GSDWF
Interested in adopting a dog from us?
The first step would be to email us to register your interest using the form at the bottom of this page. You may have seen a photo of a German Shepherd that catches your eye here on our website, or on social media, but remember, it is hard to get a good match just from a photo, although we do our best to give as much information as we can about the relevant dog.
Before proceeding you should consider whether German Shepherds are the breed for you.
We will ask you questions like who is in the home? Are there any children or elderly? Do you have any other animals/pets? Do you work? Do you have a secure garden? Have you ever had a German Shepherd before? Obviously, we will ask you if you are looking for a male or a female and which age bracket you are looking for. Once we have this information, we then do our best to pair you with the best match. For instance, if you have children, we will only home dogs with you that we know to happy in the company of children. If you have a cat/s then we will only home a dog that we think would cope with living with one. If you work, then we wouldn’t put a youngster there that is going to get bored easily and start wrecking your home.
Even though you may have seen a dog on our website or on social media that you like the look of, we may feel after discussing with you that the dog is not a suitable choice for you. Please don’t take this personally, it doesn’t mean we do not want you to have a dog from us. It is our duty to find the dogs in our care the best possible home that is suited to them.
Not all our dogs are on our website. We do our best to keep it updated but we are all volunteers so sometimes we get busy and do not always have the time. Or it might be that a dog is new in and we are assessing it before we put it on the website for re-homing. It is always best to make contact so we can help you find the dog you are looking for.
For us at German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund, it is more than rescuing dogs and re-homing them. It is about the dogs welfare for the rest of their lives. Because of this we are always striving to make the re-homing process run as smoothly as we can. It must always be about the dog.
Once we have found you your perfect match, we then ask that you come to visit the dog in question at least 3 times. It may be more if the dog has any issues. This is mainly so that the dog can get to know you before taking it home with you. We do not believe in sending our dogs off with strangers. It is traumatic enough for a dog to move home, so we like to make the transition as easy as we can.
We will carry out a home check. This is to check that you live where you say you do but mainly to check that your garden is secure. We do not care if you have carpets or curtains or designer furniture, we just need to know that our dog will be safe living with you. Whilst the home check is being carried out, the home checker will fill in a questionnaire which we will keep on file.
Once the home check is done and we feel we have the right dog for you, you will be asked to do a short online course. This consists of some reading with some relevant information about dog ownership followed by several questions. We’ve recently changed this course so that it’s more focused on adopting dogs. Once completed, you will be required to email it back to the course provider who will then issue you with a certificate.
Once you have received your certificate and you have visited the dog for the appropriate number of times, hopefully you will then be able to take your new best friend home with you. You will be allocated a liaison officer so you can come straight to us should you encounter any problems. We are always on hand should you encounter any issues, and we always like to hear how our dogs are doing. We have a Facebook group which we encourage you to join. We also have a Facebook group for behavioural and training problems where we have a qualified behaviourist on hand to help.
If you’re still interested in adopting our dogs, then please complete the form provided below.
We look forward to hearing from you and good luck finding your perfect match!
PLEASE NOTE - AN ADOPTION FEE WILL APPLY
Dogs for Rehoming
BAILEY
Located in Stamford, Lincolnshire
My name is Bailey and I'm a 7 year old boy. In my previous home my people had to work a lot so I was being left home alone for a long time. Because of this I do get a bit worried if left alone so really would like a new home where someone will be around most of the time. However the rescue say they will help support adopters with my separation related anxiety.
I'm not keen on other dogs but am fine passing them on walks but I do need to be the only dog in the house.
BEAR
Located in Stamford, Lincolnshire
My name is Bear and I am a 5 year old male.
The rescue people say I'm a big softy once I get to know you.
I worry about other dogs so I can be a bit reactive towards them so I need to be the only dog in the house. I would prefer to have someone around most of the time as I can get a little bit worried when home alone.
BELLA
Located in Clacton, Essex
My name is Bella and I am around 5 years old.
Welfare is my fourth home and I came into rescue with my pups. I have experienced a lot of trauma in my life and can be a bit funny around food. I also react to other dogs so need an experienced home where there are no other pets.
I worry about other dogs so I can be a bit reactive towards them so I need to be the only dog in the house.
BRODIE
Located in Clacton, Essex
My name is Brodie and I'm a 6 year old boy. I love people and enjoy their company and only came into rescue due to a change in my owners circumstances.
I don't like other dogs so will need to be the only dog in the family.
I did have serious ear problems when I arrived but I had surgery to close one ear and am fine now. It certainly doesn't hold me back.
CARMEN
Located in Stamford Lincolnshire
My name is Carmen and they say I am as pretty as my name. I can ignore other dogs and am quite comfortable seeing them out and about.
We will need to meet a few times but once we know each other well, I will just love you.
I can be quite a busy bee so will need some calm enrichment to help me slow down a bit.
CASPER
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is Casper and I'm just a young lad. My previous owners said I was "stubborn" and wouldn't listen so didn't want me any more. Well apparently I am partially deaf which explains why I didn't seem to listen - I couldn't understand what they wanted!
I love to play with other dogs although may need some guidance if I get a bit giddy over it but I could live with a calm female.
Once I get to know you I am a really friendly boy. The rescue will provide adopters with support to communicate with me so I understand you better.
DIESEL
Located in Stamford, Lincolnshire
My name is Diesel and I am a 2 year old boy. I was previously a failed police dog - I failed because I wouldn't show any aggression.
I am a very busy boy and will require someone who has time to spend with me, helping me slow down and enjoy sniffing and exploring. Rather than lots of exciting things to do, I need some calming ones and scent work would be ideal for me.
I am a bit reactive towards other dogs so need to be an only dog. My new home should be able to provide quiet areas for my exercise, away from other dogs. The rescue say no cats or children either.
DIESEL
Located in Mildenhall, Sussex
My name is Diesel and before coming to welfare I had been a stray. They found me a new home but brought me back after just a week.
Apparently I am a real sweetheart but I don't like other dogs. I am looking for a quiet home with experienced people who understand I would prefer not to see other dogs.
FREDDIE
Located in Mildenhall, Sussex
My name is Freddie and I am approximately 3 years old. I love other dogs but can be a bit nervous when I first meet new people. I am a bit of a comedian. After a few visits we will be friends forever.
GLORIA
Located in Clacton, Essex
My name is Gloria the beautiful! I am around 2.5 years old. I found myself in rescue due to health issues. The rescue found I suffer from EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), but at present I am also being treated for SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth). I am responding well and putting on lots of weight but I will probably need medication for life, which will be paid for by GSD Welfare Fund.
I can be quite boisterous and have lots of energy. For this reason I really need a home that is child and cat free. I really enjoy physical and mental stimulation, so nice sniffy walks and lots of enrichment are the way to go for me.
HECTOR
Located in Mildenhall, Suffolk
Hi, my name is Hector. I am around a year old. I was rescued along with my Mum and four siblings. We were in a terrible state and lived in awful conditions. I was really stinky and covered in filth.
We all responded well once we were taken into rescue. The rescue say I am a lovely lad to spend time with but adopters will need to be mindful that the conditions of my formative months are such that issues could arise in the future. With this consideration and like my siblings, I should be the only dog in the household. I have lived with children but not cats.
JAMIE
Located in Clacton, Essex
My name is Jamie and I am around 3 years old. Sadly I was neutered at a very young age to improve my behaviour apparently. If anything, they say it made things worse. I was surrendered to Welfare at around a year old.
I do enjoy meeting people and am ok around other dogs but welfare say I will need to meet you quite a few times before coming to your home to help me adjust.
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JESSIE
Located in Mildenhall, Sussex
My name is jolly Jessie and I am around 4 year old. I was taken to the rescue following a failed attempt at rehoming by my original owners. I was returned to them very underweight but I am now the perfect weight again since coming to the rescue.
I love people and love some affection but apparently I do pull on lead. The rescue people say I need to get out and about to calm, quiet places to help build my confidence and expand my experiences. I do like seeing other dogs although can get a bit excited and I also love food and toys. I'm sure we could have some fabulous adventures together.
KARMA
Located in Stamford, Lincolnshire
My name is Karma and I am around 9 years old. The rescue people say I am a lovely girl. I love playing and still have plenty of energy for my age but I am not keen on other dogs so need to be the only dog in the house.
I do love watching football though and would be happy to curl up with you to watch a game on the tv.
KETO
Located in Stamford, Lincolnshire
My name is Keto. I can be quite worried about things so you would need to meet me a number of times.
I would like a home where I am the only dog and please, no children or visiting children as I am very scared of them.
I also worry about other dogs so no other dogs in the house please.
KIA
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is clever Kia. I am a working line sable girl. I do have a high prey drive and I am always very busy.
I've already learned to slow down and I love affection although I also love my toys too! I am incredibly good at jumping so you may need to help me with counter surfing initially! I am already starting to choose affection over toys! I need a home that can give me lots of calm exercise opportunities and calm stimulation as I am a busy girl.
I don't any real notice of other dogs and if I see them out on a walk, if I have a little space I can just watch them while they go by.
I am learning to relax and be a little less busy. I'm not keen on being groomed but have learned I can walk away after a couple of brush strokes and then come back for more.
My ideal home would be with someone who can provide the exercise and stimulation I need.
KIRA
Located in Mildenhall, Sussex
My name is pretty Kira. I am just a young girl who finds myself looking for a new home. I love travelling in the car and settle really well. I do enjoy sniffy walks.I have lived with a cat previously so with sensible introductions I could live with dog savvy cats.
I'm not a fan of dogs being too close to me but if you find me a bit of space, I can easily walk past dogs on the other side of the road with no problem.
I can be a little worried about fast moving vehicles, especially the noise they make so I do prefer quieter walks, avoiding very busy fast roads.
LEO
Located in Mildenhall, Suffolk
My name is lovely Leo. I am around 3-4 years old. I am quite a nervous boy but have come on in leaps and bounds since being in the care of the rescue.
I would suit a quiet home where I can be given time to settle and get to know my new adopters properly.
LEVI
Located in Clacton, Essex
My name is Levi and I am around 18 months. I am a long coated male.
The rescue say I am a lovely boy but I can be quite strong, boisterous and easily get too excited.
The rescue people say no other dogs, children or cats in the home as I am very bouncy. Nice slow, sniffy, calm walks will help me.
LEXI
Located in Mildenhall, Suffolk
My name is Lexi and I am a 6 year old girl. I have previously lived with children and other dogs so with careful introductions and a few visits I could potentially live with another dog or children.
I love people once I get to know them.
LILLEY
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is luscious Lilley and I am around 8 years old. I love affection and interaction once I get to know you.
I love going for quiet walks that expand my limited experiences. I've already learned that going in a car is great fun and I love looking out of the window, quietly watching the world go by. I am told I am a great passenger. As my confidence grows I can go to slightly busier places but I do need to be the only dog in the house. I can walk past other dogs, sheep and pigs and ignore them and I am getting used to being brushed too.
Go slowly with me and I will be the most wonderful companion you could wish for.
LUNA
Located in Stamford, Lincolnshire
My name is Luna and I am around 3 years old. I came into rescue because I didn't get on with the other resident dog.
Because of this I need to be the only dog in the house. I am worried by men and loud noises too.
LUNA
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is lovely Luna. I am a young sable girl. Before I was surrendered to rescue I was sent to residential training to try to make me like other dogs! They used lots of harsh and horrible methods on me! As a result, when I arrived here, I was really worried about hands, being touched, being groomed or having my collar put on or off.
I have been working really hard and now I really enjoy affection. I am pretty good at giving snogs too! I love having my harness on and going for sniffy walks. The rescue people say I am a delight to take on walks. I love travelling in a car and settle down to look out the window and watch the world go by. I do enjoy affection now once I know you and am even happy being brushed and groomed in small sessions. I have even started doing some man trailing sessions and they say I am excellent at it.
I am not keen on other dogs and would need to be the only dog in the house but on walks, if given enough distance I can just have a quick look and then happily walk by other dogs. I have watched dogs out of a window and eventually got bored, preferring to go sniff out some treats. The rescue people say they are looking for someone with the patience to help me continue to blossom. I love walking through nature reserves or country areas.
MACY
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is Macy and I was a lockdown puppy, born 20/05/2020. Due to my limited socialisation and nervousness I can be very reactive with people, dogs, cats, and other animals. I totally trust those who care for me but multiple visits will be needed for me to get to know you.
I need a child free home where I am the only dog. My adopters will need patience and empathy to help me settle and blossom.
MARLEY
Located in Clacton, Essex
My name is Marley and I am around 3-4 years old. I am a happy female and not bothered about other dogs. I love people and really enjoy their company.
MARTHA
Located in Stamford, Lincolnshire
My name is Martha and I was found abandoned. The rescue think I am around 2-3 years old. I absolutely love people and enjoy being around them. I have a lively and friendly nature, despite having had a few operations on my paw, which has healed well. I do need to be the only dog in the house as I can be reactive towards other dogs but apparently I truly make up for this with my beautiful nature.
MAX
Located in Clacton, Essex
My name is magnificent Max and apparently I am a handsome 4 year old sable male. I love to interact with humans and once a bond is made I am so happy to just spend time with you.
I would prefer to live in a pet free home but would be fine with children over 10 years old.
MAX P
Located in Mildenhall, Suffolk
I am called Max P and am around 8 years old. I can be a bit of a wary boy around new people and can take a while before I am able to interact with people until I get to know them. The rescue people say I need an experienced home who will go slowly with me.
MICKY
Located in Clacton, Essex
My name is mighty Micky. I am a 7 year old male who has had to come back to welfare after my owner tragically passed away. I could potentially live with another large dog, although they would need to be female.
Unfortunately, I've had a few bad experiences with other dogs and it has affected my behaviour with them so I can be reactive on walks. I am excellent with people and children, but not with cats.
MILLIE
In foster, Sussex
My name is pretty Millie and I'm around 2 years old. I have been in foster care with the rescue after being taken to a vets to be euthanised as my owners no longer wanted me. I did have a few issues when I first arrived but have come on in leaps and bounds.
I need to meet new people many times and at my pace. If you allow me to do this I will quickly become best friends with you. I can be reactive on lead to other dogs, but am working on this I currently live happily with older steady male GSD so can be homed with similar. I learn quickly and have been to basic life skills training classes. I am not troubled by domestic appliances, traffic, fireworks or thunder and I travel very well in the car, settling immediately.
I am loving and loyal to my foster family of humans and their friends who I know. I can be boisterous but that is typical of my age and working lines. I would benefit from “sniffy” walks and being able to use my brain. Agility/flyball and such activities would get me too ramped up. I have not spent time with children so I would prefer to live in a child free home. No cats or small furries. I am excellent at the Vets and Groomers.
MISSY
Located in Mildenhall, Sussex
My name is little Missy an I am around 14 months old. I am rather nervous of people when I first meet them and will often bark but once I get to know you I love your company. I have previously lived with children, and am good with other dogs but I will need slow introductions.
MURPHY
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is Mr Murphy (or Mr Fluffy Bum as some of the rescue people call me). I am around 3 years old and absolutely ready for my new home. I am a gentle calm boy who would love an armchair or sofa to chill on. I love, quiet, slow, sniffy walks and I give the most amazing snogs. I can be calm around ducks and even squirrels!
I would prefer a quieter environment and can happily amuse myself if you are busy, and I do like a good snuggle and tummy rub too. I can walk past other dogs with a little distance and encouragement but can be socially awkward with small or male dogs in particular if they come too close. I have been known to say hi to the female dogs at the kennels! I have ignored other dogs in the veterinary clinic with a little encouragement too. I walk beautifully on harness and lead and my favourite activity is travelling in a car. I would make someone a fabulous travelling companion.
I would be best as the only dog in the house as I get very worried by other dogs. Although I can shout at some dogs if they come too close, I just flop down and freeze if they jump on me! It doesn't make me feel good when this happens so I would like someone who will take me for quieter walks and help keep other dogs away. I am good with people and could live with older children but I am happier in a calm environment. I really do not like horses though!
NALA
Located in Stamford, Lincolnshire
My name is Nala and I'm around 4 years old. It does take a little time for me to get to know you but once we are well acquainted I love my cuddles.
I am a very loving a loving girl and have so much to give to the right home. I need an understanding adopter that will not rush me and I will repay you with so much loyalty. I'm not keen on other dogs so I need to be the only dog in the house.
RAMSEY
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is ravishing Ramsey and I was born 30th May 2017. I am a short coated dark sable male. I am vaccinated, chipped and castrated. I can be a boisterous loveable rogue who adores playing with toys. I am good with people, but not so good with other dogs. I can be quite strong on the lead although I am quick and keen to learn. I am bred from working lines so will need to be kept busy. Unfortunately, I was involved in an incident before coming to rescue. I was on lead when another dog ran over to me, and a fight broke out. The owner of the offending dog ran over to separate us and got bitten in the process. I got the blame. The victim of the bite went to court and the court has set restrictions. I must be kept on a lead and must be muzzled at all times when in the public domain.
RALF
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is Ralf and I am approximately 2 years old. I came to rescue when I was around 10 months old when I was found as a stray.
I am a lovely boy but do have a few issues. Silly things like a hose being turned on or filling a bucket of water can send me in a frenzy. When I get into a frenzy I can mouth and grab. I then find it hard to calm down. Ball games and high energy games are not the way forward with me as I need calm activities.
RANGER
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is Ranger and I am around 6 years old. My previous owner was working long hours and I began to get separation related anxiety. I am doing well with this in kennels and can be left on my own for short periods.
I walk well on harness and lead and can pass other dogs with no issues. I might react if they bark at me though. I can be a little worried about men that I don't know.
I do take a little while to warm to you. I am more worried by men and will take longer to relax around them. Once I get to know you, we will be best buddies. I love being groomed and getting affection from you.
REUBEN
Located in Stamford, Lincolnshire
My name is Reuben and I am around 3 years old and I've been here a while now. I came from an awful situation but the rescue won't go into too much detail about that. As a result, I can be quite unsure and it takes me a while to get to know you and relax around you. However, once I do know you well, we will be best friends for life.
I'm not keen on other dogs so need to be the only dog in the house.
ROCKY
Located in Mildenhall, Suffolk
Hello fans, my name is Rocky. I am around 3 years old and am told I am very handsome. Apparently I had a few issues when I arrived, relating to anxiety but I have come on leaps and bounds now.
On a first meeting I might take a while to warm to you, although once I knows you we will be good friends. I do need a home as the only dog and no children so I don't feel anxious again.
RUFUS
Located in Clacton, Essex
My name is Rufus and I'm around 18 months old. Apparently I get incredibly excited when playing and can mouth rather hard. I am slowly learning that I shouldn't do this.
I will need an experienced, calm home.
SHADOW
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is Miss Shadow. My date of birth is 08/08/2022.
Life hasn’t always been great for me and due to this I am quite nervous. I love my raw food more than dry food. Due to my nervous disposition I don’t trust new people and I take a while to build a bond. I don’t think i was very well socialised when I was a youngster which has held me back. When I first arrived, my weight wasn’t great and my coat was extremely matted. In time I’m sure my nervous disposition will improve. I am also learning how to play in a calm way.
SIMBA
Located in Stamford, Lincolnshire
My name is Simba and am around 3-4 years old. Unfortunately I wasn’t socialised correctly and had started to react to people and dogs. This was purely out of uncertainty and not through aggression.
I am looking for a nice quiet home and an adopter that will give me time to work at my own pace. Once I get to know you I will be your best buddy. Advice will be given to the right adopter in how to continue to develop my confidence.
SIMBA
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is Simba and I am a 6 year old male. I do take a while to get to know you and can appear rather aloof to begin with. I am a calm boy and don't ask for much in life but I need to be the only dog in the house. I really enjoy calm enrichment and will settle down quite happily.
SMUDGE
Located in Clacton, Essex
My name is Smudge, and I am a happy 9 year old female.
I am generally good with people and do well with other dogs. Unfortunately, I am worried about children, and so would need a home without anyone under 16 years of age. No cats please!
SONNY
Located in Clacton, Essex
My name is Sonny and I am around 3-4 years old. I was a very nervous boy when I arrived but have improved considerably.
I will need multiple visits while I get to know you and the rescue say my adopter should be someone who is experienced and can give me lots of time and patience to help me adjust.
TARA
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is terrific Tara. I am a happy, friendly, loving dog but I don't really like other dogs so need to be the only dog in the house. I do love saying hello to people and I enjoy slow sniffy walks. Apparently I walk rather nicely too and I can ignore other dogs when we are out walking, even if they bark at me.
| love travelling in the car, settling down on the back seat till we reach our destination.
I absolutely love my food a great deal and care needs to be taken when feeding as I can be a little impatient and snatchy. I am not keen on baths but enjoy being groomed and absolutely loves to play. Affection is rather lovely too.
TED
Located in Mildenhall, Sussex
My name is Ted, Teddy, Teddy Bear or Tedster. Honestly, these humans! I am around 8 - 9 years old. I have a very long coat so anyone thinking of adopting me will need to consider the amount of grooming I need. I'm not a big fan of grooming but will happily let you brush me in small stages.
I love affection and once I get to know you I will be the perfect companion.
THEO
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
Theo is around 6 years old. He will need to be the only dog in the house.
He does love food and searching for food in enrichment items.
He walks well on harness and lead and is quite happy to settle down and amuse himself. He does like a bit of fuss and affection.
He travels well in a car and enjoys a quiet walk.
UNA
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is Una and I am only a young girl. I adore humans. I am better around male dogs than females and can interact really well through a barrier. If I have enough distance I can ignore other dogs on walks. I love my toys and love them even more if humans will play with me and my toys.
I can get frustrated quite quickly and will bark at passing cars if they are too close or too noisy. I used to grab things like hard rocks or stones to bite on but this is slowly improving with distance and the use of a toy.
I don't travel well in the car as I do like to shout an opera at you the whole time, even though I am happy to jump in the car. The rescue people are working with me on this and I am making progress.
I would make someone a wonderful companion but my adopter would need to be experienced and someone who can continue working with me. Ideally it would be someone fairly local so the rescue can provide ongoing support if needed.
WILLOW
Located in Sleaford, South Lincs
My name is little Willow and I am approximately 2 years old. When I first arrived in rescue as a very young puppy, around 4 months old, I was incredibly fearful and wouldn't let anyone get near me. I have made huge progress and with slow, careful introductions I soon get used to new people.
If I see dogs out on my walks I am happy to see them with just a little distance.
I do need an experienced, adult only home to continue with my confidence building. It is important that there are no visiting children either as I had bad experiences with children as a puppy. The home needs to be quiet with few visitors I take time to get to know new people.
I will need quite a few visits to get to know you but once I do , I will be incredibly affectionate and fun to be with. I walk beautifully on harness and lead and am happy sniffing, observing people and other dogs or just walking along with you.
Ideally, potential adopters will live within a reasonable travelling distance to Sleaford/Holbeach so the rescue can provide ongoing support if needed.