Mature Shepherds

While we typically specialize in puppies at Celtic Shepherds, we do sometimes receive adults and older puppies.

We believe every German Shepherd deserves a loving home and we work to find them the perfect place to call home. If you’d prefer to adopt an older puppy or adult, please contact us to find out more about any of the gorgeous babies we have on hand.

Why Don’t They Have Homes?

Great question. Your first thought might be that they have behavioral or temperament issues. This isn’t the case at all. We wouldn’t even consider sending them off to another home until we’re sure they’re ready for a loving family.

One of the biggest reasons we end up with mature German Shepherds is their owners have to abandon them. For some, their owner may have passed away and relatives aren’t able to take them. For others, their owner may have to move to a place that doesn’t allow pets. Still, others just aren’t ready to own a larger dog or any dog at all.

We take them in and help them find new forever homes. Whether they’re just a year old or 10 years old, they deserve to be with someone who loves them. We know it’s not a matter of “if,” but a matter of “when” a great home becomes available.

What About Puppies?

Occasionally, a German Shepherd puppy from one of our litters may not have been adopted right away. We’re not about to just toss them to the side. Instead, we continue to love and play with them. It never fails that someone contacts us looking for the perfect companion for their family. And just like that, even an older puppy gets to feel the joy and excitement of meeting a new family.

Yes, there are those times when a puppy is adopted and isn’t properly cared for or the family thought they were ready for a German Shepherd, but wasn’t. For whatever reason, we take the puppy back and continue prepping it for a true forever home. Even if we don’t have new litters listed, it always pays to check with us to see if we have any older puppies or mature German Shepherds.

Can They Still Adapt?

Puppies, even older ones, have no trouble adapting to a new life outside our home. However, it’s understandable to be considered about mature German Shepherds. After all, they’ve already adapted to a certain way of life.

Don’t worry at all. At Celtic Shepherds, we work with every mature dog to help it adapt to a new life. German Shepherds are incredibly smart and loving dogs. It may take a few weeks to get them trained to obey your particular house rules, but they’ll learn quickly and it’ll feel like they’ve been there forever.

Any Special Considerations?

The main thing we recommend is to have patience, especially with mature Shepherds. While they are friendly, they’re trying to adapt to your home. They might seem shy or uncertain because they’re afraid of being abandoned again. Show them you love them and they’ll come around quickly.

Also, continue with regular vet care. Every breed, including German Shepherds, are susceptible to certain diseases. Your vet helps watch for any early signs to ensure the longest life possible for your new furry friend. Overall, German Shepherds are healthy dogs and they’re even listed as such by the AKC.

No matter what age your new German Shepherd is, you’ll want to make sure to have a lint roller ready for shedding. Also, have plenty of toys and places for them to play. Do this and they’ll become your best friend for life.