Shepherd Dogs for Adoption

964 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 931–960 of 964 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.

964 Shepherd dogs available — page 32 of 33

Photo of Koda 101125, adoptable Shepherd in Kimberton, Pennsylvania

Koda 101125

Shepherd MaleMediumYoung

Meet Koda! Breed: Lab/Border Collie Mix Estimated DOB: 06/07/2025 Sex: Male (neutered) Weight: 70 lbs Currently up to date on all age appropriate vacc…

To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc. • Kimberton, PA

Photo of Ozzy, adoptable Shepherd in Brooklyn, New York

Ozzy

Shepherd Male0 years

Meet Ozzy, the life of the party with the biggest personality and the most beautiful big blue eyes! At just 2–3 months old, Ozzy is a playful, energet…

Rescue City • Brooklyn, NY

Photo of Penny (Treasure Trio) 071826, adoptable Shepherd in Kimberton, Pennsylvania

Penny (Treasure Trio) 071826

Shepherd FemaleMediumBaby

Meet Penny! Breed: Shepherd Mix Estimated DOB: 03/10/2026 Sex: Female (spayed) Weight: 25-30 lbs Currently up to date on all age appropriate vaccinati…

To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc. • Kimberton, PA

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

Cabbage

Shepherd MaleLarge0 years

CABBAGE NEEDS A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Cabbage and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (8/23) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Silver …

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

Photo of Megan, adoptable Shepherd in Kennesaw, Georgia

Megan

Shepherd FemaleMediumest. 5–7 yrs

A DELIGHTFUL FRIEND: Approx. 5 years old / Approx. 28 lbs. Hi, I’m Megan! I came to Mostly Mutts after finding myself in need of a new home and family…

Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption, Inc. • Kennesaw, GA

Photo of Willow, adoptable Shepherd in Jefferson, New Jersey

Willow

Shepherd FemaleSmall0 years

Meet Willow, a sweet 4-month-old Shepherd mix who is more than ready to discover what it feels like to have a family of her own. Willow and her litter…

Save The Satos • Jefferson, NJ

Photo of Mikonos N, adoptable Shepherd in Inglewood, California

Mikonos N

Shepherd MaleMedium0 years

Meet Mikonos Male DOB: January 14, 2026 Weight: 18 pounds current and still growing Breed: Shepherd / Carolina Dog Mix Neutered (Fixed): Pending (age-…

Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA

Photo of Nyxie, adoptable Shepherd in Thief River Falls, Minnesota

Nyxie

Shepherd FemaleLargeYoung

Nyxie is a tender‑hearted girl who approaches the world with caution at first. New people, new places, and sudden changes can feel overwhelming to her…

Pennington County Humane Society • Thief River Falls, MN

Photo of Bean, adoptable Shepherd in Dana Point, California

Bean

Shepherd MaleMediumBaby

Bean (Boy)Bean is a bundle of sweetness with the cutest little face. He’s the kind of puppy that melts your heart instantly. Bean loves being held and…

Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA

Photo of Oliver, adoptable Shepherd in Oakland, California

Oliver

Shepherd MaleLarge2 years

Oliver – Affectionate, Happy, and Soft as Can Be Oliver is a 2-year-old Shepherd mix weighing 74 pounds, with a wonderfully sweet personality, a happy…

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

Photo of Keith, adoptable Shepherd in Corona, California

Keith

Shepherd MaleLarge0 years

Meet Keith, an adorable 5 month old Shepherd mix who currently weighs about 15 pounds. This gentle, playful pup has an independent spirit and loves sp…

I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA

Photo of Coco, adoptable Shepherd in Pasadena, California

Coco

Shepherd FemaleMedium2 years

#A5789245 Coco Meet Coco, a gentle sweetheart who's happiest right by your side! -2-year-old, spayed female -Shepherd / Retriever mix -Tan & black -52…

United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA

Photo of Nilla Wafer, adoptable Shepherd in Raleigh, North Carolina

Nilla Wafer

Shepherd FemaleLarge1 year

Some things are timeless... and Nilla Wafers are one of them. Just like the classic cookie, this beautiful white shepherd is sweet, comforting, and im…

Mitchell Mill Animal Hospital Rescue Inc • Raleigh, NC

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

Jordan

Shepherd MaleMedium0 years

JORDAN NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Jordan Best Guess for Breed: Shepherd and hound mix Best Guess for Age: 9 months as of August 2026 SEX: Male App…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

Photo of Ivan (I Pups), adoptable Shepherd in Brewster, New York

Ivan (I Pups)

Shepherd MaleMedium0 years

Name: Ivan*Age: Est DOB 3/12/26*Current Weight: 34.4 lbs + growing *Rescued from: Texas Fostered in: New York *Adoption fee: $550 (plus $150 spay/neut…

SNARR Northeast Animal Rescue • Brewster, NY

Photo of Beatrix, adoptable Shepherd in Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Beatrix

Shepherd FemaleLarge6 years

Hi! I’m Beatrix, your future best friend. My days are filled with gentle tail wags and smart tricks that keep everyone smiling. I love cuddling up for…

A Second Chance Puppies and Kittens Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL

Photo of Vince, adoptable Shepherd in Evansville, Indiana

Vince

Shepherd MaleLargeYoung

Currently located at our Owensboro, KY location Can you open your heart and home to this adorable rescue dog? Fostering is a rewarding experience that…

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

Photo of Walnut, adoptable Shepherd in Sunnyvale, California

Walnut

Shepherd MaleLargeYoung

Personality: friendly, playful Breed: shepherd mix Age: DOB 2/24/26 ​​Weight: ​​Sex: male Rescued from Fresno Co. Playful, bouncy and at times precoci…

Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA

Photo of Kya, adoptable Shepherd in La Verne, California

Kya

Shepherd FemaleLarge0 years

Meet Kya - The Spunky Sweetheart! Born on Christmas Day, Kya is a little holiday miracle wrapped in fur. She and her siblings came into this world und…

Our Underdog Rescue Squad • La Verne, CA

Photo of Murphy, adoptable Shepherd in MECHANICSBURG, Pennsylvania

Murphy

Shepherd MaleLarge0 years

Meet Murphy! Warning: This adorable face may cause you to fall in love! Murphy joined our rescue just two weeks ago, and now this handsome little guy …

Worthy Tails Animal Rescue • MECHANICSBURG, PA

Photo of Ira (I-Team) 071826, adoptable Shepherd in Kimberton, Pennsylvania

Ira (I-Team) 071826

Shepherd MaleMediumYoung

Meet Ira! Breed: Shepherd Mix Estimated DOB: 01/19/2026 Sex: Male (neutered) Weight: 35-40 lbs Currently up to date on all age appropriate vaccination…

To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc. • Kimberton, PA

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

Skye

Shepherd FemaleMedium2 years

SKYE NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Skye 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

Photos coming soon

Luna

Shepherd FemaleSmallYoung

Interested in adopting? Fill out an application at www.humanesocietywarrencounty.org For more information email info@humanesocietywarrencounty.org Sto…

Humane Society of Warren County • Front Royal, VA

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

Asteroid

Shepherd MaleLarge0 years

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

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

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.