GSD clubs asked to agree longcoat addition to Standard Discussions

THE KENNEL Club is attempting to alter the German Shepherd breed Standard to include a description of longcoated dogs.

It is in discussion with the breed council to agree the addition requested by the council to bring it in line with the Federation Cynologique Internationale, which recognises the breed with two varieties.

It is understood that the KC agreed in principle to the breed council’s request but redrafted the requested wording, which the council has now sent to all the clubs for comment.

Currently the addition reads: ‘In longcoats, outer coat long, soft and not close-fitting. Not always straight. Thick undercoat. Hair longer on ears and back of forelegs with dense feathering on hindlegs forming long trousers. Tail bushy with light feathering underneath’.

If the clubs give the go-ahead the amendment will be made. However, some believe it would be simpler to cut to the chase and create a different variety for the longcoats now.

A source told DOG WORLD: "I don’t see this change to the Standard as progress. Why not go the whole hog now and please everyone by creating two varieties which can then be entered in separate classes as they do in Europe.”

Another said: "The words ‘separate GSD variety’ are essential for the longcoat GSD in the UK and essential in retaining the German Shepherd in its form as required to be a herding/working dog.”

In her letter to the council the KC’s executive canine activities Kathryn Symns said: "While the additional wording is being agreed I would clarify that the current breed Standard covers all GSDs, regardless of coat length, and all dogs registered are permitted to enter any class for which they are eligible.”

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Does this mean we could see 2 GSD's in best of show at Crufts

Our KC has to agree to it first, and who knows how they will go about it In 2010 the SV established a separate registry for the LSC.(with Undercoat) Under the SV they are shown in separate rings in both Germany and the US not sure about other countries.

The long stock coat German Shepherds can receive a breed survey and a show rating just like the stock coated shepherds in the German Ring now though it is a separate registry and only LC to LC can be mated.