Updated recently
Ducky
Rescue Ranch puppies are raised through our puppy foster program. They will have met adults, children, often other dogs, maybe cats. 16-week or older …
Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA
Shepherd Dogs for Adoption
959 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 241–270 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 9 of 32
Updated recently
Harriet
Rescue Ranch puppies are raised through our puppy foster program. They will have met adults, children, often other dogs, maybe cats. 16-week or older …
Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA
Updated recently
Boudica
Rescue Ranch puppies are raised through our puppy foster program. They will have met adults, children, often other dogs, maybe cats. 16-week or older …
Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA
Updated recently
Billy
Rescue Ranch puppies are raised through our puppy foster program. They will have met adults, children, often other dogs, maybe cats. 16-week or older …
Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA
Updated recently
Sobaka
Meet Sobaka, a happy-go-lucky 5½-year-old girl weighing about 45-50 pounds. Her tail-wagging personality and friendly spirit make her impossible not t…
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
Updated recently
Tulsa
Meet Tulsa , a beautiful 6-year-old sweetheart weighing around 45-50 pounds. If you’re looking for a loyal best friend who just wants to be near her p…
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
Updated recently
AC - Major aka Ruger
Name: Major*Age: 5.5 years old*Current Weight: 69 lbs *Adoption fee: $400Meet Major! If you're looking for a best friend who can keep up with your adv…
SNARR Northeast Animal Rescue • Brewster, NY
Updated recently
Pita
The first step in the adoption process is to complete the application at www.emmetcountyanimalshelter.org*** Here they are.....the long awaited TOAST …
Emmet County Animal Shelter • Estherville, IA
Updated recently
Brioche
The first step in the adoption process is to complete the application at www.emmetcountyanimalshelter.org*** Here they are.....the long awaited TOAST …
Emmet County Animal Shelter • Estherville, IA
Updated recently
Sourdough
The first step in the adoption process is to complete the application at www.emmetcountyanimalshelter.org*** Here they are.....the long awaited TOAST …
Emmet County Animal Shelter • Estherville, IA
Updated recently
Jade
Jade is the momma to many little toasties! Now it’s her time to shine and be the baby again to someone lucky. Jade is a sweet, gentle, playful gal. Sh…
Emmet County Animal Shelter • Estherville, IA
Updated recently
Kora
AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER TO ADOPT – Meet Kora! Kora is ready to find her forever family! Born in early May, Kora is one of five puppies rescued from a cem…
Back The Blue Pet Rescue • Queen Creek, AZ
Updated recently
Anderson Alabama (m)
Meet Anderson! If you’re looking for a loyal companion with a gentle heart, Anderson just might be your perfect match. Anderson is a laid-back, easygo…
Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue • Nashville, TN
Updated recently
Rocco
Meet Rocco. Rocco is a young, energetic guy (around 1 year old) looking for a committed and experienced adopter to help him thrive. He is neutered, mi…
Humane Society of Warren County • Front Royal, VA
At Risk
Vera
Welcome Miss Vera! Vera came to DASH from a rescue partner in Kentucky where she was on the short list for euthanasia. She is currently in our DASH Pr…
Danielle's Animal Safe Haven • Ashville, OH
Updated recently
Luna
COURTESY LISTINGPlease Text Katja at 816-547-9197for more information! Luna is a sweet 4 yo snuggle bug. Approx 50 Lbs. She is spayed, chipped and cur…
Furry Kids Refuge • Lee's Summit, MO
Updated recently
Maya
MAYA NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Maya and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (9/6) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Alexandria (3351 Richmon…
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC
Updated recently
Brody
Hi, I'm Brody! I might be a bit shy at first, but give me a little time and I'll show you just how sweet I can be. I love quiet moments, especially if…
Humane Society of North Central Arkansas • Mountain Home, AR
Updated recently
Iris (I Pups)
Name: Iris *Age: Est DOB 3/12/26*Current Weight: 39lbs & growing *Rescued from: Texas Fostered in: New York *Adoption fee: $550 (plus $150 spay/neuter…
SNARR Northeast Animal Rescue • Brewster, NY
Updated recently
Penelope
Penelope is a sweet girl that loves to hike and run around with sticks. She came to us shy at first, but is warming up nicely. She walks well on a lea…
Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) • Columbus, IN
Updated recently
Floyd Dawgs : Orisa
Hi! I'm Orisa! If happiness had four legs and a wagging tail, I'm pretty sure it'd look a lot like me. I'm the kind of girl who greets you with full-b…
Stray Haven Inc • Aurora, IN
Updated recently
Floyd Dawgs : Juno
These four adorable siblings came to us from Floyd County Animal Shelter, where they had been growing up waiting for a chance at a forever home. Born …
Stray Haven Inc • Aurora, IN
Updated recently
Hobo
Hobo has been fostered repeatedly by the same family. Here are some of their comments. Hobo was a delightful houseguest from the start. He rides well …
Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA
Updated recently
Cricket #4
Please note this dog is NOT an official Underdog dog, and you will be connected with the person who has the dog. Please Contact Amaya, 480-793-5282, m…
Underdog Rescue of Arizona, LLC • Chandler, AZ
Updated recently
Tucker
Meet Tucker! Tucker is a handsome 3 year old Shepherd mix weighing approximately 66 pounds who has been patiently waiting for the fresh start and fore…
Rockwall Animal Adoption Center • Rockwall, TX
Updated recently
Ginger
Meet Ginger! Ginger is a 3-year-old mixed breed with a gentle heart and a quiet spirit. She came from a very difficult backyard situation, so the worl…
Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC
Updated recently
Reggie 43547
Reggie is an 1-year-old Shepherd mix who has already been neutered. He was brought in as a stray after being found out in the county. Reggie is brown …
Prattville Autauga Humane Society • Prattville, AL
Updated recently
Koda
UPDATE!!! ✨ Meet Koda! This handsome boy found himself as a stray and taken in by a Good Samaritan . He’s such a sweet boy. He’s a shepherd mix around…
Wags and Whiskers Animal Rescue League • Mobile, AL
Updated recently
Betty
Betty is a 40-pound shepherd mix with soft eyes, a gentle heart, and a quiet kind of bravery. Rescued from the streets of Baja, Mexico, she carries a …
Woofs and Wags Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
Updated recently
Raina
I am only 9 months old and I have the happiest personality. However, I did not have a great first few months. I had hot water dumped on me that caused…
A Second Chance Puppies and Kittens Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL
Shepherd dogs by state
Other breeds
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.
