Updated recently
Joone
Joone is a 2-year-old German Shepherd/Lab mix weighing 48 lbs, with a gentle soul and a heart full of gratitude. This sweet girl is the definition of …
Rose Acres Rescue • Attalka, AL
German Shepherd Dogs for Adoption
3,702 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,201–1,230 of 3,702 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.
3,702 German Shepherd dogs available — page 41 of 124
Updated recently
Updated recently
Updated recently
Certina
Looking for a future agility dog, barn hunt partner, running buddy, or a puppy who needs a job? Meet Certina, a 4-month-old Shepherd mix who is alread…
El Dorado County Animal Services - Placerville • Placerville, CA
Updated recently
Vader
This is a courtesy post for the owner of this dog. You will not be adopting from Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue. Please contact the owner directly thr…
Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue • Cliffwood, NJ
Updated recently
Updated recently
Updated recently
Bruno 3172
Bruno is a gem. He loves people, including kids, is affectionate, has a calm demeanor, knows some basic commands, good on leash, & takes treats gently…
Shepherd Help and Rescue Effort, Inc. • Plantation, FL
Updated recently
Mila 3171
Mila was rescued from MDAS after struggling in the shelter environment. She had become very thin because the stress kept her from eating, and she simp…
Shepherd Help and Rescue Effort, Inc. • Plantation, FL
Updated recently
Starburst
Starburst (A1914054) is a spayed female German Shepherd mix currently thriving in a foster home while she waits for her forever family. She’s about 1 …
Albuquerque Animal Services - Eastside • Albuquerque, NM
Updated recently
Turkey
Meet Turkey, a charming 2-year-old neutered male mixed breed dog who is ready to find his forever home! Turkey is a well-mannered and affectionate com…
City of Tulsa Animal Welfare • Tulsa, OK
Updated recently
Updated recently
Updated recently
Updated recently
Updated recently
Po-Tay-To
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Updated recently
Updated recently
Scalloped
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Updated recently
Updated recently
Tony Fang
Much like a sleek 1950s greaser, Tony Fang is a handsome boy in cool black coat and a groovy name to match! A smart, confident kid, Tony would do best…
Burbank Animal Shelter • Burbank, CA
Updated recently
Updated recently
Frank
Hiya! My name is Frank. I am the ideal companion, always following my human's lead. I love people. My tail sets to wagging when I see someone coming t…
Miami Dade Animal Services • Miami, FL
Updated recently
Casper
Meet Casper! Casper is a sweet, around 6-year-old, 60 lb Shepher Mix who is more than ready to leave the shelter and finally have a home to call his o…
Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Barbara • Santa Barbara, CA
Updated recently
Tootsie Pup
Hey there, I’m Tootsie Pup! I’m a 7 month old German Shepard mix and I weigh about 27 lbs. I probably will stay close to about 45 lbs when I’m fully g…
Rescue Rovers Dog Adoptions • Sandy, UT
Updated recently
Berry
Meet Berry, a sweet and clever 5-month-old male German Shepherd mix who is ready to blossom into your ultimate best friend. With his eager-to-please a…
Kate's Furreka Rescue • Turlock, CA
Updated recently
Updated recently
Updated recently
Lady
#A5788111 Lady is a people dog, who loves an adventure. Come meet this active girl today. -3 year old German Shepard with black and brown coloring -Sp…
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
Updated recently
Lucky
#A5788084 Lucky is the perfect family dog, Handsome, smart, loyal and loving. Come meet your new BFF today. -3 year old German Shepard with brown colo…
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
Updated recently
Principe
#A5787984 Principe is such a handsome gentleman! Come meet this smart boy today. -6 year old German Shepard with brown and black coloring -Neutered Ma…
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, 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.
