How to Adopt a German Shepherd in California

German shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Their beautiful black, fawn, and brown coats make them stand out, especially with their pointy ears; albeit those same ears are a little floppy as puppies. German shepherds are also known for their loyalty, kindness, and protective nature. Additionally, they’re easy to train, hearty, and well-suited for nearly any climate.

While German shepherds make great pets, you’ll also find that they’re often involved in service dog work or police work in California. They can help find people who are missing or on the run, assist with search and rescue after earthquakes or fires, and much more. Whether you want to adopt a German shepherd in California for their ability to get the job done, or you just want a loyal canine companion, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we take you through everything you need to know about the breed before you decide to adopt one. This educates you on what taking care of them is really like, especially in California, which has a wide range of climates and landscapes. We also take you through the adoption process and what that looks like from shelters, rescues, and even foster programs. Read on to learn more about how to adopt a German shepherd in California.

What Are German Shepherds Like?

German shepherd breeds are easy to spot. They’re medium-sized dogs with long snouts, pointy ears, and a muscular-looking build. German shepherds also have a distinguishing coat that you’ll notice from a mile away due to its black, fawn, tan, and brown colors.

Appearance aside, German shepherds are known for their intelligence. They’re smart enough to learn basic commands with ease, and you’ll find that they can do police work, fire rescue, and other important jobs in California. For this reason, you’ll find that they tend to have a lot of energy and need a lot of mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy.

Personality-wise, German shepherds are kind, loyal, and compassionate. They tend to fit right into most families, and you’ll find that German shepherds will get along well with children and other animals with a little bit of early socialization.

What Is a German Shepherd’s Temperament? German shepherds have a mellow temperament, which is why they’re sought-after for a lot of working dog roles. You’ll find that they’re happy, kind, and even affectionate. German shepherds will also protect their family, and they have quite a bit of confidence compared to other dog breeds. That said, German shepherds may be aloof and standoffish to strangers until they open up a bit over time. Overall, German shepherds tend to be low-maintenance and tame.

How Active Are German Shepherds? German shepherds may have a calm temperament, but when it’s playtime, it’s game on. They love to play, explore, and go on long walks or even runs, if you’re up for it. For these reasons, you’ll want to ensure that they get at least one to two hours of exercise daily. This can be playing, training, walking, running, or something like a good hike through one of California’s various national parks. Aside from physical activity, German shepherds also need mental stimulation. It’s important to train them for 30 minutes to an hour daily or ensure that they have puzzle-based toys to interact with. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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What Size Are German Shepherds?

German shepherds are medium-sized dogs. You’ll also find that females are smaller than males, but not by too much (a few inches and 10-20 pounds).

Male German shepherds tend to reach 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh 65 to 90 pounds. On the other hand, female German shepherds tend to reach 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder and reach a weight of 50 to 70 pounds.

What Are a German Shepherd’s Grooming Needs?

German shepherds don’t have a ton of grooming needs due to the natural oils in their coats that keep them clean. However, this beautiful coat will shed a lot during the spring and fall months when they blow their coats. For this reason, prepare to have a vacuum handy during these periods and do your best to brush them daily to remove any loose hairs.

You’ll also want to keep an eye on their ears, teeth, and nails. Check their ears for signs of infection (usually blackening on the inside of the ear), brush their teeth a few times weekly, and trim their nails every four to six weeks. You may be able to go longer on their nails if you’re active with them.

What Are Common German Shepherd Health Issues?

German shepherds don’t have a ton of health issues, but there are some things you need to keep an eye on. One of the most common issues is hip and elbow dysplasia, which causes joints to develop improperly. This can result in pain and discomfort from a young age. Unfortunately, another health issue that can occur in German shepherds is degenerative myelopathy, which impacts their spine and can lead to paralysis and mobility issues.

It’s also possible for German shepherds to suffer from bloating, so keep an eye on their diet. Skin allergies can also occur, and German shepherds are more likely to develop cancers like osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma. As they get older, keep an eye out for arthritis and eye problems as well.

What Is a German Shepherd’s Lifespan?

German shepherds can live a long and healthy life, especially with regular trips to the vet, a healthy diet, and plenty of physical activity. You can expect them to live for an average of nine to 13 years.

Are German Shepherds Good With Other Animals or Kids?

You’ll find that German shepherds are great with children and other animals if you raise them together from a young age. However, they can still be good with children or other animals even if they’re introduced to your family when they’re older. It all comes down to socialization, training, and ensuring that they’re behaving well around your children and other animals.

Are German Shepherds Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

German shepherds are some of the best dogs once you bond with them and train them, but this requires a lot of time. Therefore, they’re only a good fit for first-time dog parents if you have the time to spend with them. This includes time to help them train, exercise, and play.

Also, make sure you’re aware of their shedding and grooming needs as well. Overall, it all comes down to how much time you have to spend with them.

How Do You Adopt a German Shepherd in California?

Adopting a German shepherd in California isn’t that challenging, but you need to find one that’s available. You’ll find them available for adoption at shelters, rescues, and fosters. These are organizations that house German shepherds and other animals for adoption. While shelters are abundant, sometimes German shepherds aren’t because of their popularity, so sometimes a little bit of patience is necessary. Thankfully, our adoption tools can help you find a German shepherd ready for adoption near you.

Once you find a German shepherd to adopt, the process is straightforward but a little more complicated than working with a breeder. You’ll need to provide the organization with some information about yourself and your living situation. This will include who lives there, how much time you have to spend with the dog, if other pets are in the house, and much more.

Most organizations will also require references and a home visit, which means that they’ll confirm information with others and visit your home to determine if your situation is adequate for a German shepherd in California. According to California state law, shelters have the right to deny someone, so it’s not always guaranteed.

Once you’re approved for adoption, the hard part is over. You can pay the necessary adoption fee and prepare to take your German shepherd home with you.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a German Shepherd in California

German shepherds don’t cost a lot to adopt in California because the state sets the fee at around $50 to $300, depending on the county, with $300 being the maximum. For example, Los Angeles County has puppies at $150 if they’re less than four years old and adult dogs at $102 to $122 for dogs that are older than four years. This applies to German shepherds and all other dog breeds in California.

While the adoption fee is low, that’s not all you have to pay for. You may need a crate, toys, dog treats, and a wide range of dog food. Grooming tools, like a brush, may also be required. Therefore, expect the total cost to adopt a German shepherd in California to be closer to around $500 to $1,000.

How Should I Train a German Shepherd?

Training a German shepherd in California is easier than you may think because these are responsive dogs. That said, it’s important to start with a strong foundation of positive reinforcement training. This is a training method that rewards your German shepherd for positive behaviors. For example, if they learn a command, you can give them a treat.

While positive reinforcement is important, that doesn’t mean you should be mean to them if they don’t succeed. This can make them stubborn and even ruin your training efforts. Instead, simply don’t give them a reward, and doing so will lead to an even better outcome.

German shepherds have a lot of paths you can take with training, from simple commands to more complex tasks. Therefore, we recommend using one of our online training courses to really maximize the experience. Plenty of options are available to help you train your German shepherd to be the most well-behaved dog around or a working member of the household. In fact, you’ll even find dedicated German shepherd courses focused on the specific breed.

Find the Right German Shepherd in California for You

German shepherds are some of the best dogs you can adopt. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time pet parent or someone who needs a reliable dog to keep their property safe, German shepherds are flexible, smart, and adaptable. That said, just make sure you’re aware of their health issues, grooming needs, and time requirements before you commit to adopting them. Also, make sure you have enough space and a lifestyle that supports living with a German shepherd.

Once you know that a German shepherd is the right dog for you, explore some of our adoption tools to find a shelter or rescue that has one available. Then, meet with them and prepare to enjoy a German shepherd canine companion.