German Shepherd dogs, as well as the other herding breeds that we have in rescue, are highly active, energetic, working breeds. They require considerable vetting, exercise, socialization, training, leadership and mental stimuli in order to be well-adjusted, well-balanced, and well-mannered dogs. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, you MUST still take your dog out on daily walks and outings in order to work on his/her leash skills, manners, and social skills. These breeds make great additions to active families who will pamper them, but who will also work with them, as they are smart dogs who need leadership, structure, plenty of activity and mental stimulation. 

If you are new to German Shepherds (and other herding breeds), please research the breed to make sure this is the dog for you. We ask that you consider the time and financial commitment that your German Shepherd (or other herding breed) dog will require before applying for one. Please review the section on our website (www.heartlandgsrescue.org) "Is a HUGS Dog Right for You?" for additional information.

"I am Hexe! I am an adorable 18-month-old Cattle Dog pup who is full of fun and I need a home that wants to PARTY! I weigh about 32 pounds.

My former owner obtained me to be her performance dog, and I am the perfect pup for anyone into canine sports. I have Life Skills (although I still want to jump up and kiss people) and know Basic Agility skills like tunnels and jumps. I have a bit of training on weave poles but haven’t started contacts. My (unofficial) shoulder height is 18 inches. I’ve even attended a one-day seminar presented by Ami Sheffield!

I learn quickly and I *love* to work with my human. My Obedience skills are still at Novice level. I am interested in tennis ball and flying disk. I run and jump like a dream and I’m very fast. I have great recall. I like car rides, especially if they are to the pet food store. My favorite thing is to go everywhere with my foster mom.

I am healthy, potty-trained, crate-trained, spayed, vaccinated, can be handled all over, am great with baths – and nail trims!!! - and all the other things humans like. I was very much loved from the age of 8 weeks by my Mommy, who suddenly and unexpectedly died one day. My trainer is now fostering me and my brother.

I do have an off switch, as long as I get proper (lots of) exercise and mental stimulation. I love people and I love to cuddle in bed with my humans if allowed. I have lived with many cats as my Mom was a cat rescuer. I am not reactive around other dogs, but not good living with another female dog. At least, I truly dislike my foster mom’s girl.  What can I say? I prefer boy dogs!

I am a high-drive dog that works for treats and even better, works for praise and cuddles. I would not be great in a home with young children as I would herd them. I will need an adopter with a very active lifestyle in which to include me, and I also need a well-fenced yard. I look forward to meeting you!
Love, Hexe"

Hexe's adoption fee is $350, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  We are a 100% volunteer-run rescue group and rely on adoption fees and donations to continue saving lives. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age- appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (and treated if positive), and microchipped. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.

Like all Australian Cattle Dogs, GSDs, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Hexe will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to be a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. This sweet boy would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that he needs. Because of that, Maerdy's ideal owner will have prior Australian Cattle Dog, GSD, or other similar breed experience. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, please remember that you MUST still take your dog out on daily walks and outings, in order to provide sufficient stimulation, ward off boredom, and work on leash skills and manners.