Shepherd Dogs for Adoption

961 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 571–600 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 20 of 33

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Photo of Baymax, adoptable Shepherd in Georgetown, Kentucky

Baymax

Shepherd MaleLarge2 years

Meet Baymax a 2yr old male Shepherd mix weighing 57.4lbs. This gorgeous boy is the perfect combination of playful and sweet. Baymax is very smart and …

Scott County Animal Care and Control • Georgetown, KY

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Photo of Eva, adoptable Shepherd in Rockville, Maryland

Eva

Shepherd FemaleMedium2 years

Name: Eva Sex: Female Estimated Age: About 3 years old Best Guess for Breed: Shepherd Mix Weight: About 50 lbs Lives With: Dogs, cats and people! Hous…

Petey and Furends • Rockville, MD

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Photo of Orchid D6009, adoptable Shepherd in Fremont, California

Orchid D6009

Shepherd FemaleSmallYoung

Update 9/4/26: Orchid will be returned. As the only dog in the home with 2 kids she started to play nip or herd their younger daughter. She needs a ho…

Furry Friends Rescue • Fremont, CA

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Photo of Kona 44264, adoptable Shepherd in Prattville, Alabama

Kona 44264

Shepherd FemaleMediumBaby

Kona is a 3-month-old female Shepherd/Lab mix who, along with her litter, was found as a stray in the county. She has striking black and brown marking…

Prattville Autauga Humane Society • Prattville, AL

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Photo of Candy, adoptable Shepherd in Fort Pierce, Florida

Candy

Shepherd FemaleLargeYoung

She is Your Loyal Catch-Loving Companion! German Shepherd with a big heart and an even bigger love for playing catch! This 75-pound sweetheart is the …

Rescue Adoption Inc. • Fort Pierce, FL

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Photo of Dandelion, adoptable Shepherd in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Dandelion

Shepherd Female1 year

Meet Dandelion, the loveliest 1-year-old Shepherd mix you'll ever lay eyes on! This sweet pup is just the sweetest thing, with a heart of gold and a p…

Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC

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Photo of Lilith, adoptable Shepherd in Holly Springs, North Carolina

Lilith

Shepherd FemaleMedium0 years

Lilith is the only female in the bunch and is very loving and energetic. She will climb out of her puppy pen so she needs a crate to sleep in. She enj…

Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC

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Photo of Phoenix, adoptable Shepherd in Willingboro, New Jersey

Phoenix

Shepherd FemaleMediumBaby

Phoenix is a beautiful, happy 4-month-old puppy weighing about 15 pounds, and she is ready to find her forever family! Phoenix and her siblings ended …

Burlington County Animal Alliance • Willingboro, NJ

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Photo of Brianna, adoptable Shepherd in Phoenix, Arizona

Brianna

Shepherd FemaleLargeBaby

Hi! My name is Brianna 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 …

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

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Photo of Phoenix, adoptable Shepherd in Burlingame, California

Phoenix

Shepherd MaleMedium1 year

FOSTER CARE! Awooooo, my name is Phoenix and I was meant to soar! I'm a 1 year old, neutered male Shepherd mix and I weigh around 53 pounds. I am a yo…

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA • Burlingame, CA

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Photo of Expresso, adoptable Shepherd in Granbury, Texas

Expresso

Shepherd FemaleMedium0 years

AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 8 NOON-3:00 P.M.Expresso is a beautiful girl with that dark brown with some brindle spots fur. She’s 3.5 months old & currently…

Friends for Animals Adoption Shelter • Granbury, TX

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Photo of Charlie, adoptable Shepherd in Willingboro, New Jersey

Charlie

Shepherd MaleSmallBaby

Charlie is a happy, sweet 4-month-old puppy weighing about 20 pounds, and he is ready to find his forever family! Charlie and his siblings came into a…

Burlington County Animal Alliance • Willingboro, NJ

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Photo of Brooke, adoptable Shepherd in Genesee, Wisconsin

Brooke

Shepherd FemaleLargeBaby

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 Lenox, adoptable Shepherd in Germantown, Ohio

Lenox

Shepherd MaleMedium0 years

Lenox is a 8-month-old, 36 lb. German Shepherd/Huskie mix with a huge personality and plenty of puppy energy to share! This young pup is always ready …

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

Photo of Hunny, adoptable Shepherd in Webster, Wisconsin

Hunny

Shepherd FemaleLarge2 years

If you would like to meet me, please visit our website and complete the pre-adoption application. Once it has been processed then we can make a date t…

Humane Society of Burnett County • Webster, WI

Photo of Flint, adoptable Shepherd in Genesee, Wisconsin

Flint

Shepherd MaleMediumBaby

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

Photo of Roger, adoptable Shepherd in Phoenix, Arizona

Roger

Shepherd MaleLargeBaby

Hi! My name is Roger 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

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

Pebble

Shepherd FemaleLarge0 years

PEBBLE NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Pebble Best Guess for Breed: Shepherd/Retriever mix Best Guess for Age: 9 weeks as of 9/3/2026 SEX: Female Estim…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

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

Dobby

Shepherd MaleMedium2 years

DOBBY NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!Come meet Dobby and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (8/23) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Silver Spring (12020 Ch…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

Photo of Damien, adoptable Shepherd in Sedalia, Colorado

Damien

Shepherd MaleLargeYoung

This pup will be available to meet starting on 5/30Meet Damien, the goofy poolside heartthrob who somehow manages to be both the class clown and the b…

4 Paws 4 Life Rescue • Sedalia, CO

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

Rocko

Shepherd MaleLarge0 years

ROCKO NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Rocko and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (8/23) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Silver Spring (12020 …

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

Photo of Poptart, adoptable Shepherd in Hillside, Illinois

Poptart

Shepherd FemaleBaby

Poptart is a hunk of a chunk arrived all by herself to rescue. She is such a cutie! She is approximately 12 weeks old and weighs between 14-16lbs. She…

Magnificent Mutts Rescue • Hillside, IL

Photo of Mr. Wonderful, adoptable Shepherd in Germantown, Ohio

Mr. Wonderful

Shepherd MaleMedium3 years

Meet Mr. Wonderful! This 3 year old shepherd mix who is a calm, mild mannered, medium energy dog - he would fit in great with any family. His foster c…

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

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.