German Shepherd Adoption

What do you need to know before you adopt a German Shepherd? We asked the experts!


German Shepherd Hope Rescue says:
We would like all potential adopters of this noble breed, the German Shepherd, to do research on these great dogs. German Shepherd dogs are not for everyone.

If you are not willing to vacuum your house several times a week, a German Shepherd is not for you. They shed and they shed a lot! That being said, we cannot think of a more loyal, smart and loving breed of dog. They return so much more than we, as their human counterparts, could ever give them. Show them love and respect and they love and respect you twice as much!

German Shepherd dogs are very family oriented and need plenty of exercise.

More about German Shepherds:
Those who share their home with German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes frequently describe them as loving and loyal family companions. These dogs can be energetic and tranquil, playful and serious, courageous and protective. It is important that your German Shepherd is socialized with people and other animals at a young age and that he understands that the human is the pack leader.

The German Shepherd has long been considered one the smartest and most highly trainable breeds of dog. They are frequently used as police dogs, military dogs, service dogs and search and rescue dogs. That is because they truly excel at activities such as obedience, tracking and agility. These dogs often have a strong willingness to learn, a drive to have a job to do and a desire to perform their tasks to conclusion. Scent work and searching activities can be used as part of your dog's daily activity to satisfy their need for both physical and mental stimulation.

Dog breeds like German Shepherds that have a thick double coat will shed heavily at certain times of the year due to changing weather. This normally occurs in the spring and fall. German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes that that have inherited this coat require frequent brushing to minimize shedding.