Mixed Breed and Shepherd Dogs Available for Adoption in Chicago, Illinois

Meet Rena, the girl with spunk for days and a heart big enough to match it. This confident, clever, loyal pup is the full package — personality, brains, athleticism, and a hilarious “talking” voice that makes us suspect she’s part husky. She has opinions, she shares them, and she’ll absolutely tell you when she thinks it’s time for snacks.

Rena is friendly with both dogs and people, though she can be a bit "bossy". She thrives with someone who can give her clear rules, boundaries, and structure, and who isn’t afraid to lovingly say, “Okay, that’s enough, ma’am.”

This girl LOVES to move. She’s fast, agile, and would make an amazing jogging or rollerblading buddy. When she’s not zooming, her favorite hobbies include tug with her human, shredding a toy, playing with dog friends, and learning new skills. She’s medium energy but high drive, which means she’s easy to train, eager to work, and able to relax beautifully once her needs are met.

Rena is kennel trained (it’s her cozy bedroom), loose‑leash trained, and knows all her basics: sit, down, heel, come, place. She’s been exposed to different environments, dogs, and play styles, and she handles it all like a champ.

The ideal home for Rena is one that:
*Has experience with high‑drive dogs, or is excited to learn
*Can provide structure, consistency, and a firm-but-kind tone
*Loves being active. but also appreciates a good cuddle session

If you’re looking for a dog who will make you laugh, keep you moving, and love you with her whole heart, Rena is your girl.

Rena’s adoption comes with (2) complimentary lessons from DoveK9 LLC and Every Single Day Dog Training to make for an easy transition to your home. Lilliana Chaidez and Jawaan Jackson will ensure you have all the support needed to enjoy Rena at her full potential as they have. It’s a no-brainer!

The mixed breed dogs, often referred to as mutts, are a diverse and unique group with a blend of different characteristics from various purebred dog breeds. These dogs come from a mixture of lineages, resulting in a wide range of sizes, coat types, and temperaments. While each mixed breed dog is distinct in its own right, they are known for their resilience, adaptability, and often have fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs due to their genetic diversity. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful companions for families looking for a loyal and one-of-a-kind pet.

The shepherd dog breed encompasses a versatile group known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic. With a heritage deeply rooted in herding and protecting livestock, shepherds excel at various tasks ranging from obedience and agility competitions to search and rescue missions. Their protective nature makes them excellent family pets, offering unwavering devotion and a natural instinct to watch over and care for their loved ones. In addition to their remarkable abilities, shepherds are often characterized by their distinctive appearance, including a sturdy build, alert expression, and a signature double coat that provides insulation and protection in various climates.

The City of Chicago takes in thousands of unwanted animals every year from citizens, brings stray animals in off the...