Updated recently
Nala
Spending time with gentle Nala is such a joy. She is very content just to sit by your side for soft petting. She's a bit on the shy side, but she is c…
Albuquerque Animal Services - Eastside • Albuquerque, NM
German Shepherd Dogs for Adoption
3,664 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 871–900 of 3,664 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.
3,664 German Shepherd dogs available — page 30 of 123
Updated recently
Lobo
Meet Lobo, a 6-year-old male German Shepherd mix who is basically the definition of a gentleman with excellent manners—and a serious appreciation for …
Albuquerque Animal Services - Westside • Albuquerque, NM
Updated recently
Roddy
Roddy is a sweet and gentle boy who tends to be on the quieter side. From our observations, he appears laid back around other dogs and seems to prefer…
Dallas Animal Services • Dallas, TX
Updated recently
Zoe
West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Updated recently
Bandido 3174
Meet Bandido — this handsome 6‑year‑old boy showed up at a jobsite in Miami several weeks ago with an injury around his neck, likely caused by a rope.…
Shepherd Help and Rescue Effort, Inc. • Plantation, FL
Updated recently
Chester
08/02/26 11:00Meet Chester! Chester is a handsome 1 year old boy that has been to our shelter a couple times. He has a lot of curiosity about the worl…
San Jose Animal Care Center • San Jose, CA
Updated recently
Buddy
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
Updated recently
Updated recently
Julia
West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Updated recently
Beauty
Meet Beauty!update 08/31/26Beauty is doing great! She is one intelligent dog and walking her is such an easy talk. it's rare to see shepherds with zer…
Animal Rescuers Without Borders • San Diego, CA
Updated recently
Daisy
Daisy is reported to have had past experiences around goats, pigs, other dogs, and cats! We're still getting to know her, but a previous owner said sh…
Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA
Updated recently
Buky
This sweet boy warms up quickly once he feels comfortable—even if he’s a little head shy, he’ll melt for booty scratches! Already potty trained and cr…
Adams County Animal Shelter • Brighton, CO
Updated recently
Henry
6 months old. Gentle, calm, very socialized. Great with children, likes to spend time with you and play with toys. Good choice for a family with child…
Lamancha Animal Rescue • Unionville, PA
Updated recently
Vivian
WATCH MY VIDEO...Meet Vivian, a lovely 4-year-old German Shepherd mix with a tail that loves to wag! This sweet girl is friendly, affectionate, and al…
Humane Society of Broward County • Ft Lauderdale, FL
Updated recently
Zion
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
Updated recently
Finn
Sweet* Wobbly and floppy* Puppy energyFinn came to us as a puppy with an unknown history, and he’s left with a little extra wobble and flop in his ste…
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter • Alameda, CA
Updated recently
Misty
Montgomery County Animal Service Center • Conroe, TX
Updated recently
Laverne
West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Updated recently
Updated recently
Updated recently
Jane
If you would like to meet me, please visit our website and complete the pre-adoption application. Once it has been processed then we can make a date t…
Humane Society of Burnett County • Webster, WI
Updated recently
Maverick
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East Valley Animal Care Center • Mesa, AZ
Updated recently
Updated recently
Fable
Fable is a calm and quiet dog who is looking for the same in her future home. She enjoys gentle pets and affection, treats, and toys. She still needs …
Contra Costa Animal Services • Martinez, CA
Updated recently
A1933624
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Updated recently
A1933623
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Updated recently
Zarko
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
Updated recently
Kera
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
Updated recently
Bertie
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
Updated recently
Jameson
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
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.
