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Likely adopted

Rex

Mixed Breed · Male · Young · 1 year

Approximately 1.5 years old (born around November 1, 2024), 62 cm tall, 28.6 kg, male, neutered. Leishmaniasis test negative in February 2026; will be tested again before departure. Still at the animal shelter in Spain. Rex—a loyal German Shepherd who finally longs for a peaceful life. Rex is a sweet, cuddly, and people-oriented German Shepherd who quickly seeks closeness with his human companion. Very typical of many German Shepherds, Rex shows his affection by gently taking his human’s forearm into his mouth as a greeting. Although this may seem unusual at first, it’s actually a loving behavior. Rex is extremely gentle and has never hurt anyone. He’s attentive, highly obedient, and eager to please his human. He walks very well on the leash. Rex also gets along well with other dogs. Unfortunately, Rex hasn’t had a happy life so far. One day, he showed up together with a female dog (Kira) in front of the entrance of our partner animal shelter. Thanks to his microchip, we were able to identify his owner. Although the owner promised to pick Rex up, he never appeared. Investigations revealed that Rex had already been found stray months earlier, and his owner had previously retrieved him from the official animal shelter after paying a fine. It’s all the more heartbreaking that Rex was left to fend for himself once again. We suspect that Rex hasn’t had good experiences with humans in the past. When he first arrived at the shelter, he would get startled by loud voices, hectic movements, or even just the sight of a mop. Over time, he has built up quite a bit of trust, but these reactions suggest that he wasn’t treated well in the past. Rex suffers from a stereotypy—a compulsive behavior. In stressful situations, he starts spinning in circles and tries to snap at his own tail, which has already caused him injuries. At the shelter, we initially tried to improve his behavior with natural remedies. Since this didn’t work, Rex now receives medication for obsessive-compulsive disorders, and we’re already seeing slight improvements. However, what’s especially important is that Rex shows just how much potential he has: As soon as he’s outside, can focus on walks, or is mentally stimulated through nosework and other activities, this behavior almost completely disappears. Even in a calm environment without the constant stress and barking of an animal shelter, he displays significantly fewer signs of this compulsive behavior. That’s why we’re convinced that Rex can continue to develop positively in a loving, structured home—with patience, plenty of stimulation, and the necessary peace and quiet. Health-wise, Rex had prostatitis in early 2026. Examinations revealed that his testicles were located in his abdominal cavity and that, contrary to previous assumptions, he hadn’t been neutered. After their surgical removal, this issue has been completely resolved. Additionally, an ultrasound detected some bladder stones. Rex is therefore currently receiving special urinary food. A follow-up examination is scheduled for August. For Rex, we’re looking for experienced dog owners who are prepared to accompany him on his journey with understanding and patience. His compulsive behavior shouldn’t put anyone off—rather, we see it as a consequence of his past and the stressful conditions at the shelter. We’re convinced that in a calm home with clear routines, sufficient stimulation, and lots of love, Rex will finally get the chance to find peace and reveal his true nature. Rex has so much love to give. All he needs now is a family who’ll show him that his life can be beautiful too. Videos 2026:

DE·Show original

Ca. 1,5 Jahre (geb. ca. 01.11.2024) 62 cm, 28,6 kg männlich, kastriert Leishmaniosetest negativ im Feb. 2026, wird vor der Ausreise nochmals getestet Noch im Tierheim in Spanien Rex – ein treuer Schäferhund, der endlich zur Ruhe kommen möchte Rex ist ein lieber, verschmuster und menschenbezogener Deutscher Schäferhund, der schnell die Nähe seiner Bezugsperson sucht. Ganz typisch für viele Schäferhunde zeigt Rex seine Zuneigung, indem er zur Begrüssung sanft den Unterarm seines Menschen in seine Schnauze nimmt. Das wirkt im ersten Moment vielleicht ungewohnt, ist aber ein liebevolles Verhalten. Rex ist dabei äusserst vorsichtig und hat noch nie jemanden verletzt. Er ist aufmerksam, sehr gehorsam und möchte seinem Menschen gefallen. Er läuft sehr gut an der Leine. Auch mit anderen Hunden versteht sich Rex gut. Leider hatte Rex in seinem bisherigen Leben kein schönes Schicksal. Eines Tages tauchte er zusammen mit einer Hündin (Kira) vor dem Eingang unseres Partnertierheims auf. Dank seines Mikrochips konnte der Besitzer ausfindig gemacht werden. Obwohl er versprach, Rex abzuholen, erschien er nie. Nachforschungen ergaben, dass Rex bereits Monate zuvor herrenlos aufgegriffen worden war und sein Besitzer ihn damals gegen Bezahlung einer Busse wieder vom amtlichen Tierheim abgeholt hatte. Umso trauriger ist es, dass Rex erneut sich selbst überlassen wurde. Wir vermuten, dass Rex in der Vergangenheit keine guten Erfahrungen mit Menschen gemacht hat. Als er ins Tierheim kam, erschrak er bei lauten Stimmen, hektischen Bewegungen oder sogar beim Anblick eines Wischmopps. Mit der Zeit hat er zwar bereits viel Vertrauen gefasst, doch diese Reaktionen lassen vermuten, dass er früher nicht gut behandelt wurde. Rex leidet unter einer Stereotypie beziehungsweise einer Zwangshandlung. In belastenden Situationen beginnt er, sich im Kreis zu drehen und versucht, nach seinem Schwanz zu schnappen, wodurch er sich bereits Verletzungen zugezogen hat. Im Tierheim wurde zunächst versucht, das Verhalten mit natürlichen Präparaten zu verbessern. Da dies keinen Erfolg brachte, erhält Rex inzwischen ein Medikament gegen Zwangsstörungen, worunter bereits eine leichte Verbesserung zu beobachten ist. Besonders wichtig ist jedoch, dass Rex zeigt, wie viel Potenzial in ihm steckt: Sobald er draussen unterwegs ist, sich auf Spaziergänge konzentrieren kann oder durch Nasenarbeit und andere Beschäftigungen geistig ausgelastet wird, verschwindet das Verhalten nahezu vollständig. Auch in einer ruhigen Umgebung ohne den ständigen Stress und das Gebell eines Tierheims zeigt er deutlich weniger Anzeichen dieser Zwangshandlung. Deshalb sind wir überzeugt, dass sich Rex in einem liebevollen, strukturierten Zuhause mit Geduld, Auslastung und der nötigen Ruhe weiter positiv entwickeln kann. Gesundheitlich hatte Rex Anfang 2026 eine Prostataentzündung. Bei den Untersuchungen stellte sich heraus, dass seine Hoden im Bauchraum lagen und er entgegen der bisherigen Annahme nicht kastriert war. Nach der operativen Entfernung ist dieses Problem vollständig behoben. Zudem wurde bei einer Ultraschalluntersuchung etwas Blasengriess festgestellt. Rex erhält deshalb zurzeit ein spezielles Urinary-Futter. Eine Kontrolluntersuchung ist für August geplant. Für Rex wünschen wir uns hundeerfahrene Menschen, die bereit sind, ihn mit Verständnis und Geduld auf seinem weiteren Weg zu begleiten. Seine Zwangshandlung sollte nicht abschrecken – vielmehr sehen wir sie als Folge seiner Vergangenheit und der belastenden Tierheimsituation. Wir sind überzeugt, dass Rex in einem ruhigen Zuhause mit klaren Strukturen, ausreichend Beschäftigung und viel Liebe endlich die Chance erhält, zur Ruhe zu kommen und sein wahres Wesen zu zeigen. Rex hat so viel Liebe zu verschenken. Jetzt fehlt ihm nur noch die Familie, die ihm zeigt, dass sein Leben auch schön sein kann. Videos 2026:

Size
Large
Age
Young · 1 year
Location
🇨🇭Home4dogs
Shelter
home4dogs
Living with Rex
  • Neutered
  • Microchipped
Cared for by home4dogs · Home4dogsLearn about Mixed Breed

Listed 1 month ago

Bringing Rex home

What you'll need for Rex in week one.

Hand-picked · prices indicative

  1. 01
    Required by most shelters

    Trixie Transport Box

    Sturdy plastic carrier — what most shelters require for pickup.

    View on Amazon
    €35–45
  2. 02
    Editor's pick

    Folding Wire Crate

    First-week safe space. Shelter dogs settle faster with a crate.

    View on Amazon
    €50–80
  3. 03
    Legal · EU

    Car Seatbelt Tether

    Legally required in most EU countries for transporting dogs.

    View on Amazon
    €8–12
  4. 04

    Adaptil Calming Spray

    Dog-specific pheromone diffuser. Worth it for the trip home.

    View on Amazon
    €18–25
  5. 05

    Orthopaedic Dog Bed

    Worth the upgrade — rescues often have joint issues from kennels.

    View on Amazon
    €30–60
  6. 06
    Safer than a collar

    Padded Y-Front Harness

    Escape-proof for spooky rescues. Safer than a collar in week one.

    View on Amazon
    €20–35

§ Affiliate links · TailHarbor earns a small commission, no extra cost to you.

About Rex

What life with Rex looks like

Rex is a large young adult mixed breed dog waiting at home4dogs in Home4dogs.

An young adult dog fits most household rhythms once the first couple of weeks of adjustment pass. A larger dog like this one needs daily off-leash time when possible — a fenced yard or regular access to safe walking trails. Plan a "decompression fortnight" — quiet routine, no visitors, no off-leash adventures — to let them settle.

🇨🇭Adopting from Switzerland

Swiss shelters require a home visit (Platzkontrolle) and proof of suitable accommodation. Cantons each have their own additional dog-keeping requirements (e.g. SKN training in some areas). Animals leave sterilized and chipped.

Home4dogs, Switzerland browse more dogs in Switzerland.

Frequently asked

Adopting Rex, answered.

How do I contact the shelter about Rex?
Use the phone, email, or website link in the sidebar of this page. home4dogs handles screening and the adoption contract directly — TailHarbor doesn't broker the conversation. When you reach out, mention you saw Rex on TailHarbor so they know which animal you're asking about.
Can I adopt Rex if I live in another country?
Yes, in most cases. Rescues across Europe routinely place animals abroad — home4dogs will tell you what they need (EU pet passport, rabies titer, transport coordination) and whether they handle transport themselves or refer you to a partner. Plan for an extra €100–€350 in transport costs depending on distance.
Is Rex already vetted, vaccinated, and chipped?
Most dogs on TailHarbor leave their shelter with sterilization, current vaccinations, microchip ID, and an EU pet passport included in the adoption fee. The vet status on this page reflects what the shelter has reported — ask them directly if you need details on specific vaccines, recent bloodwork, or chronic conditions.
What happens if Rex isn't the right fit?
Every reputable rescue accepts an animal back if the adoption genuinely doesn't work — that's part of the standard contract. Talk it through with home4dogs early rather than rehoming privately; they know Rex and can place them more successfully than a second-hand listing can.
Why does the description sometimes read awkwardly?
TailHarbor translates shelter descriptions into English from the source language (DE). Translation is imperfect — names of streets, donors, and shelter-specific terms occasionally slip through unidiomatically. For the cleanest read, click the source link to see the shelter's original page.
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