Salty Spitoon
Meet Salty Spitoon, he is a funny loving boy. Shows lots of curiousity. untested with other dogs, cats or children. Requires dog-to-dog meet and greet…
Panhandle Animal Welfare Society • Fort Walton Beach, FL
German Shepherd Dogs for Adoption
3,664 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 2,701–2,730 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 91 of 123
Bailey 7309
Bailey 7309 (aka “Biggie”) is a five-year-old “King” Shepherd – a breed created by crossing a German Shepherd Dog with a Shiloh Shepherd. Biggie is a …
Virginia German Shepherd Rescue • Centreville, VA
Laurel Ears
Hi, we are are the ears siblings. We're cute little three month old puppies. We are Shepherd mixes with the cutest, tallest ears you've ever seen. We …
Rescue Rovers Dog Adoptions • Sandy, UT
Lucy Ears
Hi, we are are the ears siblings. We're cute little three month old puppies. We are Shepherd mixes with the cutest, tallest ears you've ever seen. We …
Rescue Rovers Dog Adoptions • Sandy, UT
Loky
This friendly and playful boy is a ball of energy, always ready to chase his favorite toys—especially balls—with endless enthusiasm. He’s eager to lea…
Adams County Animal Shelter • Brighton, CO
Everest Ears
Hi, we are are the ears siblings. We're cute little three month old puppies. We are Shepherd mixes with the cutest, tallest ears you've ever seen. We …
Rescue Rovers Dog Adoptions • Sandy, UT
Firulies
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Minnie
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
Tomato
My Kennel Persona Is Totally FakeMeet Tomato—More Sweet Pea Than Shelter Dog! Hi, I'm Tomato! I'm a 3-year-old velvet bear, and I recently got to spen…
Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation • Sacramento, CA
Sarah
Fort Bend County Animal Services • Rosenberg, TX
Bentley
Meet Bentley! A sweet four-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd currently in San Bernardino, CA, who is searching for a new loving home following the h…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Kaiser
City of Houston, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care • Houston, TX
Barkley
Lee County Domestic Animal Services • Fort Myers, FL
Rocco
Rocco is a sweet, playful puppy who does well with other dogs and is great in the car. He is house-trained and crate-trained, and while he can be nerv…
Burlington Adoption Center • Haw River, NC
Agatha
View this post on Instagram A post shared by City of San Bernardino Department of Animal Services (@sbcitypets)
San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA
Rusty
Meet Rusty ❤️ Rusty is a handsome 2-year-old shepherd mix with the sweetest eyes and the most loyal heart. He’s the perfect blend of playful and cuddl…
Paws of Love Animal Rescue • Dallas, TX
Carhartt
With his beautiful soft eyes, gentle tail wags and bottomless affection, Carhartt is ready to steal your heart! Carhartt is a 2 year old Shepherd mix,…
Rescue Ridge • Spring Lake, NJ
Frazzle
Walks, toys, treats, cuddles… why choose a favorite when you can love them ALL? I’m Frazzle (61675272), a beautiful 5 year old German Shepherd with a …
Collin County Animal Services • McKinney, TX
Faygo
This friendly bunch of German Shepherd mix puppies is full of charm, curiosity, and happy energy. They love people, enjoy playtime, and greet each new…
Pennington County Humane Society • Thief River Falls, MN
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.
