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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.

Picture of German Shepherd Dog

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 Leo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Leo

Leo

German Shepherd Dog Husky

Male, Adult
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hello! We are looking to rehome our sweet boy Leo. He is maybe 3-5 years old. He is a quiet, big hyper dog. He loves people and dogs! Leo needs a family that has the time to give him the attention he deserves. He needs a fenced in yard (he will escape if not fenced in) with no young kids. Ideally a young active couple. He is most trusted on leash. He likes to play with dogs but he does not have the social cues to know when a dog has had enough. He will be food aggressive towards kids and dogs. He likes to play with his paws with dogs and humans. We got him from a friend about 2 years ago who got him from a Shelter. In his shelter papers I read that he was hit by a car and had bite wounds on him. I have noticed he is very afraid of moving cars on our walks. He loves people, food, running and playing. He is very friendly and loving to everyone! He just needs a home that has more time for him than we can give him right now.
We'll also keep you updated on Isha and Hans's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Isha and Hans

Isha and Hans

German Shepherd Dog Belgian Malinois

Female, Young
Scotts Valley, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
We made one profile so we could stay together and stay best friends! Isha and Hans are two good looking and good hearted dogs, who love to be connected to people. Isha, 50lbs, almost 4yrs old, half Belgian Malinois half a mix of various shepherds based on test. She's a super smart and athletic dog with some training and would be happy to learn more. Hans, 90lbs sable shepherd with AKC lineage, almost 3yrs old and a bundle of goofy fun. He has basic training, loves to be active and chase Isha but is also very content to stay by your side and smile the day away. They would thrive in a home with land or at least a big fenced in yard to run in, and plenty of shade during the hot summers. They are comfortable staying outside all day but are house trained, and sleep inside, not on beds or couches. They are crate trained, neutered + fixed, and ready for you! Ideally you are in Santa Cruz county or close by, as I'd be happy to dog sit for you when you're away on vacation.
We'll also keep you updated on ROCKY's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of ROCKY

ROCKY

German Shepherd Dog

Male, 11 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Rocky! This handsome GSD mix came into the Shelter with another dog (who has since been adopted). Prior to Shelter life, Rocky hadn`t experienced much outside of his home. Understandably, arriving at the Shelter was a bit of a shock to the system. After some time and patience with staff and volunteers - Rocky began to show his true colors and was a goofy, playful boy. You can see him going on walks with volunteers or playing with other adoptable dogs at the Shelter. A home with a confident canine companion may be a fit but any potential suitors should meet at the Shelter prior to adoption. Rocky has lived in a home with children infant age to teenagers. A home with kids may be a fit. We do not have any history of Rocky in a home with cats or small animals.
We'll also keep you updated on DAKOTA*'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of DAKOTA*

DAKOTA*

German Shepherd Dog Husky

Female, 6 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
-
We'll also keep you updated on MILLER*'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of MILLER*

MILLER*

German Shepherd Dog Border Collie

Male, 1 yr 4 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
-
We'll also keep you updated on PRINCESSA's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of PRINCESSA

PRINCESSA

German Shepherd Dog

Female, 11 yrs 8 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
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 Heidi S's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Heidi S

Heidi S

German Shepherd Dog

Female
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
In the Spring of 2022, Heidi found herself on the intake list at the Stanislaus County Shelter picked up as a stray. Little did she know this was the beginning of an amazing journey to a second chance in life. Heidi was scared, hungry, and confused, but her sweet demeanor shone through and she passed her behavioral evaluation with flying colors. Poor, sweet Heidi was extremely underweight, suffering from GI issues, and had kennel cough. A few months later GSRNC answered her rescue plea and within 2 months of being fostered, this lucky girl had a new home. Her adopters fell for Heidi because she was super affectionate, playful, and non-destructive. They learned she was a little cautious with strangers at first but that didn’t last very long! Her extreme intelligence coupled with a love for treats made training lots of fun for the whole family. All the boxes were checked! As they got to know Heidi, the new adopters discovered that she had a high prey drive and could be dog-reactive. Anything small and furry was fair game (excuse the pun). This was a deal-breaker for her new mom and dad who decided to return her to GSRNC. No problem – resilient and charming Heidi was quickly scooped up by another incredible foster! Now 6 years old and 75 lbs., Heidi has settled in nicely with her new foster family. They love that this beautiful girl wants nothing more than to share love and affection with them. They are thrilled she has exceptional manners and lives to please. Heidi has learned to trust and now greets people of all ages with a gentle, yet enthusiastic reception. When asked what is so appealing about Heidi, her fosters say “she is just so snuggly!” Proud Heidi wants you to see all the boxes she checks now! I love: * Taking walks (she says this is a must) * Going on car rides especially if it includes new adventures * Showing off my good manners * Chasing squirrels and cats, it is just too much fun! I am: * House-broken * Crate-trained * Not a puller and walk nicely on a leash * Still a little reactive to dogs but am easily redirected * Possibly amenable to a sibling but honestly, I would love being an only dog! Heidi is a level 3 dog living in the South Bay who wants nothing more than to become the newest member of your active family. July 21, 2024, 6:26 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Tara M's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Tara M

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. July 21, 2024, 6:26 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Cyrus H's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Cyrus H

Cyrus H

German Shepherd Dog

Male, Young
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
Cyrus is a handsome 4+-year-old male who GSRNC brought into our program as a puppy in July 2020. He is a very playful, energetic, loveable, and affectionate boy, who immediately was adopted. His owners loved him but found he was a bit too playful with his senior dog pal. We are on a quest to find the perfect home for this boy who the foster describes as “a sweetheart and real lovebug.” Read what Cyrus wants you to know about him: -I am super handsome and just over 4 years old. -I always have a big smile! -I am an 85 lb bundle of energy with soft thick fur who loves to be brushed. -I walk well on a leash and enjoy going on hikes, neighborhood walks and runs. -I love car rides! -I get along well with other dogs but play rough so need a high energy fur sibling with a similar play style. -I haven’t had any experience with cats. -I am more interested in hanging out with my people and relaxing than playing with toys. I probably should have been named "Shadow" -I am housebroken, know my basic commands and I will sleep in a crate at night. But I don’t like being crated during the day. -I show no food aggression and take treats with a soft mouth. -I just got a foster home and am perfecting being the perfect family dog! Watch Cyrus making friends in his obedience class! and then Check out his romps with his buddy! Cyrus has come far with the help of a trainer. Despite being bounced from house to house and spending months in a kennel, Cyrus is ready to trust and be loved. His new family will require continued management so he can stay at the top of his game. Cyrus is a level 3 dog, more on the mellow side, and being fostered in the East Bay. July 21, 2024, 6:26 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. July 21, 2024, 6:26 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Shadow Nose's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Shadow Nose

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.  July 21, 2024, 6:26 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Raider Boy's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Raider Boy

Raider Boy

German Shepherd Dog

Male
Cupertino, CA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hello, my GSRNC name is Raider Boy (most people call me Radar) and I am a seasoned 14+ year-old guy who was adopted by an amazing family when I was about 2. Over the last 13 years, I could not have asked for better owners. We lived for adventure and they were so supportive of training, that in 2013, they let me show off my intellect where I earned a Canine Good Citizen title. I have been the Best Boy ever since. Today I am a calm elderly gentleman who likes to leisurely investigate my surroundings, then plop down for naps. I don’t think I will ever outgrow snuggling into my human in hopes of getting ear scratches and belly rubs. As you can imagine, I am over the barking, digging, and chewing phase. That is just so juvenile. I am super mellow, still somewhat curious, and independent so rest assured, I won't require a lot of maintenance. When I was younger, I was great around people of all ages as well as dog and cats. Today, I still enjoy people and 4-legged friends, but my hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be so I probably shouldn’t be around children or excitable animals. The more mellow the household, the better! My senior body is definitely showing its age. I have hip dysplasia so my hind end is weak and I walk a little irregularly, but I can still get around unaided and use a doggy door to get outside. Coming back to GSRNC is bittersweet. I spent 13 happy years together with my owners, but they’ve aged too and as sad as it makes me, I know they had to go to a place where I wasn’t able to accompany them. What I am hoping for now is to find someone to watch the world go by with me in a quiet and calm home, complete with a soft comfy bed, and loads of unconditional love. In exchange, I will shower you with all my doggy love. Raider is a level 2 senior dog looking for a quiet home July 21, 2024, 6:26 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.
Photo of GINGER*

GINGER*

Belgian Malinois

Female, 1 yr 2 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Ginger! Ginger is an adolescent GSD mix that came to the Shelter as a stray. We don’t know much about her life before coming to the Shelter. Ginger has been noted by staff to be exuberant, curious, and energetic on and off leash. She has been playful with other dogs that she has met at the Shelter. A home with another dog may be a fit provided they have a meet and greet at the Shelter prior to adoption. Ginger has been noted to be a little mouthy in the Shelter (a common behavior in adolescent pups). We anticipate that with daily mental and physical stimulation as well as being out of the Shelter, Ginger’s mouthiness will decrease. Due to this behavior, we are recommending a home with older kids. We do not have any history of Ginger with small animals or cats.
We'll also keep you updated on GIGI's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of GIGI

GIGI

Belgian Malinois Husky

Female, 1 yr
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
-
We'll also keep you updated on KODIAK*'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of KODIAK*

KODIAK*

Belgian Malinois

Male, 1 yr 6 mos
Santa Cruz, CA
Size
(when grown) X-Large 101 lbs (46 kg) or more
Details
-
Story
-

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.

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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

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

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

22.6 miles

Silicon Valley Pet Project

P.O. Box 6145, San Jose, CA 95150

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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Shelter

25 miles

Santa Clara County Animal Shelter

12370 Murphy Ave., San Martin, CA 95046

Pet Types: cats, dogs, farm animals, horses, rabbits

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Rescue

25.7 miles

Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

PO Box 51554, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Pet Types: dogs

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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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