Large Dogs for Adoption in Fairfield, CA: 30 Big Dogs Looking for a Home

Sniffari Enthusiast: Milton loves investigating all the fascinating smells around him. He pulls moderately on leash and is working on his walking manners, so he’ll appreciate a little patience and continued practice as he learns to stroll more politely.
Scritch-Seeking Sweetheart: Milton may come over and back his adorable butt right up for some scratches when his person sits near him! He clearly appreciates affection and knows how to make a polite request for attention.
A Clever, Well-Mannered Cookie: Milton knows “sit” and takes treats gently. Milton may look at other dogs during walks, but he’s easily redirected with treats and kissy noises.

Milton would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

My first foster home in SJ was for a few days, while I waited for my intended, and current, foster family to be ready to take me to their house. So I'm now living with a retriever and a ShepHeroes alum and a baby. I absolutely love snuggles and exploring everything around me! My meds helped me recover from kennel cough, which I caught at the shelter. I’ve got lots of growing, playing, and exploring ahead, and I’ll be back soon with more puppy news! Love,Your newest little ShepHeroes recruit

We spent our first night out of the shelter with a foster family, getting baths and desperately needed nail trims. After a good night's sleep with lots of playtime with each other and the resident shepherds, plus another foster dog, four-year-old Daisy, who watched over us like all good female shepherds. I adored my bath whereas my littermates weren't so sure it was a good thing. We met Daisy's forever family the morning we were getting back on the road to head to our next foster homes, as she was getting adopted.I'm the only puppy in my current foster home, and I love all the attention and snuggles. To grow, I'm taking lots of naps, as puppies need 16-18 hours of sleep. But I'll be seeing Pumkin et al. frequently for playdates. Stay tuned! My story is just beginning!

How fun is that?! And in the spirit of Halloween, I kept my name Pumkin because I'm just a sweet little pumkin. I am brave, independent, and a steady explorer. I easily incorporate into new households with their shepherds and other dogs, steady for sure. I love attention and snuggles like all pups, but I will also take my toy and happily hang out in my pen area during the day or in my crate all night.My foster family has two resident shepherds, and extended family has a couple of corgis; we have regular playdates. I also got to take a stroller ride with my own personal driver during the Fall Festival; my driver said I was such a well-behaved pup. I didn't need to jump out or explore because people kept coming to say sweet things to me and pet me throughout our time there. Stay tuned, friends! I'll keep giving you updates as I get to go on more adventures.

Deku can be anxious in the shelter and is a strong puller on leash, especially when he sees other dogs. He has shown the ability to disengage and move on during dog introductions, and he may do well with a compatible canine friend after thoughtful introductions. He could also enjoy being the only dog in the home, with opportunities to socialize with suitable dog friends.

Deku would benefit from a family ready to help him build confidence and practice leash skills using patience and positive reinforcement. He has also received treatment for an ear infection and recently had a skin mass removed, so his adopter should review his medical disclosures and follow up with their veterinarian. If you’re looking for a fun, affectionate companion and are ready to help a big guy settle into his next chapter, Deku would love to meet you!

Lovely Leash Manners: Cora walks beautifully on a loose leash and will happily come right alongside you when asked. She trots along with an upbeat spring in her step, making walks a pleasure.
Cool and Collected: She’s non-reactive around dogs, people, squirrels, rollerblades, and scooters. When meeting other dogs, she stays relaxed and responds calmly when they set boundaries.
Affection Enthusiast: Cora loves pets and may nuzzle or gently paw at you to request more when you stop.
A Peaceful Night Owl: Cora settles comfortably in her bed and sleeps through the night. She has done well in her pen and crate area, though she managed to escape her foster pen on her first night.

Cora may enjoy life with a compatible canine companion or as a solo dog with opportunities to make dog friends. Her adopters should also schedule a veterinary visit to discuss her dental health and any additional senior-care needs. Follow Cora in foster with @foster_em_all on Instagram, and click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.

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She's already shown she can hold it, making house-training much easier, although she'll still need supervision and consistency as she grows. She also does well around the resident cats, leaving kitties alone with gentle reminders.This sweet girl loves being wherever her people are. She's an affectionate little cuddler who soaks up attention and enjoys being part of the action. As the day winds down, Coraline settles into her crate and sleeps a wonderful eight hours through the night!With her steady temperament, affectionate nature, and impressive progress with all the new things she's learning, Coraline is off to a fantastic start. On all her outings, she's a magnet for kids, and she responds gently to their excitement to meet a puppy. We can't wait to see her continue to blossom into the amazing companion she's meant to be.Coraline is looking for a family ready for all the fun, love, training, and adventures that come with raising a German Shepherd puppy. Could she be the perfect addition to your family?Her littermate Frankie was just adopted, and Rocket just relocated from San Jose to Sacramento while his regular foster family's out of town.Interested in learning more? Fill out an application, and we'll connect you. Have you checked out our YouTube channel? We would greatly appreciate your support by subscribing, liking, and commenting on the videos we share of our adoptable shepherds in action. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our newest Threads account, where we post plenty of news and updates about our shepherds.As a foster-based rescue, ShepHeroes always needs fosters. An overwhelming number of shepherds in our local shelters need our help for a fresh start. Would you share your home and part of your life to help shepherds find new families? You provide the love, and we'll provide everything else! Saying "yes" today truly saves a life. Complete this https://www.shepheroes.org/foster-form, and we'll be in touch ASAP! We appreciate your consideration.

He's learned lots of skills such as sit, out, leave it, pee potty, place, and when tired, he will self-crate for a nap. He puts himself to bed in his crate at 8 pm, has a quick potty break at midnight, and sleeps until 6 am. With his irresistibly handsome looks and floppy ear tips—now perking up more each day—Rocket has truly blossomed. After good nutrition and TLC, he’s gaining weight, and his coat is starting to shine just like his siblings’. Watching him explore his foster home, enjoy the yard, and finally rest easy after his time on the streets and in the shelter has been a joy. He soaks up every bit of love from the resident shepherd, who can’t get enough of this puppy.When he’s not following his best buddy, the resident shepherd, he’s always ready for snuggles and kisses—he truly thrives on attention. He’s had several accident-free days, which have continued with reminders and guidance appropriate for his age, and he has no problem letting you know what’s on his mind, sharing his opinions in classic shepherd style.When Rocket’s foster family left for a preplanned vacation, he traveled to his next foster home in Sacramento, where he now lives with two shepherds and a cat. He’s already mastered the doggy door, respectfully ignores the senior cat, and absolutely loves his crate—especially when it’s filled with his growing pile of favorite toys. Rocket is excellent in the car, traveling for several hours while napping in his travel crate. He's also good on leash, taking short excursions around his neighborhood courtyard. While waiting for his new foster family, Rocket spent a couple of hours with new friends—including our adoptable Joey—and showed how steady and adaptable he is. He fit right in, playing with toys and even enjoying a game of tug with a senior alum.In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Rocket is proudly sporting a pink leash!Interested in learning more? Please submit an application, and we’ll reach out to chat about Rocket.Have you checked out our YouTube channel? We would greatly appreciate your support; please subscribe, like, and comment on the videos we share of our adoptable shepherds in action. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our newest Threads account, where we post plenty of news and updates about our shepherds.As a foster-based rescue, ShepHeroes always needs fosters. An overwhelming number of shepherds in our local shelters need our help to get a fresh start. Would you share your home and part of your life to help shepherds find new families? You provide the love, and we'll provide everything else! Saying "yes" today truly saves a life. Complete this https://www.shepheroes.org/foster-form, and we'll be in touch ASAP! We appreciate your consideration.

Periwinkle also has a playful side. During introductions, he enjoyed interacting and playing with other dogs, using his paws to invite them into the fun. He may enjoy a well-matched canine companion or be happy as your one-and-only with opportunities to make dog friends.

As a young dog, Periwinkle is still learning his manners and can get excited about greeting people by putting his paws up on them. He'll benefit from a patient adopter who can help him build confidence, practice leash skills, and learn new things through positive reinforcement. If you're looking for an affectionate sidekick who wants to be close to his favorite people, Periwinkle could be your guy!

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Max will delight you with his gentle spirit, loyal heart, and quiet charm. If you're looking for a devoted friend who simply needs someone to believe in him, Max may be the perfect match.

Odin is still working on his leash skills and can pull quite hard, so he’ll benefit from patient, reward-based training. He’s currently underweight, and while a shelter vet found no immediate medical cause, he’ll need a follow-up health exam after adoption. If you’re looking for an affectionate companion to explore the world with, Odin could be your guy!

Ready, Set, Play! Jetty loves running around in the yard and playing fetch. She may need a little convincing to return the ball, but she’s happy to keep the fun going!
Smart Cookie: She sits for treats, and even offered her paw without being asked! She’s easy walk at the shelter, and reported to be crate trained.
Professional Cuddle Bug: Jetty leans in for extra pets and rubs, and she may roll onto her back to invite belly rubs.
Dog social: In playgroups, Jetty enjoys high-speed chase games and wrestling with compatible canine friends.

Jetty will be a wonderful match for an active home ready to channel her youthful energy into play, training, and affection. She’ll do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Smart & Talented: Samson knows “sit,” “down,” and “paw,” and can put his paws on patio furniture on cue. He may even know “crawl”! He pulls mildly on leash, takes treats gently and is eager to learn.
Playful & Curious: He enjoys sniffing and exploring the yard, then gallops back when called. He loves engaging with his person and may hop onto a nearby lap for a closer connection.
Connected Companion: Samson checks in frequently and often stays close to his handler, especially when the world feels busy.
Dog Social: Samson plays well with other dogs in playgroup. He may pull mildly or whine softly when he spots a dog he wants to greet

Samson would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Maeve is also a sensitive soul. She does best with calm, consistent boundaries and a predictable routine. She can become overwhelmed by social pressure, especially around other dogs, and prefers her own private space to retreat and decompress. She has made tremendous progress learning that her crate is her safe place and that humans can be trusted to give her space when she needs it.

She is not looking for a household that expects instant perfection. Her ideal family will appreciate that beneath the dramatic royal persona is a dog who is still learning how to feel completely secure in the world.

Give Her Majesty patience, structure, respect, and a little cheese, and she will reward you with goofy antics, affection, loyalty, and approximately 90 pounds of emotional support queen.

Her DNA

34.2% White Shepherd

20% American Pitbull

17.4% Siberian Husky

15.5% German Shepherd

12.9% Alaskan Malamute

Adventure Buddy: Tanner enjoys sniffing and running around the yard. He pulls excitedly at times, but a shorter leash and gentle redirection help keep his walks manageable.
Smart & Learning: He knows “sit” and “touch” and is practicing “down” and “paw.” He sometimes takes treats gently but can get bouncy and mouthy with puppy excitement.
Loving Lapdog: Tanner adores affection. Once settled, Tanner happily leans into pets, gives kisses, and tries to climb into your lap.
Outing Superstar: Tanner showed lots of interest in greeting new people, calmly passed other dogs, and ignored birds. Best of all, he settled down quietly later at a brewery without barking or whining!

Tanner would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

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Dream Walking Companion: Princeton is a pleasure on leash! He doesn’t pull or bark, instead maintaining a slow, steady, comfortable pace. He takes direction well and makes every walk feel like a relaxing stroll.
Calm & Gentle: Princeton is remarkably composed, even when excited dogs walk nearby. He stays quiet and nonreactive, showing off his wonderfully mellow personality.
Curious Sniffer: He loves taking his time to sniff and explore the world around him. For Princeton, a walk is all about enjoying the little things at his own pace.
Sweet Senior Soul: Quiet and still in his kennel, Princeton brings a peaceful presence wherever he goes. He is not always interested in hot dogs or other treats during his outing, but his gentle nature speaks for itself.

Princeton would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Smart Little Learner: Willa knows “sit” and “down,” is practicing “paw” and “spin,” and shows great focus despite her wiggly excitement. She loves treat-finding games and follows treat lures like a pro!
Affectionate Lovebug: She leans into pets and happily pops her front paws onto your lap for attention. Willa loves being close to her people and soaking up affection.
Playful Puppy: Tennis balls are a favorite! She loves chasing them and carrying them proudly in her mouth. When excited, she may get mouthy and try to play with your hands, so she’ll benefit from continued puppy-manners training.
Dog-social Explorer: Willa plays well with other dogs in doggie playgroup. She may pull excitedly at the beginning of walks but soon settles into sniffing and exploring.

Willa would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Playtime Enthusiast: Kaden loves chasing balls, playing fetch, and tugging on rope toys. He usually releases the ball when he sees another one coming, eager to keep the fetch game going!
Smart Cookie: Kaden knows “sit” and “stay,” takes treats very gently, and enjoys treat-foraging games that put his nose to work.
Affectionate Companion: He enjoys pets, especially chest and butt scratches. He can get a little bouncy when excited, but that playful enthusiasm is part of his charm.
Outdoor Explorer: Kaden is working on his leash manners and loves having room to sprint and play. He mostly ignores other dogs while out and about but would run towards a squirrel. He was reported to give a brief howl when a fire truck passed by!

Kaden would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

One of Freddie’s most charming qualities is his calm demeanor. He isn’t much of a howler, so your neighbors are likely to appreciate him as much as you do. When he does speak up, it’s with a beautiful, deep bark that he uses sparingly.

Like many intelligent dogs, Freddie can be determined and persistent when he has his mind set on something. Fortunately, that determination is paired with a sweet, loving temperament that makes him a wonderful companion.

If you're looking for a loyal, gentle, and fun-loving best friend, Freddie may be the perfect match.

Leash Manners: Potts pulls mildly on leash and is mostly interested in sniffing, marking, and exploring at his own pace.
Independent Explorer: Potts enjoys entertaining himself, often running around the perimeter of the yard and investigating every interesting scent. He doesn’t actively seek out attention but may lean in for pets when he’s ready.
Playful: Potts enjoys chasing a tossed ball, although he doesn’t always bring it back.
Treats & Engagement: Potts knows “sit”, “paw” and can catch treats mid air. He takes treats gently, though he isn’t consistently treat motivated. He may be curious about activities around him and may vocalize when excited.

Potts will do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

He would much rather be hanging out with you.Other dogs: Sully is very social and friendly w/ other friendly dogs. He would likely do well with another chill, friendly dog who matches his easygoing energy.Cats: Sully currently lives well w/ a confident cat. With a proper intro he should do ok living with cats.Kids: Sully is a big guy! He can absolutely knock over small kids. Ideally best w/ older kids comfortable around giants.Quirks: Despite his size, Sully is pretty convinced he is lap-dog sized. He would happily spend his whole day following you around, leaning on you, and being your oversized drooly shadow.Ideal home: Sully would thrive with someone comfortable with giant breeds who understands the importance of keeping a big guy’s joints safe and their maintenance and costs. He’s already ramp trained for getting in and out of the car and would love someone who wants to bring him along rather than leave him behind. Someone looking for a big goofy bff to tag along for coffee runs, walks, little adventures, and then come home and hang out on the couch. Sully really just wants to be included in life, and honestly, with that big drooly face, it’s pretty hard not to include him. All K9ppr dogs are fixed, microchipped, vaccinated etc prior to adoption. #bayareadogrescue #mastiffrescue #corsoPlease note-detailed adoption app required! We’re looking for the right forever fit www.K9ppr.org

At around 5-
6 years old
, Bob may be considered a mature gentleman, but he certainly doesn’t act like life is slowing down. He thinks age is just a number and is ready for
more adventures, more fun, and a whole lot more love
.

A serious snugglebug: Bluey instantly approaches when his person kneels down and happily snuggles in for pets and affection. Once the affection starts, he leans in closer, wiggling his whole body and tail. He may even offer some sweet face kisses and an unexpected ear tickle!
Playful and engaging: Bluey loves toy play and readily drops his toys, both spontaneously and in exchange for treats. He also enjoys treat-finding games and exploring a snuffle mat.
Food motivated and gentle: Bluey takes treats gently and happily engages in “find it” games, although he usually has little interest in working on verbal cues.
Calm around other dogs: Bluey shows curious interest in nearby dogs but remains calm and does not engage with his barking neighbors. He would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Follow him in foster with @foster_friends_of_baygull on Instagram, and click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.

Sweet and affectionate: Lacey is sometimes fairly independent about pets, but she’ll likely lean right in and step closer for more when you give her a good butt scratch!
A playful senior: Lacey loves going after tossed squeaky toys, picking them up, and bouncing around with a happily wagging tail. She also enjoys pushing a ball around with her paws and snout.
Still enjoys a good sniff: Lacey has plenty of pep for a senior and will occasionally break into a little trot when she discovers a particularly interesting smell.
Gentle and tolerant: Lacey takes treats gently and was wonderfully tolerant of all handling during bathing and nail trims with volunteers.

Lacey would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

And he was such a good boy, taking treats and learning to shake. Joey also went to Geisthaus Brewing Company for a Brewery Manners class with Wholistic Canine and was a super good boy at the Citrus Heights Food Plaza's Halloween event. He'll be back to low-key activities and crate confinement for a few days, but this time to recover from his neuter surgery. His surgical incision has healed, and he’s said goodbye to his e-cone. He’s also been practicing his vacation skills! Over Labor Day weekend, Joey joined his foster family for a getaway to Tahoe, where he rode beautifully in the car and enjoyed the mountain air from the deck. What a trooper!Joey’s journey began with a serious fracture of his right femur, broken into multiple fragments, along with an infected open wound. Thanks to the quick response of Hitchcock Road Animal Services, the generosity of our friends at @UCDavisFractureProgram, and a team of dedicated volunteers who arranged transport from Salinas to Davis in just hours, Joey got the urgent medical care he needed. Two plates were used to repair his femur, and he headed to his foster home on August 29 to begin his recovery.The road to healing called for strict crate rest, but Joey has made the most of his recovery. He’s mastered crate and potty training, discovered the joys of chew toys (especially while shedding his baby teeth!), and shown us just how much personality can shine through, even when a puppy has to take it easy.Now, as Joey has healed, we’re excited for everyone to meet this wonderful boy. He’s overcome a lot in his short life, and his future is looking brighter every day. His next big adventure? Finding a forever family who will love him as much as he deserves! Want to help Joey on his road to recovery? You can send toys and treats through our Chewy or Amazon wish lists, donate via Venmo at @shepheroes, or use the donate button next to his bio at shepheroes.org/adopt.Every bit of support helps Joey get one step closer to his happily ever after! We are very thankful for any support you can give as we just launched Ambra, aka Summer, to her forever home after 4 months with us while she healed from multiple surgeries. We continue to care for Otti, who has been with us for 9 months, has undergone two abdominal surgeries, and was recently diagnosed with EPI.Have you seen our YouTube channel? We would really appreciate your support by subscribing, liking, and commenting on our videos of adoptable shepherds in action. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our new Threads account, where we share lots of news and updates about our shepherds.Since ShepHeroes is a foster-based rescue, we always need more foster homes. Many shepherds in our local shelters need a fresh start. Would you open your home and share your life to help shepherds find new families? You provide the love, and we will take care of everything else. Saying "yes" today truly saves a life. Fill out the form at https://www.shepheroes.org/foster-form, and we will contact you soon. Thank you for considering it.

People-Loving Explorer: Azabache enjoys staying close to her people and loves running and sniffing around the yard, bringing happy energy wherever she goes.
Smart & Talented: She knows “sit” and “touch,” has excellent barkour skills on outdoor furniture, and is working on catching treats midair. She takes treats gently from an open palm, though excitement can occasionally make her a little teethy.
Playful and Fun: Azabache loves chasing and playing with tossed toys, bringing them closer to her person, and eventually dropping them when asked.
Dog Social: She enjoys a good game of chase with other dogs in playgroup and brings an enthusiastic, playful spirit to her canine friendships.

Azabache would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Playful and independent: Roddy enjoys entertaining himself, whether he’s chasing and slapping around a ball or finding a stuffy to chew or toss around.
Smart and highly trainable: Roddy is very food motivated and enjoys treat-based activities like practicing “sit,” “down,” “touch,” “crawl,” and playing “find it” games.
Affectionate on his terms: Roddy is somewhat independent and doesn’t always seek out interaction, but he accepts pets and affection and appears to enjoy them when offered.
Easy to redirect: Roddy can be mildly jumpy and excitable, but he’s easily redirected with treats, games, and engagement with his person.
Working on leash skills: Roddy may bark and pull toward other dogs while on leash, but he remains manageable and is not difficult to be redirected.

Roddy will do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

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People-focused and affectionate: Dan likes to stay close to his person and will often come right over and automatically sit at their feet for attention. If the pets stop, he may politely nudge his person a few times to let them know he’d happily like more.
Smart and treat motivated: Dan responds very well to “sit” and enjoys “find it” games. He’s especially fond of cheese and may happily follow his person around in hopes of getting another tasty treat.
Mellow with a playful side: Dan has an overall mellow demeanor, but he can get a little bouncy when he becomes especially excited.
Manageable on leash: Dan pulls a bit on leash but is very manageable.

Dan will do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

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Griffin is sometimes a little shy when first meeting new people, but he quickly blossoms into a sweet, friendly and wiggly pup. Especially if you’ve got some treats to share! He will proudly show off his ‘sit’ if it means getting a treat, and his ‘look’, ‘leave it,’ and ‘wait’ are all improving! He’s a petite 52 pounds and has been friendly with other dogs.

Follow his foster adventures with @adopt.from.oas on Instagram! If you can give Griffin the loving home that he deserves, click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.

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