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Roman
Roman is an approximately 1-2 year old neutered male black and red shepherd. This boy is special. He is very timid with new people initially-especiall…
Greater California German Shepherd Rescue • Modesto, CA
German Shepherd Dogs for Adoption
3,666 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 571–600 of 3,666 below.
About adopting a German Shepherd
A German Shepherd in a shelter kennel is often a smart, watchful dog who has not yet been given enough to think about. This is a working breed by design, bred to move livestock and later to serve in police and military roles, and that heritage shows up at home as a strong bond with one family and a need for structure.
Puppies and adolescents of this breed learn fast, which cuts both ways: they pick up good habits as quickly as bad ones. Daily training, scent games, and steady exposure to new people and places help a young shepherd grow into a confident adult rather than a nervous one. Many are naturally reserved with strangers, so early socialization matters.
Adult German Shepherds in rescue range from easygoing family dogs to intense working types, and the difference is not visible from a photo. Ask about reactivity toward other dogs, comfort with children, and whether the dog has lived in a home before. Hip and joint concerns are worth asking the shelter and your veterinarian about. The shelter or rescue can walk you through the individual dog's history and how far training has come.
3,666 German Shepherd dogs available — page 20 of 123
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Bouncer
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
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Beaux
Looking for a Big, Lovable Best Friend? Beaux Is Your Guy! Meet Beaux, a handsome 6-month-old German shepherd mixed breed that currently weighs 42lbs.…
Dog Star Rescue • Canton, CT
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Nash
Courtesy Post - Nash is not currently in our care. Sweet Nash is approximately 7 months old and looking for his second chance. He and his siblings wer…
The Little Red Dog, Inc • Lake Forest, CA
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Huxley
Courtesy Post - Huxley is not currently in our care. At just 7 months old, Huxley has already had a rough start after being dumped with his siblings. …
The Little Red Dog, Inc • Lake Forest, CA
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Bowie
Courtesy Post - Bowie is not currently in our care. Bowie is a handsome 7-month-old pup who was sadly dumped along with his siblings and is now lookin…
The Little Red Dog, Inc • Lake Forest, CA
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Sandra
This litter of German Shepherd mix puppies haven't had a whole lot of socializing and are kind of shy. They are still learning that people can be safe…
Pennington County Humane Society • Thief River Falls, MN
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Santarita
This litter of German Shepherd mix puppies haven't had a whole lot of socializing and are kind of shy. They are still learning that people can be safe…
Pennington County Humane Society • Thief River Falls, MN
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Shawn
This litter of German Shepherd mix puppies haven't had a whole lot of socializing and are kind of shy. They are still learning that people can be safe…
Pennington County Humane Society • Thief River Falls, MN
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Sora
This litter of German Shepherd mix puppies haven't had a whole lot of socializing and are kind of shy. They are still learning that people can be safe…
Pennington County Humane Society • Thief River Falls, MN
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Sigmund
This litter of German Shepherd mix puppies haven't had a whole lot of socializing and are kind of shy. They are still learning that people can be safe…
Pennington County Humane Society • Thief River Falls, MN
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Shonna
This litter of German Shepherd mix puppies haven't had a whole lot of socializing and are kind of shy. They are still learning that people can be safe…
Pennington County Humane Society • Thief River Falls, MN
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Eve
Eve is a laid-back and social pup who seems to enjoy the company of other dogs in a calm, gentle way. From our volunteer observations, she appears wel…
Dallas Animal Services • Dallas, TX
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Kenny Rogers
Kenny recently met some social dogs at our shelter and seemed scared of them. He didn't want to play and wanted to be left alone. We hope that as he g…
Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation • Sacramento, CA
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Photos coming soon
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Puppy Misty
Our beauty of the week is Misty and what a great 6 month old puppy this German Shepherd mix girl is going to be for the right family who loves the bre…
Critter Cavalry Rescue • Franklin, TN
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Chester
Albuquerque Animal Services - Eastside • Albuquerque, NM
At Risk
Jacy-12/16weeksNeuterContractRequired $425
Hi! I’m Jacy! I’m a handsome 12-to-16-week-old white German Shepherd puppy and Fala and Koda’s brother. I may be little, but I have a BIG personality …
New Beginnings Shepherd Rescue • Holly Hill, SC
At Risk
Koda-12/16 weeks-Spay Contract Required $425
Hi! I’m Koda! I’m a handsome 12-to-16-week-old white German Shepherd puppy, and I’m searching for a wonderful family to call my very own! I’m a happy,…
New Beginnings Shepherd Rescue • Holly Hill, SC
At Risk
Naya-10/12wks Spay Contract Required $425
Hi! I’m Naya! I’m an adorable 8-to-10-week-old German Shepherd and Dutch Shepherd blend, and I’m searching for a family to call my very own! I’m a hap…
New Beginnings Shepherd Rescue • Holly Hill, SC
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Sorry
Hi! I’m Sorry , a 3-month-old German Shepherd mix, and I’m ready to find my forever family! Breed: German Shepherd mix Age: 3 months Current weight: 1…
Rescue Rovers Dog Adoptions • Sandy, UT
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Eclipse
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
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Sadie
Albuquerque Animal Services - Eastside • Albuquerque, NM
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Freddie
City of Houston, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care • Houston, TX
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Wesley
Broward County Animal Care & Regulation - Ft. Lauderdale • Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Elsa
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
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Fifty
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
German Shepherd dogs by state
Other breeds
Adopting a German Shepherd — FAQ
Are German Shepherds good with kids?
Many German Shepherds are gentle and protective with children in their own family, though they may be aloof with visiting kids. An adult with a known history around children is the safest bet. Supervise play, teach children to respect the dog's space, and ask the rescue what they have seen.
How much training does a German Shepherd need?
A German Shepherd needs ongoing training and mental work, not just a puppy class. These dogs thrive on having a job, whether that is obedience, scent games, or structured walks. Without direction they tend to invent their own, which can include guarding doorways or herding the kids.
Do German Shepherds shed heavily?
German Shepherds shed year-round and blow their undercoat heavily twice a year. Weekly brushing, more during coat changes, keeps it under control but never eliminates it. A good vacuum becomes part of life with this breed, and grooming time doubles as bonding time.
How do I adopt a German Shepherd?
Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.
Are German Shepherd dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Many German Shepherd dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.
How much does it cost to adopt a German Shepherd?
Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.
Are German Shepherd dogs good with children or other pets?
It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.
Can I foster a German Shepherd instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a German Shepherd gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.
What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a German Shepherd?
Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.
