Adopt a German Shepherd

Below are all of our dogs that are currently available for adoption. We receive many daily requests for us to accept dogs into our rescue. Our volunteers spend hours on phones talking to owners and shelters gathering information and providing resources.

Our team is assessing dogs on a regular basis to either accept them into True North GSD Rescue or help facilitate external placements. There are always dogs waiting to be tested, fostered, and placed.

If you are looking to adopt a German Shepherd that isn’t listed below, fill out an application anyway. We often have many dogs waiting to be tested that are not listed, but may be a good fit for you and your family.

Even if there isn’t a dog below that you would like to adopt, please fill out an application. You may also consider our foster or foster-to-adopt programs. 

Once a dog has been welcomed into our rescue, we often give them a week or two to settle and get comfortable. We get to know who they are and what they need. Once our fosters have a good idea of who they are, we begin the adoption process, where we match the dog with a family that is the best fit.

Apply to ADOPT
Apply to Foster
Donate

Available Dogs

Prior experience with German Shepherds or similar working breeds required!

Rudi

Rudi’s story began with hope — the kind that keeps a dog walking miles behind a stranger, simply wanting to be seen. That stranger brought him to safety, and soon after, Rudi joined our rescue, where his gentle spirit immediately touched everyone he met.

Recently, Rudi found his way back to us. And the moment he saw us again, his tail and his eyes said everything: “I remember you. I’m safe.” But he came back a little different.

Because they’re more than just a dog, so we’re more than just a rescue. Rudi is proof of that promise.

He’s a soulful, intelligent, absolutely stunning black-and-red boy with the sweetest heart. Now settled back in with the people who know him, understand him, and love him deeply, Rudi is exactly who he’s always been — kind, connected, and full of life.

After some downtime and proper care, we learned he was pushed too far and developed fibrotic myopathy in his right rear leg. It simply means one leg moves a little differently — but it doesn’t slow him down or change who he is.

Rudi is doing beautifully. He’s happy. He’s engaged. He loves his walks, his toys, and being right there with his people.

He may move through the world in his own way now —
but he’s still very much living it.

Rudi is 4½ years old and ready for the next chapter — one built on understanding, connection, and a family who sees him for exactly who he is.

As Rudi waits for his new family, if you’d like to send him toy’s or treat’s, please check out our [wish list] for some of the items that would make this boy’s day even brighter.

Adopt Rudi

Aspyn

Aspyn is the definition of beauty, brains, and purpose. She is a petite 3½-year-old sable German Shepherd with a heart as striking as her coat and working line in her soul. With her gorgeous good looks and that unmistakable working- line sparkle, she’s not just another pretty face — she’s a dog who’s ready for life. The hikes. The car rides. The training sessions. The adventures. She’s the kind of girl who looks at you like, “So, what are we doing next?”
 
This stunning girl is built for partnership — for someone active, engaged, and ready to bring out the best in her. Aspyn thrives when she has a job, a purpose, and a person to share it all with. Does she settle for a night at home, absolutely. She’s loyal, intelligent, and loves nothing more than being part of your day — whether it’s hitting the trails or curling up after a long one.
 
Aspyn & her trusty orange duck sidekick — proof that gorgeous girls don’t just shine, they play hard too. Aspyn is active, lovable, and more than ready to waddle her duck right into her forever home.
 
As Aspyn continues to wait for her new family, if you’d like to send her toy’s or treat’s, please check out our [wish list] for some of the items that would make this girl’s day even brighter.
Adopt Aspyn

Brooks

Meet very sweet Brooks. At 3½ years old, this gorgeous German Shepherd is pure heart, pure goodness. And trust us… his pictures don’t do him justice. In person he’s breathtaking — gentle, and unbelievably soft. Brooks is the dog who meets you once… and decides you’re family.

He came from the only home he ever knew. When his family realized he needed more attention than they could give, they reached out — and with his paws in ours, we promised he would stay with us until we found the family meant for him.

He’s discovering toys for the first time, carrying them proudly even if he’s still figuring out the rules. He’s trying new foods and treats — and he LOVES his pig ears — and he looks at you with this soft, grateful expression… like every kindness is still a little bit of magic.

Brooks is overflowing with love — he matches your heartbeat. He’s playful when you want play, calm when it’s time to settle, and communicates in a way only German Shepherds understand. He’s the kind of dog who was always meant to be somebody’s best friend — and he’ll give you his whole heart without hesitation.

As Brooks continues to wait for his new family, if you’d like to send him toy’s or treat’s, please check out our [wish list] for some of the items that would make this boy’s day even brighter.

Adopt Brooks

More Paws, Stay Tuned!

We’re always welcoming new furry friends into our rescue!

While some of our latest rescue pups may not appear on the website right away, be sure to check back often.

If you’re looking to adopt, we encourage you to complete an adoption application to meet the newest pups in search of their forever homes.

Courtesy Posted Dogs

This is a courtesy post for these dog’s current owners. True North GSD Rescue have not met any of these dogs and cannot speak directly to their behavior beyond the information provided by their owner below. If you’re interested, please submit an application through our website and we will forward your information to the owner for follow-up.

Sloane

Sloane is the kind of dog who simply fits. She is three years old this week and she loves being near her people — quietly keeping you company while you cook, clean, work, or unwind. She greets you every morning like it’s the best part of her day. Invite her and she’s happy to curl up beside you, watching TV (yes, she has favorites — Life Below Zero and the sled dogs get her full attention). She’s affectionate without being needy, calm without being boring, and genuinely lovely to live with.
 
She enjoys walks — short or long — and will happily jog with you if that’s your thing. Inside the home, Sloane settles beautifully. She’ll watch the world from the deck, keep an eye on things through the front window, and only speaks up if someone’s at the door. She’s intelligent, polite, and absolutely loves learning. Her list of known cues is impressive, but what stands out most is how responsive and eager she is to engage — she wants to work with you. She’s crate trained, relaxed when left alone, respectful in the house, and equally content napping in her crate or stretching out nearby for belly rubs.
 
Sloane is active in a thoughtful way — she enjoys fetch, tug, treats, learning new things, and would likely love hiking or agility. She’s an easy dog to have and a joy to spend time with — the kind you trust, enjoy, and grow attached to without even realizing it.
Adopt Sloane

Our Mission

True North is dedicated to providing rescue and assistance to German Shepherd Dogs in need who meet our placement criteria. We are committed to finding permanent, loving homes for these unique and special dogs.

Rescue is not just about taking dogs and finding homes. It is about doing the right thing, for the dog – for the human. It’s about listening to your heart and following cold trails of information. It’s about doing the right thing, always.

Support our rescue by donating today, so that we can keep helping dogs in need.

German Shepherds are the third most intelligent breed in the world.

One trait for which German Shepherd Dogs are well-known for besides their beauty, is their intelligence. According to scientists and dog experts, this breed is the third most intelligent breed of dog. This ranking was given by Stanley Coren in the book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’. The TWO Breeds that are considered more intelligent than a German Shepherd Dog are Border Collies and Poodles. According to Coren, a German Shepherd Dog will usually learn a simple task after only five repetitions. 95% of the time they will obey the first command they are given. It is this intelligence that has made them so popular as working dogs.

German Shepherds are the second most popular dog in the United States.

There are millions of dog lovers living in the United States and each dog owner has their own personal favorite breed of dog. The German Shepherd Dog is the second most popular breed of dog in the United States. The primary reason for this is this is such a diverse animal. They are popular family pets and work in a variety of capacities, such as performing dogs, guard dogs, show dogs, and dogs that serve the police or the military. As they are kept as both pets and working dogs, this accounts for the high numbers of these animals that live in the United States.
Save a Life

Adopt.

How long does it take to get a dog?

Once your application is received and approved, we like to have the home visit completed within two weeks. This is a very important part of the process and we would like to have everyone who will be living with the dog present.

Where do you get your dogs?

Many of the dogs come from shelters but sometimes they are surrendered by owners for various reasons. All of our rescue dogs are temperamentally assessed based on our placement criteria. Only dogs that meet this criteria are accepted into True North GSD Rescue.

Additionally, they will be micro chipped, have the required vaccinations and will be spay/neutered, if 2 years old, prior to being permanently placed. We will also ensure each pup is noted for any physical challenges. All will be completed prior to placing the dogs into their permanent homes to ensure the best fit for you and our rescue dogs.

How do I adopt a dog?

Please visit the application page and click ” Application Process” to review the application process. If you have additional questions, please contact us!

If I already have a dog(s), can I adopt?

Part of the home visit will be an opportunity to meet household and pet members. If you already have a dog, once you have been approved to adopt and identified a potential dog to adopt, we would require a meet and greet with the dog(s) in your home to ensure they will make good companions.

Can i adopt a puppy?

We receive an amazing amount of applications for puppies. Sometimes we receive hundreds therefore, we will review the first 50 applications to ensure we find the best permanent home.