A long coated puppy is probably the cutest thing on earth.  From a Breeder point of vew the long coats are a bit of a curse because typically they can be your best puppy in the litter, but they carry the long coat recessive gene.  In order for a long coat to be produced in a litter, both parents must carry the gene.  This coat factor comes from the beginning of the breed where the dogs were more "Collie coated"   During the progession of the breed and the development of the standard it was determined that this coat was not as weatherproof for the dogs that were working in the field herding sheep.  There are varying lengths of long coats, some almost have a normal body coat, but they have tufting on the ears, genetically they are still long coats.  The German SV standard does not allow them to be bred and those of us that follow this rigid standard will sell all long coated puppies on restricted papers or non breeding.  You can still work the dog in almost all aspects of sport but it can not be shown or breed surveyed.  Most times Breeders will sell these puppies at a reduced price, so for a family home wanting a wonderful pet, this can be a great way to get a well bred dog at a much lower price.  Personally I love long coats and am never unhappy when I see them in my litter, typically they are the first to sell and the ones that are always carried around and cuddled the most.