Shepherd Dogs for Adoption

959 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 211–240 of 959 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.

959 Shepherd dogs available — page 8 of 32

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

Flarry

Shepherd MaleLarge0 years

FLARRY NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Flarry Best Guess for Breed: Shepherd and Plott hound mix Best Guess for Age: 7 months as of August 2026 SEX: Ma…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

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Photo of Kiwi, adoptable Shepherd in Carrollton, Georgia

Kiwi

Shepherd FemaleMedium3 years

Kiwi is a 3 year old Shepherd / Boxer mix with an irresistible smile, an adorable black face, and a heart overflowing with love. This super sweet girl…

Carroll County Animal Shelter • Carrollton, GA

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Photo of Sandy, adoptable Shepherd in Bellevue, Washington

Sandy

Shepherd FemaleLarge0 years

Meet Sandy! This wonderful Shepherd mix girl is so gentle and kind. She has such a sweet temperament. She did not come from great beginnings and was q…

Saving Great Animals • Bellevue, WA

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

Nero

Shepherd MaleMedium1 year

NERO NEEDS A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Nero Best Guess for Breed: Shepherd mix Best Guess for Age: 1 year as of July 2026 SEX: Male Approximate…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

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

Vale

Shepherd FemaleMedium2 years

VALE NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Vale Best Guess for Breed: Shepherd and retriever mix Best Guess for Age: 2 years as of July 2026 SEX: Female Appr…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

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Photo of Bo, adoptable Shepherd in Roswell, Georgia

Bo

Shepherd MaleLarge1 year

Meet Bo, a handsome 1-year-old Shepherd/Hound mix weighing in at 72 pounds! Bo is a loving, curious, playful young guy with a medium energy level and …

Barkville Dog Rescue • Roswell, GA

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Photo of Tilly, adoptable Shepherd in Williamsburg, Iowa

Tilly

Shepherd Female1 year

Meet Tilly! ❤️ Tilly is a beautiful Lab, Shepherd, and Husky mix who came to us as an owner surrender after her previous family was no longer able to …

Safe Haven of Iowa County • Williamsburg, IA

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Photo of Alice, adoptable Shepherd in Williamsburg, Iowa

Alice

Shepherd FemaleX-Large6 years

Meet Alice! ❤️ Alice is a beautiful Shepherd/Great Pyrenees/Mastiff mix who is beginning a new chapter in her life. She came to us as an owner surrend…

Safe Haven of Iowa County • Williamsburg, IA

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Photo of Mabel, adoptable Shepherd in Bloomingdale, New Jersey

Mabel

Shepherd FemaleMediumYoung

Get ready to fall in love with the one and only Mabel, a young female pup who's a bundle of joy and a true friend! This clever girl is a playful soul,…

Bloomingdale Regional Animal Shelter Socety, Inc. • Bloomingdale, NJ

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

Luna

Shepherd FemaleLarge1 year

Luna is a 1½-year-old, 80-pound "velcro dog" who loves being close to her people and will happily follow you from room to room. Luna is incredibly swe…

Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC

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Photo of Biscuit, adoptable Shepherd in Jackson Township, New Jersey

Biscuit

Shepherd MaleMediumBaby

Biscuit is the last her litter! She came to us around 2 weeks old as a bottle baby. Her litter dubbed the Sam's Club Litter was found at a Sam's Club.…

No Paw Left Behind Animal Rescue • Jackson Township, NJ

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

Cooper

Shepherd MaleMedium2 years

COOPER NEEDS A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Cooper Best Guess for Breed: Shepherd and Plott hound mix Best Guess for Age: 2 years as of July 2026 …

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

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Photo of Sam, adoptable Shepherd in Rockville, Maryland

Sam

Shepherd FemaleMedium0 years

Name: Sam Sex: Female Estimated Age: 3 months old (as of 8/5) Best Guess for Breed: Shepherd Mix Weight: About 10 lbs (as of 8/5) Lives With: Dogs, ca…

Petey and Furends • Rockville, MD

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Photo of Chillie, adoptable Shepherd in San Diego, California

Chillie

Shepherd FemaleMedium0 years

Meet Chillie! Chillie was rescued from the streets of Ensenada by one of our rescue partners, who lives in Baja. She is currently fostering Chillie in…

Animal Rescuers Without Borders • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Kootenay, adoptable Shepherd in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

Kootenay

Shepherd MaleLarge2 years

Woof! My name is Kootenay but my foster mom calls me Koot and my foster dad calls me Crash Van Koot, but I answer to almost anything because I want to…

No Dog Left Behind • Brooklyn Center, MN

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Photo of Kirby, adoptable Shepherd in Normal, Illinois

Kirby

Shepherd MaleMedium1 year

Meet Kirby, a 1-year-old Shepherd mix who tips the scales at about 58 pounds of goofy charm and youthful energy. Kirby is the kind of dog who wakes up…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

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Photo of Winnie, adoptable Shepherd in Amarillo, Texas

Winnie

Shepherd FemaleMediumBaby

Winnie is about 1 year of age. She appears to be Shepherd/Terrier mix of some sort. She is medium sized and coloring is tan with white. Winnie was sur…

Amarillo SPCA • Amarillo, TX

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Photo of Scout, adoptable Shepherd in Jefferson, New Jersey

Scout

Shepherd FemaleMedium0 years

Scout was rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico and adopted as a 3 month old puppy. Unfortunately she was just returned for having too much energy. …

Save The Satos • Jefferson, NJ

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Photo of Kenny, adoptable Shepherd in Franklin, Tennessee

Kenny

Shepherd MaleMedium2 years

Kenny is the kind of dog who lives life with his whole heart. This 2-year-old, 57-pound Shepherd mix wakes up each day ready for his next adventure, w…

Critter Cavalry Rescue • Franklin, TN

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Photo of Nepal, adoptable Shepherd in Carrollton, Georgia

Nepal

Shepherd MaleMedium1 year

Nepal is a 9 month old male Shepherd mix with a sweet smile and big heart. Friendly, lovable, and always happy to make a new friend, this handsome med…

Carroll County Animal Shelter • Carrollton, GA

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Photo of Tibet, adoptable Shepherd in Carrollton, Georgia

Tibet

Shepherd MaleMedium1 year

Tibet is an 11 month old male Shepherd mix with a heart every bit as beautiful as his soulful eyes. This sweet, gentle boy has a quiet way of making y…

Carroll County Animal Shelter • Carrollton, GA

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Photo of Murray, adoptable Shepherd in Carrollton, Georgia

Murray

Shepherd MaleMedium1 year

Murray is a 10 month old male Shepherd mix with a handsome wavy black coat, bright white highlights, and the kind of soulful eyes that will melt your …

Carroll County Animal Shelter • Carrollton, GA

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Photo of Chunky, adoptable Shepherd in Rutherfordton, North Carolina

Chunky

Shepherd MaleLargeYoung

If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoo…

Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue • Rutherfordton, NC

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Photo of Milo, adoptable Shepherd in San Diego, California

Milo

Shepherd MaleMedium0 years

Handsome Milo is a 9 Month Old Shepherd Mix that weighs 38 lbs and a beautiful brown/black coat. He will probably grow a bit more but not much so will…

Woofs and Wags Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Silanity, adoptable Shepherd in Evansville, Indiana

Silanity

Shepherd FemaleMediumYoung

Currently located at our Evansville, IN location Meet Silanity! Silanity is a beautiful Shepherd mix who is around 1 year old and ready to find her fo…

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

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Photo of Ella, adoptable Shepherd in Seattle, Washington

Ella

Shepherd Female2 years

Animal Information: Ella is an estimated 2 year old 70 lb spayed female shepherd mix who was adopted as a puppy from the shelter and returned when the…

Dog Gone Seattle Rescue • Seattle, WA

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Photo of Arlo, adoptable Shepherd in Hudson, New York

Arlo

Shepherd MaleMedium1 year

I’m Arlo! I’m a 1- year old male Shepherd mix that weighs around 48-pounds. I have a gorgeous silvery and tan coat. I am incredibly shy with new peopl…

Hudson Paws Dog Rescue • Hudson, NY

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.