Updated recently
Maverick
Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Barbara • Santa Barbara, CA
German Shepherd Dogs for Adoption
3,670 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 751–780 of 3,670 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.
3,670 German Shepherd dogs available — page 26 of 123
Updated recently
Updated recently
Ruby Moon
Ruby Moon is a 4-year-old female German Shepherd who is ready to put her difficult past behind her and start the next chapter of her life. When Ruby f…
Heartland German Shepherd Rescue • Gretna, NE
Updated recently
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp is a very handsome guy. At 3 years old he is looking to stay busy and get the most out of life. 70 pounds and worth his weight in gold. So…
Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society • Santa Fe, NM
Updated recently
Tobago
Tobago has participated in shelter playgroups and may enjoy a compatible canine friend in his new home. He's also sharing his shelter kennel with a fr…
Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation • Sacramento, CA
Updated recently
Updated recently
Updated recently
Applejack
Loves all people* Good with other dogs* Fun, outgoing, and socialApplejack is a sweet young shepherd mix who brings a bright, enthusiastic energy to e…
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter • Alameda, CA
Updated recently
Ranger
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Updated recently
Cha Cha
Meet your new best friend! At just 13 weeks old, I’m the perfect combination of cute, curious, playful, and just a little bit goofy. I’m a mixed breed…
El Dorado County Animal Services - Placerville • Placerville, CA
Updated recently
Marty
Meet your new best friend! At just 13 weeks old, I’m the perfect combination of cute, curious, playful, and just a little bit goofy. I’m a mixed breed…
El Dorado County Animal Services - Placerville • Placerville, CA
Updated recently
Blanche
Meet your new best friend! At just 13 weeks old, I’m the perfect combination of cute, curious, playful, and just a little bit goofy. I’m a mixed breed…
El Dorado County Animal Services - Placerville • Placerville, CA
Updated recently
Patty
Meet your new best friend! At just 13 weeks old, I’m the perfect combination of cute, curious, playful, and just a little bit goofy. I’m a mixed breed…
El Dorado County Animal Services - Placerville • Placerville, CA
Updated recently
Updated recently
Mouse
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
Updated recently
Chester
Meet Chester! He is an 8 month old, 50-pound German Shepherd mix who is friendly, handsome and sweet. This young guy has quickly proven what a wonderf…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
Updated recently
Buster
Meet Buster! Buster is an adorable 8-month-old, 50-pound German Shepherd/Great Dane mix with the perfect balance of playful energy and an easygoing pe…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
Updated recently
Liesl
Miss LEISL Leisl is very rambunctious. She's a strong willed little girl who loves to roughhouse with her brothers. She loves water...We set up a kidd…
Mountain Mama Pyrs and Pups • MIDWAY, UT
Updated recently
JR
JR He's the biggest pup in the crew. Sometimes he's shy but is always happy to see me. Jumps around, wags his tail, such a happy puppy. Knows sit, no,…
Mountain Mama Pyrs and Pups • MIDWAY, UT
Updated recently
Strawberry SHortcake
Strawberry Shortcake, we've just been calling her SHORTCAKE Everyone's favorite.....She also loves to cuddle, lets you hold her for quite a while with…
Mountain Mama Pyrs and Pups • MIDWAY, UT
Updated recently
Wrangler
Wrangler This baby boy is pretty shy and calm. He likes to do his own thing, be his own pup. He's VERY handsome though and has some fun ears. Sometime…
Mountain Mama Pyrs and Pups • MIDWAY, UT
Updated recently
Pancho
Meet Pancho! 3 years old • Male • Neutered • 90 lbs • Dog-friendly • Vaccinated • Microchipped What Pancho Loves Playing and being active, exploring, …
Tails of the City Animal Rescue • Los Angeles, CA
Updated recently
Updated recently
Iago
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
Updated recently
Updated recently
Chloe
Long Beach Animal Care Services • Long Beach, CA
Updated recently
Thor
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
Updated recently
Miko
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Updated recently
Astro
Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA
Updated recently
Bambi
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson • Gardena, 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.
