Giving working dogs a second chance.
Placing Belgian and Dutch Shepherds into working homes across the Midwest
Adopting is one of the best things you can do.
Belgian and Dutch Shepherds end up in rescues and shelters for being themselves: high energy, driven dogs looking for a job, any job to do. We have successfully placed dogs in working homes of all kinds: Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, Corrections, Sport, and Service Work.
Meet Our Adoptable Dogs
Zeus
Zeus
Belgian Malinois

Zeus is a typical teenage male Malinios. He's about 13 months old. He's mouthy and jumps up, and he likes physical contact and physical play.

He's environmentally sound in a downtown city setting. Zeus has basic obedience skills and does very well on an e-collar. He'll play flirt pole and tug, but needs some work to boost his drive to fetch.

Zeus is both crate and house trained. If you're interested in Zeus, please fill out our application at:
    https://www.mwdrescue.org/apply/

Fennec - Adoption Pending
Fennec - Adoption Pending
Dutch Shepherd

Fennec has been in boarding for three months and she so ready for a home of her own. She's not high maintenance, she's snuggly, she adores being a weekend warrior, and she has obedience skills.

She was adopted, lived in that home for two years, and was returned to us when the family had their second child. She lived with a male dog and a toddler in that home.

She's super affectionate and adores her person. She is good/tolerant with male dogs, she is not a fan of females. Her draw back is that she is not cat or small dog safe. She will flip into prey mode, which is not fair to either animal.

She is crate trained, she is house broken, she is fine loose when away, she's a really nice adult dog for someone who doesn't want to deal with a puppy or young dog.

Dani - Adoption Pending
Dani - Adoption Pending
Belgian Malinois

Meet Dani, a loving and resilient pup looking for a forever home. Found emaciated on the streets of Chicago. Dani has been thriving in foster care and has shown just how sweet, loyal, and affectionate she can be. Whether it's cuddling on the couch, going for walks, doing nosework or simply being close to people, Dani loves companionship and is ready to become part of a family.

Dani is energetic but has a nice off switch and gets along well with dogs, cats, and children. She enjoys long walks, nosework, and would do well in agility. She is making great progress with obedience and house training.

Like many rescue dogs, Dani just needs a patient and caring home where she can continue to feel safe and loved. In return, you'll gain a devoted companion who will bring joy, comfort, and unconditional love every day.

If you're looking to open your heart and home to a deserving dog, Dani may be the perfect fit.

Adoption Application
Courtesy Posts
(dogs available from other organizations or individuals)
Athena
Athena
Belgian Malinois

Meet Athena! She's an approximately 1-year-old, 50-pound Belgian Malinois located in Northern California and available for adoption through Foothill Dog Rescue.

Athena is crate, potty, and leash trained and is incredibly smart, athletic, sensitive, and loyal. She loves training, tennis balls, puzzle games, sniffing out hidden treats, and having a job to do.

Athena is currently part of Paws on the Block, a partnership between Foothill Dog Rescue and Folsom State Prison where rescue dogs live and train alongside incarcerated handlers. Through individualized training, enrichment, structure, and patience, Athena has made incredible progress and formed deep bonds with her handlers.

As a sensitive working breed, Athena needs an experienced adopter who understands canine body language and how to balance physical activity, mental enrichment, routine, rest, and respect for her boundaries. She prefers time to observe and get comfortable with new people, but once she trusts you, her handlers say she is "a friend forever."

Athena needs to be the only dog, would do best in a home without young children, and requires a secure, fully fenced yard.

Athena is available for private meets only in Northern California.

For more information, please contact:
    pawsontheblock.fdr@gmail.com

Coco
Coco
Dutch Shepherd Mix

Coco is a 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd mix who is looking for an active, home where she can put her intelligence and drive to good use. She was surrendered back to Ton of Fun K9 Academy after completing her training when her previous owners realized they could not provide the lifestyle she needed.

Coco is extremely intelligent, athletic, eager to please, and loves having a job. She has a strong training foundation, is well behaved, loves people, and is highly motivated to work. She especially enjoys using her nose, playing fetch, learning new skills, and being active.

Because of her energy and work ethic, we believe Coco could be an excellent candidate for dog sports, scent work, advanced obedience, hiking, or another active working lifestyle. She could also make a wonderful companion for an experienced person or family who wants an energetic, trained dog and is committed to keeping her mentally and physically fulfilled.

There is no rehoming fee. Our priority is finding Coco the right home where she can thrive. Please reach out with any questions or to see more pictures/footage.

Contact Email:
    jettavangundy@gmail.com

South
South

South is a super sweet dog. Very quick learner, highly energetic makes a great prospect for almost any sport or job. He's already desensitized to fireworks and other loud noises and knows basics along with a few tricks.

His owner says that he's high drive and high energy. He outworks Malinois on most days. South is about a year and a half old. For more information, please contact:
    sienacolee284@gmail.com

Maverick
Maverick
Dutch Shepherd

I'm a Dutch Shepherd, turning 3 this New Year. My mom is making one of the hardest decisions of her life: rehoming me. She loves me deeply and wants an experienced home that understands working breeds and can give me the structure, leadership, and love I need.

I'm high-energy, driven, and sometimes in my own world, so I need a confident, experienced handler -preferably someone familiar with Dutch Shepherds or similar working dogs.

I CANNOT live with cats, small animals, or small dogs due to my prey drive, and I'm not suitable for homes with small children, as I get hyper and mouthy and try to "take charge." Please do not try to test these boundaries.

I generally do well with large dogs, depending on temperament and careful introductions. I grew up with my brother and likely have littermate syndrome, so my best fit is a well-managed dog home.

I'm very trainable: I know sit, down, stay, heel, a release word, some hand signals, I'm crate trained, microchipped, vaccinated, neutered, and have done scent tracking. I'm highly reward-motivated and love fetch, especially with my blue and yellow spiky ball.

Ideal home: a single person or couple in a calm household, with time and consistency for training and exercise, possibly with another similar-sized dog after a careful intro.

Located in Bemidji, MN. For more info, please contact:
    ajlaska123@icloud.com

Ruthie
Ruthie
Malinois Mix

Ruthie is an amazing dog -- super sweet and smart and lovable. Adopted from the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society three years ago as a tiny puppy, Ruthie was one of 12 in a litter left under a bridge. We did a DNA test (which we can share) and she's mainly Siberian Husky, German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois.

She loves to play fetch at the dog park (watching her run is amazing!) or even in the living room with her favorite toy. She loves long walks and is great on a leash. She is totally housebroken and doesn't have accidents or destroy stuff in the house. She's an excellent watchdog and guards us from everything!

Our youngest dog has been bugging Ruthie for fun and play, which she does for a while -- but she can be territorial because of her breed & asserts herself as alpha. We recommend a home without other dogs, cats or small children so she can rule the roost and be your best friend!

We want to find Ruthie a forever family who will give her lots of love and attention. Whoever adopts her will be very lucky indeed. Please reach out for more photos, videos or questions to:
    nellmc28@gmail.com

Honey
Honey
Malinois Mix

Honey is an 11-month-old Belgian Malinois mix looking for her forever home. She is a sweet, affectionate young girl whose favorite place is right beside her people. With her gentle personality and loving nature, Honey is the kind of dog who forms strong bonds and enjoys being part of everything her family does.

Honey enjoys walks, exploring new places, and spending time outdoors, but what she loves most is the companionship that comes with it. She is intelligent (she loves training time!), curious, and eager to please, making her a wonderful match for an active family looking for a loyal companion. She even enjoys splashing in the water, making her an ideal companion for outdoor adventures.

She is fully vetted, dog-friendly, and does well with kids. She loves attention and happily soaks up affection.

Honey was found as a stray on a disc golf course alongside another young dog, Maple. Despite
her rough start, she has remained trusting, resilient, and full of love, and she's ready to find the
family she's been waiting for. Honey is currently being fostered in Tallahassee, FL.

If you're looking for a sweet, devoted best friend who will happily join you on adventures and then curl up by your side at the end of the day, Honey may be the perfect fit. For more information about Honey, including how to adopt her, please contact:
    info@workdogrescue.org

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