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Luna
LUNA came to MOGS as an owner surrender at just 12 weeks old! She was diagnosed with EPI at 16 weeks and will require enzymes and other supplements fo…
Missouri German Shepherd Rescue • Kansas City, MO
German Shepherd Dogs for Adoption
3,705 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 2,101–2,130 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 71 of 124
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Betty
COURTESY POST Meet Betty. Betty is a stunningly gorgeous GSD. Betty is 5 years-old and is a very large GSD. Betty has many wonderful qualities, she is…
Help A Dog Smile • Phoenix, AZ
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Dior
Humane Society of Central Texas/City of Waco Animal Shelter • Waco, TX
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Sasha
Hi guys, I’m Sasha, the brown and black German Shephard mix and beauty in residence. I’m sizeable but gentle and easy to walk. I may chat with other d…
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches, Inc. • West Palm Beach, FL
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Knox
Hi, I'm Knox! I'm a fun-loving, energetic guy who is always ready for the next adventure. These days, I'm happy to be safe at M'Shoogy's while I wait …
M'Shoogy's Famous Emergency Animal Rescue • Savannah, MO
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Zara 6278
Zara 6278 really blossomed over the summer. She has put on some weight and eagerly looks forward to a pack walk….even with a man holding the leash (it…
Virginia German Shepherd Rescue • Centreville, VA
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Koda
KODA Koda loves laying in the sun, and being outside in the afternoons with her foster mom. She is exceptional at all basic commands, listens and resp…
Life Savers Animal Rescue • Polson, MT
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Tennessee
Tennessee is the embodiment of your ideal furry companion. A striking blend of Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd, he's just 7 years young and burst…
Justice for Samson Animal Rescue • Orange Grove, TX
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Murphy
Hi there, I’m Murphy. I’m a very sweet and loving ball of fur, and I’m truly a social butterfly! If you’d like to show me love, you can pet me on my h…
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches, Inc. • West Palm Beach, FL
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Tulane
Tulane is a shepherd mix who is just looking for a quiet home filled with love. Once he knows he's home and safe he loves nothing more than to nuzzle …
No Dog Left Behind • Brooklyn Center, MN
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Mandy
Mandy is a beautiful 3 year old female German Shepherd puppy who was dumped by a breeder because she was born without her left eye...but we think she …
Benevolent Animal Rescue Committee, Inc • Cherry Valley, CA
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Milia
Sponsorship for part of adoption fee! Needs to have family soon. I am a great house dog that likes to chill out with you. Ask about my discounted adop…
L&S Dog Diggity Rescue • San Antonio, TX
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Milo
Meet Milo! At almost 4 years old and 78 pounds, Milo is a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix who breaks the mold. Instead of being high-energy and c…
Silicon Valley Pet Project • San Jose, CA
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Sheba
Sheba is a sweet one- year-old German Shepherd mix girl. She has a black and cream coat, but her loving brown eyes under her tall erect ears are her s…
Home At Last Animal Haven • Godley, TX
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Sparky
Sparky is a super friendly boy who was born in mid-June to a sweet Shepherd mix mom. (Although his appearance resembles a heeler.) Sparky loves belly …
Home At Last Animal Haven • Godley, TX
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Oscar
This Shepherd mix has been with us since he was just 8 weeks old. Oscar is friendly, loving and would do best as the only dog in the home. He's been w…
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL
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Oliver
Oliver is a Shepherd mix who has been with us since he was just 8 weeks old. He's friendly, sweet and so ready to find a loving home of his own. Come …
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL
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Gipsy
This sweet girl is playful, loving and great with dogs, cats and kids. She is housebroken, knows basic commands and walks great on leash. Would do gre…
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL
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Ellie aka Eddy
Best dog ever. Dont miss out!!! I really need a family with another dog (or can be only dog) and a securely fenced yard. Great with dogs, cats and kid…
L&S Dog Diggity Rescue • San Antonio, TX
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Daisy
Daisy is a 6 year old German shepherd/husky mix. Not good with dogs was turned in from a home for not liking their husky. House trained, leash trained…
Beagles and Buddies • Apple Valley, CA
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Constantine
CONSTANTINE is the sweetest boy! He’s such an all-around good guy that he’s near to perfect. He loves people, and will walk right alongside you, give …
Tails of the City Animal Rescue • Los Angeles, CA
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Petra
Freedom German Shepherd Rescue • La Grange, NC
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Armadillo aka Armie
Armadillo is a shepherd mix that LOVES cuddles and kisses. This girl is hella smart! A local trainer noted Armi's attention to detail aka "ball drive,…
Pet Adoption Services, Inc • Kenner, LA
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Lager
NOTE: If you see this post, we are still taking applications. If interested, please visit our site directly rather than going thru a search engine lik…
S&L Animal Rescue, Inc. • Pittstown, NJ
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Kia Lia
Kia is an amazing girl. She is a German Shepard Boxer mix! This girl is still young and she is eager to please and ready to learn! She was in training…
Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA
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Evie
Meet Evie Female DOB: February 3, 2021 Weight: 50 lbs Breed: German Shepherd Spayed (Fixed) Vaccinated Microchipped Healthy & Adoption-Ready Evie has …
Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA
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Jasmine
Jasmine is currently at our Tarrytown, GA location. Jasmine is a beautiful and spunky girl. She was found as a stray at the local convenient store. Sh…
Southern Comfort Animal Rescue • Tarrytown, GA
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Ubba
Ubba is ready for his forever home! ODAAT was contacted about a found dog stray, after research we were able to determine that the dog had recently be…
One Dog at a Time ODAAT • Lewistown, PA
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.
