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German Shepherd Dog puppies and dogs in Santa Cruz, California

Looking for a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog in Santa Cruz, California? Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable German Shepherd Dog near you.

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Adopt a German Shepherd Dog near you in Santa Cruz, California

These German Shepherd Dogs are available in Santa Cruz, California.
We'll also keep you updated on KATIE & GRACE's adoption status with email updates.
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KATIE & GRACE

German Shepherd Dog

Female, 4 yrs 1 mo
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
MEET GRACE & KATIE, two beautiful,sweet & bonded black German Shepherds! Both of these lovely girls were rescued from a crowded California shelter, and they are very bonded. They have been waiting over a year for a home together. Grace & Katie are good with other dogs and lovely with people. Grace, the mama dog, is about 5-6 years old, and Katie is a 2-year-old girl now and growing up! Both girls have also done fairly well around cats but would need to be monitored. Katie weighs about 60-65 lbs, and Grace weighs about 71-75 lbs. They've waited a long time for a home because we are trying to place them together, so if you can open your home to two dogs, please email for an application. They also need a foster! We also offer discounted adoption fees for pairs.
We'll also keep you updated on RUFUS's adoption status with email updates.
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RUFUS

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 7 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Rufus!-6 month old male Shepherd mix-Came into the Shelter as part of a trio of pups born as an accidental litter-Outdoors primarily in their previous home so may need some patience in the transition into indoor living to work on life skills and manners such as house training and leash walking (both of which these pups are still new to)-Lived in a home with men and women previously -Favorite activities are playing-Takes time to warm up to new people and dogs but enjoys interacting and playing once they get to know each other-Confidence building is a must for these guys. With a dog savvy, patient adopter and lots of yummy treats, we anticipate they will make great progress Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.
We'll also keep you updated on COCO's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of COCO

COCO

German Shepherd Dog

Female, 3 yrs 1 mo
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Coco, the Shepherd mix. Coco came to the Shelter after her previous guardians were unable to continue caring for her. She arrived with her friend Cookie A295103 but is not recommended to go to the same home with her in her next steps due to some squabbles in the Shelter over resources. Her previous guardians described her as social and loyal. She lived outdoors entirely and slept in a dog igloo. Although a lot of modern day dog things are new to them – walking on leash, hanging out indoors as part of the family, etc.. Coco is taking it all in stride. Staff have observed that she has been confident and wags her tail when given attention. Coco does have history living with other dogs on the property. Any resident dogs should meet at the Shelter prior to adoption. We do not have any history of Coco with cats or children. Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.
We'll also keep you updated on COOKIE's adoption status with email updates.
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COOKIE

German Shepherd Dog

Female, 3 yrs 1 mo
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Cookie, the Shepherd mix. Cookie came to the Shelter after her previous guardians were unable to continue caring for her. She arrived with her friend Coco A295102 but is not recommended to go to the same home with her in her next steps due to some squabbles in the Shelter over resources. Her previous guardians described her as social and loyal. She lived outdoors entirely and slept in a dog igloo. Although a lot of modern day dog things are new to them – walking on leash, hanging out indoors as part of the family, etc.. Cookie is taking it all in stride. Staff have observed that she has been independent and demour. She may take some time to bond with new people but once she does, she sits nicely at their feet and allows pets. Cookie does have history living with other dogs on the property. Any resident dogs should meet at the Shelter prior to adoption. We do not have any history of Cookie with cats or children. Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.
We'll also keep you updated on SCOUT's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of SCOUT

SCOUT

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 3 yrs 1 mo
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
MEET SCOUT! Scout is a handsome 3-year-old German Shepherd mix in need of a foster or forever home. He was rescued from an overcrowded California shelter, where he was kenneled with another dog and did great. He especially seems to like females, and did well on a few meet-ups. Scout loves human attention and affection, and loves food! He would do great with an active person or people who can take him for walks, hikes or other outings. He weighs about 64 lbs.. If you are interested in fostering or adopting Scout, please email for an application. He's waited awhile for a home and deserves a home in the new year!
We'll also keep you updated on PRINCE*'s adoption status with email updates.
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PRINCE*

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 1 yr
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
-
Story
-

Or, how about these German Shepherd Dogs in cities near Santa Cruz, California

These German Shepherd Dogs are available for adoption close to Santa Cruz, California.
We'll also keep you updated on Tara M's adoption status with email updates.
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Tara M

German Shepherd Dog

Female, Adult
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Tara is a beautiful, 70 pound, long legged 4 year old kind, sweet and generous dog who is thriving in her foster home. Tara is a kind, sweet and generous dog who is thriving in her foster home. Tara quickly bonds to women but was unsure about men. Never showed any aggression but would bark and hide from them. Through the amazing patience and kindness from her male foster family members, Tara has learned that she can trust men, and is comfortable and playful around them. Watch Tara get the zoomies! Tara is smart and curious and is responding well to training. She is crate trained but sleeps quietly on her doggy bed and waits patiently until her family wakes up. Tara has great house manners. She doesn't chew inappropriately and stays off furniture. In the backyard, she doesn't dig and isn't destructive. Tara is not a demanding dog and happily waits until her foster family is ready to play. Tara loves walking and hiking and never pulls on the leash. She can be fussy when other dogs bark at her but is easily redirected. We think Tara would do best being an only dog. Tara learns quickly and is working hard on being the best canine citizen she can be! Tara is a level 3 dog. October 26, 2024, 6:53 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Sculley's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sculley

Sculley

German Shepherd Dog

Male
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Sculley, born in late 2017, is an energetic, healthy, well-loved boy who at 3 years old was picked up as a stray and adopted by a senior couple. Nearly 3 years later, Sculley's owners need to rehome him because they are experiencing long-term health issues. Sculley is a smart dog who loves people. While well-loved, he has had minimal training and exposure to the outside world. At 75 pounds, Skulley is easily stimulated and sometimes his excitement gets the best of him which sometimes results in him being jumpy and mouthy. Our GSRNC trainer and foster has been working with Skulley for several weeks and says he is going to blossom in an environment with consistent structure and training! Sculley loves to play! His favorite game is fetch. BUT, there are very specific rules to his game. The only things needed are two items to throw!!! Sculley's Rules of Playing Fetch: 1. You throw the first toy. 2. I retrieve and drop it. 3. You then immediately throw the next toy. 4. I retrieve and drop it. 5. Repeat rules 1-4, all day long. Sculley settles in nicely after his play sessions. He loves to snuggle in for pets, scratches, and belly rubs. He has good house manners, uses a dog door, sleeps in a crate and, for now, is getting used to his foster siblings through baby gates with no reactivity, other than he wants ALL the attention for himself. He also loves car rides!!! No cats for this boy, he will definitely chase them! Sweet, loveable, and smart Sculley has been given an opportunity for a redo in life. With some basic manners training, stimulation, daily walks, adventures, and fun play sessions, we are certain he will make a great, loving companion. Due to Skulley’s excitability, we recommend an adult-only home or one with older children. Skulley is patiently waiting for his new forever family. Is that with you? Sculley is a level 3 dog being fostered in the East Bay. October 26, 2024, 6:53 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Shadow Nose's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
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Shadow Nose

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
My name is Shadow Nose and I just know someone is out there for me! Shadow is a perfect sized 53 lb., spayed, 3 year old well-adjusted girl who was recently diagnosed with maegosophalus*. She is friendly and comfortable around adults, strangers, children, and other dogs. To everyone's delight, not only is she adorable, but Shadow Nose is affectionate, energetic, outgoing, and curious. Check out Shadow Nose tossing her toy around! Shadow is crate trained and can be left alone without incident. She does not nuisance bark, or dig, and is happy to keep herself occupied when she has toys to play with. Our evaluator found Shadow to be relaxed while watching her in a sit, stand, and stay position as well as walking on a leash. This cutie rolled over for belly rubs before hopping up with a big smile and wagging tail hoping to entice our volunteer in a game of fetch. Shadow has some formal training and responds well to many verbal commands. Given her sweet demeanor, it should not take long to transform her from being a mildly mannered playful pup to your loyal loving companion. GSRNC and Shadow Nose knows the perfect home is out there. Is it yours? Shadow is a level 3 special needs dog. *Megaesophagus is a condition that decreases mobility in the muscles of the esophagus which interferes with proper swallowing movement. As a result, Shadow will need a special family who can feed her in a Bailey's Chair (provided by GSRNC) every time she eats. The Bailey's chair is constructed with the primary goal of positioning the dog upright during meals, allowing gravity to aid in the digestion process.  October 26, 2024, 6:53 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Appa's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Appa

Appa

German Shepherd Dog

Male
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hello GSD lovers, my name is Appa. I am a 50 pound, black and tan, cute as a bug, male puppy who is playful, affectionate, curious, and VERY smart. In the short 6+ months since I was born, my life has been awesome but my owner is in a situation where I need to be rehomed and that is really scary! I'm sad, yet hopeful and excited because GSRNC has promised to find me a new family where I can continue to love, be loved, and grow to a ripe old age as a loyal companion. That's where you come in!!! Like all youngsters my age, I am energetic and outgoing, but rest assured, I will calm down and take long naps so you can get some work done. My very favorite things to do are to play fetch and take nature walks. I especially like riding in the car too. I have attended 2 puppy classes and mom continues to work with me on my doggy manners. Learning to walk on a leash without pulling was a piece of cake. I've also been working hard to master the sit, stay, down, come, and leave it commands. I will happily give you my paw and my newest trick is to "look" at mom when she asks! Here is some great news: I'm housebroken and will let you know when I need to go outside. Although I'm not crate trained, I have been taught to sleep in my pen. I don't mind relaxing in it for a couple of hours at a time either. I am calm around strangers and children as long as they are kind and let me smell them first. I am beginning to find my voice and will bark at new situations. The GSRNC folks say that I need a patient owner that understands puppy behavior to provide reassurance that this world is a super fun place. I don't have a yard, so mom takes me out for exercise. We meet lots of dogs while we're out and I seem to like them. I might bark at my new friends to get them to play with me but I've notice that some dogs don't like that. When mom was asked what her favorite things are about me, she said I have a curious nature, protective traits, and I am playful, loving and a quick learner. Appa is new to our program so keep checking back for updates. We are excited to find him a wonderful home with or without other fur siblings. Because of his age and size, we recommend a household with older kids. Appa is a level 4 dog and the adopters need to be puppy approved. October 26, 2024, 6:53 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Abbie Q's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Abbie Q

Abbie Q

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
My name is Abbie. I am a healthy and petite, 55 lb., 1 year old black and tan GSD girl, who is sprinkled with a little bit of husky. It's my hope that you will read on and find that I am the perfect fit for your family. The very best day of my short life was about 3 months ago when I was rescued from a scary shelter. But as luck has it, my mom’s work/travel schedule is more than she anticipated so thinks it will be better for me if I found a new family. Rest assured, I’m still getting lots of love and we are continuing to work on basic commands so that I’m ready for my forever home. Being the youngster that I am, I still have a lot of puppy tendencies. You will find that I'm energetic, outgoing, curious, playful, affectionate, and somewhat aloof. Oh, I am a very smart girl and know basic commands like sit, stay, come, no, and drop. It’s a blast working on this and getting attention for being a good canine citizen! I love to take walks and meet new people, other dogs too! I get very excited with any interaction. As a result, I will need to be in an adult household or with a family who has older children because I wouldn’t want to knock little ones down and accidentally hurt them. When meeting other dogs, the energetic and vocal side of me comes out. I’ve heard people say that some dogs don’t appreciate my exuberance so am hoping my new family will teach me some socialization skills! I am house broken and crate trained. After being saved at the shelter, I started showing anxiety and we realized just how important it was for me to be with my person. Mom would leave me in my crate when she went places and upon her return, I would be sooo excited. I know someday I will settle down so please don’t fault me for wanting to be close to you. I hope my new family will treasure the affectionate side of me and have patience while we learn to trust each other. For fun, I enjoy chewing my toys, playing fetch, taking walks, and riding in the car. But really, I actually like to do anything that involves being with my people. Abbie is a level 4 dog. She is new to the program to be sure to check back periodically for updates as we all get to know her better. October 26, 2024, 6:53 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Hallelujah's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Hallelujah

Hallelujah

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Your New Best Friend: Hallelujah ! Say hello to “Halle”, a sweet and bouncy year old pup with a heart full of love and a playful spirit. Halle is the kind of dog who makes you smile just by being her happy, goofy self. She’s a social butterfly with other dogs and has a great sense of humor when playing or learning her boundaries—she’s quick to take corrections and bounce right back with a wagging tail. Halle loves a good game of fetch, but she’s not overly obsessed—she’ll happily move on to the next fun thing. She’s curious about cats and, with positive guidance, is on track to being a very good kitty companion. At about 90% house-trained, Halle is working hard on her potty skills and does great with a dog door. She’ll need a little extra patience in homes without one, but she’s eager to learn and make her people happy. Her first home didn’t give her many options for going outside, so she’s adjusting to this new routine like a champ. This snuggle bug adores human touch and will happily curl up with you for pets and cuddles. She can be a little nervous around new people, especially men, but with patience and reassurance, she warms up quickly. Halle is also getting more comfortable with car rides—she may not love hopping in at first, but once she’s settled, she’s just fine. If you’re looking for a soft, snuggly, and fun-loving companion who’s great with dogs, shows promise with cats, and will be your loyal friend for life, Halle might just be the perfect match for you. Come meet this darling girl and see if she’s the missing piece to your family! Halle is a level 3 dog January 15, 2025, 2:41 pm

These pups are in Santa Cruz, California too!

Below are our newest added German Shepherd Dogs available for adoption in Santa Cruz, California. To see more adoptable German Shepherd Dogs in Santa Cruz, California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria!
We'll also keep you updated on GINGER*'s adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of GINGER*

GINGER*

Belgian Malinois

Female, 1 yr 8 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Ginger!-1 year, 6 month old Malinois mix (Malinois is just a guess!)-Weighs 55lbs-In foster with a couple and their XL breed male dog and thriving!-Loves to play fetch, go for hikes and play with the resident dog-Enjoys a good sunbathing session like the CA girl she is-Knows “sit” and “down”-House trained and crate trained-Not recommended to live in a home with cats Ginger’s foster parent says: ”Ginger is a happy, spirited girl who’s ready to find her forever home! With lots of love to give, she’s full of personality and charm, making her the perfect companion for an active family.”Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.
We'll also keep you updated on BENTLEY's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of BENTLEY

BENTLEY

Belgian Malinois

Male, 1 yr 10 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Bentley, the Malinois mix. Bentley came to the Shelter after his previous guardian was unable to continue caring for him. Bentley was described by his previous guardian as a sweet, sweet boy. He can be a little shy at first with new people but once he warms up – he sticks to his person and is described as a Velcro dog. At the Shelter, staff have observed that he walks nicely on leash, leans in for pets and almost wants to get into your lap for attention. Bentley has lived with other dogs previously and enjoyed interacting with them. A home with another dog may be a fit but they are recommended to meet at the Shelter prior to adoption. We do not have any history of Bentley in a home with children or cats. He has been around exotic birds who were caged in a previous home. Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.

Search for a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable German Shepherd Dog puppies and adults German Shepherd Dog in Santa Cruz, California.

German Shepherd Dog puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Related breeds in Santa Cruz, California

German Shepherd Dog shelters & rescues in Santa Cruz, California

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for German Shepherd Dog puppies in Santa Cruz, California. Browse these German Shepherd Dog rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Shelter

2.5 miles

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

1001 Rodriguez Avenue, Santa Cruz, 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, farm animals, horses, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Rescue

2.5 miles

Freedom Ride Rescue Inc. - Santa Cruz (CA)

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

4 miles

Santa Cruz SPCA

2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

4.2 miles

German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California

P.O. Box 1930, Cupertino, CA 95010

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

8.4 miles

Redwood Coast German Shepherd Rescue, Inc.

Ben Lomond, CA 95005

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

14 miles

Mutt Luv Rescue Los Gatos

LOS GATOS, CA 95030

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

18.9 miles

The Perfect Dog

PO Box 361441, Milpitas, CA 95036

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

20.4 miles

One Planet Rescue - CA Chapter

San Jose, CA 95124

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

23.7 miles

Thulani Senior German Shepherd Rescue

Cupertino, CA 95014

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

24 miles

San Jose Animal Care Center

2750 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95111

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

If you're not seeing what you're looking for, try our shelter and rescue search. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

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Want to learn more about adopting a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog?

We've got all the info you need on adopting and caring for a German Shepherd Dog puppy. Check out the links below for everything you ever wanted to know about German Shepherd Dog puppies and adults.

German Shepherd Dog basics

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Where do German Shepherd Dogs come from? How many types of German Shepherd Dogs are there? From the history of the breed to question about average height, weight and size, brush up on these basic facts about the German Shepherd Dog.

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