German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. Loyal, intelligent, and full of energy, these dogs can make wonderful companions when matched with the right home. At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we currently have several German Shepherd and German Shepherd Cross dogs for rehoming, so if you’ve ever wondered “how do you adopt a dog?” or “are German Shepherds good family dogs?”, this guide is for you.
The German Shepherd dog is a large working dog originally bred in Germany in the late 19th century. So, what were German Shepherds bred for? Initially, they were used as herding and guarding dogs, but their intelligence and trainability soon made them popular as police, service, and search-and-rescue dogs.
Before adopting a German Shepherd or German Shepherd Cross, it’s important to understand typical German Shepherd traits and German Shepherd characteristics:
Size & Weight: How big are German Shepherds? Adult males usually weigh between 30–40kg, while females weigh slightly less.
Growth: When do German Shepherds stop growing? Most reach their full size by around 18 months, though they continue to fill out until about two years.
Exercise: How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? At least two hours daily, these are active dogs that thrive on mental and physical stimulation.
Diet: What do German Shepherds eat? A balanced, high-quality diet with the right protein levels for their energy needs.
Temperament: Are German Shepherds good with other animals? Some are, but careful introductions and consistent training are essential.
Trainability: Are German Shepherds easy to train? Yes! With consistency and patience, you can easily train a German Shepherd dog thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Are German Shepherds Good Family Dogs? Many families ask, “Are German Shepherds good family dogs?” The answer can be yes, provided they are well-trained, socialised, and given plenty of exercise. They can be protective, affectionate, and great with children. However, their size and strength mean supervision is always recommended.
At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we’re lucky to currently be caring for some incredible German Shepherds and German Shepherd crosses who are looking for their forever homes:
Willow (4 years old) – A playful German Shepherd dog who loves nothing more than a good game and plenty of attention.
Hugo (8 months old) – Full of personality, this cheeky pup has a cracking sense of humour and will keep his new family entertained.
Dex (3 years old) – A gorgeous German Shepherd Cross who loves to snuggle and will make the most loyal companion.
Darcey (8 months old) – An intelligent German Shepherd Cross who loves to learn and cuddle at the end of a day.
Whether you’re looking for a playful pup, an adventure buddy, or a cuddle partner, one of these amazing dogs could be the perfect fit for you.
At dog rescue centres like Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we see many German Shepherds and German Shepherd Cross’ looking for loving homes. Sadly, black-coated dogs often wait longer to be adopted – a phenomenon known as black dog syndrome. We encourage potential owners to look beyond coat colour and focus on personality and compatibility.
By choosing to rehome a German Shepherd or German Shepherd Cross through a dog rehoming charity, you’re not just changing a dog’s life, you’re gaining a loyal companion.
If you’re wondering “where can I find a dog to adopt?” the answer is simple: start with your local dog rescue charities and dog rescue centres. At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we make the process straightforward:
Complete an application – Fill in an application form online or in person for a specific dog or to be matched with a dog.
Meet the dogs – If our team believe you could be the perfect match for one of our dogs, they’ll be in touch. You would then be invited to one or more meets to ensure we’ve found you the perfect fit.
Adoption – To rehome a dog, we ask for a rehoming fee of £375, or for a puppy up to 20 weeks old, to be open to discussing the rehoming fee as this can vary. At Jerry Green, the fee covers vaccinations, microchipping, a full health check and more.
Take your new friend home – Once the adoption is complete, it’s time to start your new lives together but don’t worry, once a Jerry Green dog, always a Jerry Green dog and our team will be on hand to support during the settling in period and beyond.
Owning a German Shepherd or German Shepherd Cross is a rewarding experience, but it’s also a big responsibility. You’ll need time, space, and commitment to meet their needs. Here are some essentials on how to look after a German Shepherd:
If you’re thinking about adopting a German Shepherd or any dog, please consider visiting Jerry Green Dog Rescue, your local dog rescue centre. We currently have wonderful German Shepherd dogs for rehoming, including Willow, Hugo and Dex; each waiting for their second chance at happiness.
Contact us today to find out more about our available dogs and discover just how rewarding adoption can be.
