Dog Standard has been altered to create two separate varieties of coat. The Kennel Club’s General Committee has approved the addition of words covering long coated dogs.
A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for purpose.
John Ward, President and Chairman of the as yet unregistered Long Coat GSD Club, and member of the breed council, called the move ‘a massive step’ towards getting separate varieties and registers.
“Our aim is to promote the long coat, for it to be recognised by the Kennel Club and to take it forward as a separate variety with a separate identity.
“Before the change the Kennel Club had no provision for long coats in the Standard. Since the GSD was introduced to the UK, having a long coat has been recognised as a fault and they have never been professionally shown.”
Further information on the changes can be found here.