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Landon
Meet Landon, a goofy, lovable shepherd mix with big zoomies! 1 year old and 55 pounds, this handsome pup is full of energy, curiosity, and joy. Found …
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
German Shepherd Dogs for Adoption
3,705 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,591–1,620 of 3,705 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.
3,705 German Shepherd dogs available — page 54 of 124
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Bambino
Name: Bambino “Nino” Breed: German Shepherd and Labrador MixAge: 7 months 3 weeksVaccines: UTD Any medical conditions: NoneNeutered: No Chip: NoTemper…
Paws 4 You Rescue • Miami, FL
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Loki #12
Please note this dog is NOT an official Underdog dog, and you will be connected with the person who has the dog. Please Contact Hoa, 623-476-6319, hbd…
Underdog Rescue of Arizona, LLC • Chandler, AZ
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Bea
DOGS: CATS: KIDS: IDEAL FAMILY: If you're looking for a gorgeous, young, trainable German Shepherd who will love you forever, Bea may be your ideal fa…
Missouri German Shepherd Rescue • Kansas City, MO
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Ghost
Ghost is a very dear 6 year old german shepherd who is affectionate and loyal. He is recently blind (4Q 2025) due to glaucoma but you wouldn’t know it…
All Shepherd Rescue • Baltimore, MD
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Shannon
Meet Shannon Shannon is a 3-year-old German Shepherd mix, weighing in at 66 lbs, and shes on the lookout for she’s perfect copilot This gorgeous girl …
South Jersey Rescue • Gibbstown, NJ
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Roscoe
All of our dogs are housed in private homes, we do not have a store or a shelter. We do not show dogs to interested parties until they have an approve…
Helping Shepherds of Every Color • Montgomery, AL
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Clara
Clara is 9 months old and weighs 35 lbs. She’s an active girl, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Clara and her sisters – Rhoda, Tyra, …
Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA
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Claire
Claire is 9 months old and weighs 26 lbs. She’s an active girl, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Claire and her sisters – Rhoda, Tyra…
Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA
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Bowman
Meet Bowman! Breed: German shepherd, unknown if/what he is mixed with. Age: est 5-6 years. Weight: est 70lbs. Training: crate, leash, and house traine…
Mercy Rescue Haven • Blacksburg, SC
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At Risk
Phoenix
URGENT! RISK OF EUTHANASIA. Phoenix is a 3 year old, affectionate and energetic female shepherd mix who aims to please. She needs a new home as soon a…
All Shepherd Rescue • Baltimore, MD
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Skip
Skip is a 3-year-old German Shepherd with a big personality, a big heart, and plenty of energy to burn. He loves soft, squeaky toys, splashing around …
Burbank Animal Shelter • Burbank, CA
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Spaghetti
Spaghetti & her siblings were taken into rescue after they were surrendered to an overcrowded shelter. They are happy, confident little pups who are w…
Bully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc. • Chester, VA
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Loki: Not at the shelter (Tiffany)
If wide open dogs fit your life style, you might be ready for this energetic and SMART boy! In fact, is he too smart for you? Loki has a big voice, an…
Friends of Campbell County Animal Control • Rustburg, VA
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Zoey
Animal Information: Zoey is a 6 year old, 60 pound German Shepherd mix in need of a new home. She was adopted from Kitsap Humane Society three years a…
Dog Gone Seattle Rescue • Seattle, WA
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Gucci #2
Animal Rescue of the Rockies believes every pet should find a wonderful and caring home. To ensure Gucci #2 finds the best possible home, we ask you f…
Animal Rescue of the Rockies • Aurora, CO
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Kash
Meet Kash Kash is a 2-year-old German Shepherd mix with a solid foundation and a lot of potential. He already knows commands like sit and down, and hi…
Stamford Animal Control and Care • stamford, CT
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Gidget
Meet Gidget! This 9-month-old, 40pound bundle of fun is a real go-getter. Gidget is a curious, social butterfly who loves nothing more than to bound i…
Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA
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Penny
Penny may be a German Shepherd, but she seems to have missed the memo about how big she's supposed to be! This petite princess is small for the breed …
Fort Bend County Animal Services • Rosenberg, TX
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Caroline
Meet Caroline!! This beautiful girl is only 2 months old. She is a German Shepherd mix (maybe some Rottweiler in there??...we are not sure!). What we …
Berkeley County Humane Society • Martinsburg, WV
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Sophie
Sophie is a gentle, reserved German Shepherd looking for a calm home where she can finally exhale. She’s shy at first, but with patience and reassuran…
Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Maria • Santa Maria, CA
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Victor
Victor is a very loving, sweet, young (a little over 1 year) shepherd mix with soulful brown eyes who had a difficult start in life. Now he is looking…
All Shepherd Rescue • Baltimore, MD
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Aberdeen
Meet Aberdeen! Aberdeen is a happy-go-lucky girl who knows exactly how to have a good time! At just 1 year and 7 months old, she’s full of energy, per…
Bay Area Pet Adoptions/SPCA • San Leon, TX
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Lola
My name is Lola and here are some things my foster parents want you to know about me. I'm a little skittish but warm up quickly. I don't do well in a …
Southeast German Shepherd Rescue • New Hill, NC
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German Shepherd dogs by state
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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.
