Sources for Adult Dogs
Shelters, pounds, and breed rescues are usually inundated with German shepherds that need placement. However, there are some additional sources for adult dogs that you might consider.
From time to time, a respected, reputable breeder may have a young adult dog for sale. It could be that the breeder has held back this dog as a show prospect, but the dog didn't quite develop the way he'd hoped. Sometimes a dog will suffer an injury that swiftly ends her show or competitive career. Or perhaps the breeder was training a puppy in Schutzhund or K-9 work, but during more advanced training, it became obvious that the dog lacked the necessary drives for these specialized jobs.
If a breeder has kept a puppy for herself and the dog has simply matured in an unexpected way chances are that the dog is still quite exceptional. Just because a dog isn't show-worthy or skillful enough for police K-9 work doesn't mean that the dog won't make a fantastic companion. Most reputable breeders with adult dogs to sell will have made sure the dogs are well socialized, housebroken, and basically trained. The breeder will likely require that the dog be altered, but beyond that, the dog can become a great pet without the need for much rehabilitation.
Always ask why a breeder is selling an adult dog. On occasion, a dishonest breeder may be trying to unload a dog with issues. Puppy mills will sell or auction off breeding females that are past their prime. These dogs often have had no socialization and have spent their lives in cages. Many could be beyond rehabilitation, so instead of buying the dog, report the breeder to your local police department or animal control officer.
Another possible source for a great German shepherd is a service dog agency, which trains dogs to serve the blind, those with hearing impairments, and people with impaired mobility. Many of these organizations have their own breeding programs for German shepherds. The puppies are raised by foster “puppy parents” to eighteen months of age. At this point, these dogs are evaluated for service training.
Not all dogs make it through service dog training. When this happens, the agency places the dog in a home. The puppy's foster parent has first dibs on purchasing the dog. If she declines, then the dog is available for adoption. Service agencies maintain a list of carefully screened individuals who would like to adopt any dog that fails the program. If you are interested and don't mind waiting — possibly for several years — you could wind up with one fantastic dog.
