Shepherd Dogs for Adoption

961 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 541–570 of 961 below.

About adopting a Shepherd

On a shelter listing, "Shepherd" is shorthand for a dog that looks like a herding type but cannot be pinned to a specific breed. It might be a German Shepherd cross, an Anatolian or Belgian mix, or a lean farm dog with upright ears and a long muzzle. The label is a guess about appearance, not a pedigree.

Whatever the exact heritage, dogs with this label commonly share a few traits: they are alert, bond strongly with their people, and want direction. A young shepherd type left without training or activity may become anxious or reactive. Socialization to strangers and other dogs, along with daily mental work, is the best investment for a puppy or adolescent.

Because the label is broad, energy and temperament vary. Some shepherd mixes are calm couch companions, others need a serious job. Look at the individual dog, not the word. Ask the shelter or rescue where the dog came from, how it behaves with people and animals, and what training it has received so far.

961 Shepherd dogs available — page 19 of 33

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Photo of Jigsaw, adoptable Shepherd in Wetumpka, Alabama

Jigsaw

Shepherd MaleLarge1 year

ADOPTION APPLICATION: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html . We respond via email to your apps so please add hselco@bellsou…

The Humane Society of Elmore County • Wetumpka, AL

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Photo of Jet, adoptable Shepherd in Wetumpka, Alabama

Jet

Shepherd MaleMedium1 year

ADOPTION APPLICATION: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html . We respond via email to your apps so please add hselco@bellsou…

The Humane Society of Elmore County • Wetumpka, AL

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Photo of Taffy, adoptable Shepherd in Elmsford, New York

Taffy

Shepherd FemaleLargeYoung

Birthdate: 03/26/2024Breed: One of a kindWeight: 55.6 lbsWatch My Videos: Bark Buddies Squeak Please! Meet Taffy! Like her namesake candy, Taffy is a …

Paws Crossed Animal Rescue Inc. • Elmsford, NY

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Photo of Alanis, adoptable Shepherd in Dallas, Texas

Alanis

Shepherd FemaleMediumest. 1–7 yrs

All HSDC, Humane Society of Dallas County, adoptable pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines upon adoption. The standard…

Dallas Pets Alive • Dallas, TX

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Photo of Ronan, adoptable Shepherd in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Ronan

Shepherd MaleMedium0 years

Meet Ronan! He is one of 6 Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog puppies that came to us from Alabama. These pups enjoy being around people. They are smart, …

Homeward Bound Animal Rescue • Mechanicsburg, PA

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Photo of Poppy, adoptable Shepherd in Washington, District of Columbia

Poppy

Shepherd MaleLarge0 years

POPPY NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Poppy Best Guess for Breed: Shepherd/Retriever mix Best Guess for Age: 9 weeks as of 9/3/2026 SEX: Male Estimated…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

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Photo of Gus, adoptable Shepherd in Washington, District of Columbia

Gus

Shepherd MaleMedium1 year

GUS NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Gus and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (9/6) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Alexandria (3351 Richmond …

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

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Photo of Frankie, adoptable Shepherd in Willingboro, New Jersey

Frankie

Shepherd FemaleMediumBaby

Meet Frankie! Frankie is a gorgeous 4-month-old puppy weighing about 22 pounds, and she is the sweetest little girl! Frankie and her siblings ended up…

Burlington County Animal Alliance • Willingboro, NJ

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Photo of Boca Raton, adoptable Shepherd in Phoenix, Arizona

Boca Raton

Shepherd FemaleMediumBaby

Hi! My name is Boca Raton from the Florida Cities Litter! I was brought to ATR on 8/20/26 after my mama was found pregnant as a stray. Now, we have a …

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Argus, adoptable Shepherd in Martinsburg, West Virginia

Argus

Shepherd MaleMedium0 years

Argus is a 4 to 5 month old Shepherd mix. He appears to do well with other dogs, but a 'meet and greet' is required. We do not know how he would do wi…

Berkeley County Humane Society • Martinsburg, WV

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Photo of Miramar, adoptable Shepherd in Phoenix, Arizona

Miramar

Shepherd FemaleMediumBaby

Hi! My name is Miramar from the Florida Cities Litter! I was brought to ATR on 8/20/26 after my mama was found pregnant as a stray. Now, we have a saf…

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Miami, adoptable Shepherd in Phoenix, Arizona

Miami

Shepherd FemaleMediumBaby

Hi! My name is Miami from the Florida Cities Litter! I was brought to ATR on 8/20/26 after my mama was found pregnant as a stray. Now, we have a safe …

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Jamie, adoptable Shepherd in Phoenix, Arizona

Jamie

Shepherd MaleLargeBaby

Hi! My name is Jamie from the Outlander Litter! I was brought to ATR on 8/5/26 with my siblings. Now, we have a safe and loving place to stay until we…

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Johana, adoptable Shepherd in Seattle, Washington

Johana

Shepherd FemaleMedium0 years

Animal Information: Johana is an adorable little shepherd mix that was brought in as a "stray" in southern CA, but is obvious that she has had positiv…

Dog Gone Seattle Rescue • Seattle, WA

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Photo of Jacksonville, adoptable Shepherd in Phoenix, Arizona

Jacksonville

Shepherd MaleMediumBaby

Hi! My name is Jacksonville from the Florida Cities Litter! I was brought to ATR on 8/20/26 after my mama was found pregnant as a stray. Now, we have …

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Juice, adoptable Shepherd in Hillside, Illinois

Juice

Shepherd MaleBaby

Gemma and her motorcycle boys have arrived. These good guy adorable pups are just lovable, fun, playful and cuddly! T hey are approximately 11 weeks o…

Magnificent Mutts Rescue • Hillside, IL

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Photo of Bobby, adoptable Shepherd in Hillside, Illinois

Bobby

Shepherd MaleBaby

Gemma and her motorcycle boys have arrived. These good guy adorable pups are just lovable, fun, playful and cuddly! T hey are approximately 11 weeks o…

Magnificent Mutts Rescue • Hillside, IL

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Photo of Piney, adoptable Shepherd in Hillside, Illinois

Piney

Shepherd MaleBaby

Gemma and her motorcycle boys have arrived. These good guy adorable pups are just lovable, fun, playful and cuddly! They are approximately 11 weeks ol…

Magnificent Mutts Rescue • Hillside, IL

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Photo of Raya, adoptable Shepherd in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Raya

Shepherd FemaleMedium0 years

Meet Raya! She is one of 6 Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog puppies that came to us from Alabama. These pups enjoy being around people. They are smart, …

Homeward Bound Animal Rescue • Mechanicsburg, PA

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Photo of Cole, adoptable Shepherd in Orangeburg, South Carolina

Cole

Shepherd MaleMedium2 years

WANTED: A Forever Family Who Can Keep Up with My Game of “Got Ya!” Name: Cole Status: Neutered | Heartworm negative | Dog friendly | Kid friendly Hey …

Maude Schiffley Chapter S.P.C.A. • Orangeburg, SC

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Photo of Grizzly, adoptable Shepherd in Orangeburg, South Carolina

Grizzly

Shepherd MaleLarge2 years

WANTED: A Forever Family for a Playful Teddy Bear Name: Grizzly Status: Neutered | Heartworm negative | Ready for adoption Hey there, I’m Grizzly—a fu…

Maude Schiffley Chapter S.P.C.A. • Orangeburg, SC

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Photo of Callie, adoptable Shepherd in Orangeburg, South Carolina

Callie

Shepherd FemaleLarge4 years

Hi, I’m Callie! I’m a sweet pup-adult with a heart full of love and a story full of hope. Life hasn’t always been easy—I was abandoned and even hit by…

Maude Schiffley Chapter S.P.C.A. • Orangeburg, SC

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Photo of Noodle, adoptable Shepherd in Evansville, Indiana

Noodle

Shepherd FemaleMedium1 year

Currently located at our Owensboro, KY location Meet Noodle! Noodle is a 1-year-old Shepherd mix who is fully grown and weighs 30 pounds. We are still…

It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue • Evansville, IN

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Photo of Jacob, adoptable Shepherd in Genesee, Wisconsin

Jacob

Shepherd MaleLargeBaby

Please go to our website, http://www.hoovershausealldogrescue.com/ to complete the adoption application. MUST BE 24 YEARS TO ADOPT!! Once your applica…

Hoovers Hause All Dog Rescue • Genesee, WI

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Photo of Sugar, adoptable Shepherd in Euless, Texas

Sugar

Shepherd FemaleMediumYoung

Hi. New bio for Sugar. Updated Meet Sugar! Sugar is a 6-month-old Black Mouth Cur/Boxer mix with the sweetest personality to match her name. She's gro…

Trinity GAP Club • Euless, TX

Adopting a Shepherd — FAQ

What does "Shepherd" mean on a shelter listing?

It means staff believe the dog has herding or guardian ancestry based on its build and coat, but could not name a specific breed. German Shepherd mixes are the most common reason for the label. Treat it as a description of looks, not a promise about behavior.

Are Shepherd mixes good family dogs?

Many Shepherd mixes make loyal, attentive family dogs, especially when they get consistent training and exercise. Some are wary of strangers or protective, so a calm introduction period helps. An adult with a known history around children and other pets is easier to assess than a puppy.

How much exercise does a Shepherd mix need?

A Shepherd mix usually needs moderate to high daily exercise plus mental challenges. A long walk alone rarely satisfies a young one, so add training games, scent work, or fetch. If the dog cannot settle at home after activity, it likely needs more thinking work rather than more running.

How do I adopt a 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 Shepherd dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?

Many 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 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 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 Shepherd instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a 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 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.