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Polo
Polo is a vibrant and energetic German Shepherd with a playful spirit. At three years old, he is full of life and loves to stay active. Whether it's r…
Rose's Rescue • Rootstown, OH
German Shepherd Dogs for Adoption
3,705 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,951–1,980 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 66 of 124
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Wetherby
INFO: Meet Wetherby - one of our Long-Stay Legends! Our Long-Stay Legends have been at the shelter for over a year and it's time they find the homes t…
Long Beach Animal Care Services • Long Beach, CA
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Lily
Lily Is Ready for Her Love Story Located in Fredericksburg, VA ⭐ Lily's adoption fee is sponsored! ⭐ It's been a long time coming, but Lily is still w…
Southeast German Shepherd Rescue • New Hill, NC
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Shadow (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~5 years old. TBD if good with kids and dogs. Not good with cats. Johnny Vang Statesvil…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
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Greta (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~5 years old. Good with kids and dogs. Not good with cats. Kara Page Asheboro, NC lambe…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
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Cleo (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~1 year old. Not good with kids, dogs and cats. Alexis Phillips Salisbury, NC alexisvic…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
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Kota (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~2 years old. Good with kids and dogs. Not good with cats. Jennifer Hendricks Six Mile,…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Updated recently
Knox (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~1.5 years old. Good with dogs. Not good with young kids. Cats TBD. Morgyn McDaniel Mar…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Updated recently
Ginger (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~2 years old. Good with kids and dogs. Cats TBD. Betsy Burrell, Spartanburg, SC timburr…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
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Nalla (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~4 years old. Good with kids and dogs. Cats TBD. Nan Nunez Blythewood, SC nannesvig@gma…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
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Theo
♥️ Meet Theo ! I’m a 3-year-old, 75-lb German Shepherd mix with a light brown coat, black highlights, and a dark face mask. Neutered, fully vet…
Texas All Creatures Rescue • Lillian, TX
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Bob (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~2 years old. Good with dogs. Kids and cats TBD. Ashley Jones Greenville, NC akhjones7@…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Updated recently
Gunner
Update: I have spent some time in a Board and Train program and the trainer reported that I arrived as an insecure, untrained dog who really didn't kn…
Front Range German Shepherd Dog Rescue • Denver, CO
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Azura (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~2 years old. Good with kids and cats. Not good with dogs. Karyn Taylor Clover, SC tcta…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
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Alaska (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~1 year old. Good with kids and dogs. Cats TBD. Ayleen Ramirez Greensboro, NC ayleenm51…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
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Gretchen
Meet Gretchen! Gretchen is a beautiful female German Shepherd with a playful spirit and a heart full of love. She has done wonderfully with every dog …
Adopt A Dog Rescue • Phoenix, AZ
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Luna (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~5 years old. TBD if good with kids, dogs and cats. Zander Monroe Sylva, NC karma06monr…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
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Archer (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~3 years old. Good with kids. Not good with dogs and cats. Rachel Velez Clayton, NC arv…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Updated recently
Updated recently
Bluey (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~2-3 years old. TBD if good with kids, dogs and cats. Dawn Ortiz Gastonia, NC dawns.ort…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
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Bane (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~8 years old. Good with kids. Dogs and cats TBD. Matt Nicholls Gastonia, NC jetidia654@…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
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Aspen (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~5 years old. Good with kids and dogs. Not good with cats. Andrea McGovern Raleigh, NC …
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Updated recently
Osiris (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~1.5 years old. TBD if good with kids and dogs. Not good with cats. Thomas Shipley Monc…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Updated recently
Zeke (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~3 years old. Good with kids, dogs and cats. Derick Harris High Point, NC derick@harris…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Updated recently
Rocket (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~3 years old. Good with kids. Not good with cats. Dogs TBD. Chris Perez Charlotte, NC c…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Updated recently
Krypto (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~2-3 years old. Good with kids and dogs. Not good with cats. Cheyenne Gravley Greenwood…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Updated recently
Updated recently
Max (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~7 months old. TBD if good with kids, dogs and cats. Wendy Warner Boone, NC wwarner159@…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Updated recently
Jack (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~6 years old. Good with kids and dogs. Not good with cats. Amy Bliss Sneads Ferry, NC a…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Updated recently
Aang (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~4 years old. Good with kids, dogs and cats. Bridget Castro Jacksonville, NC b_leonard2…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
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.
