Large Dogs for Adoption in Manteca, CA: 10 Big Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Manteca have 10 large dogs up for adoption. Here are all 10, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Big dogs often wait longer for homes than small ones, though many are gentle, loyal and easy-going. Every dog on this page is listed by their rescue as large or extra large, with breeds like German Shepherd, Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute.
Not in Manteca? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Shaeffer
Meet ShaefferAdoption fee on this dog is $300.Shaeffer is a 3 yo Black and Tan male with an impressive stature. He is currently underweight at 75 lbs, but he is making good progress on rebuilding strength and stamina. Although the story of his youth is unknown, he has puppy-curiosity and is responding remarkably well to human partnership.While he was in the loud shelter environment, Shaeffer displayed constant high-energy with rough play behaviors. Once he adapted to the comforts of a quiet indoor life, however, he is showing quite the opposite. He enjoys being with his human in the home where lounging on his extra-large dog bed has become his favorite pass time.
Read more about Shaeffer
Add a belly-rub and he is your best friend! Daily walks with short intervals of play (monitored for assertiveness) with his foster-mate appear to satisfy his exercise needs. This may expand, of course, as he builds more muscle and strength.Given his puppy-nature, he uses his height to his advantage by occasionally searching the counters for any unattended goodies, or to greet his humans face-to-face (in case you didn't notice him) to give you kisses. This is diminishing with consistent corrections and discovering that food and affection are no longer scarcities in his world. Even at ground-level, there are no shortages of kisses from this boy.Shaeffer walks well on a leash and is becoming more eager for his car rides. He sleeps in a crate at night and is housebroken with a dog door. If you are searching for a new family member, this guy has the characteristics that make him a wonderful loving companion.Cats and small critters unknown.This dog is a Level 2.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
2. Max
Max is a delightful boy whose owner sadly passed away which left Max was living alone in the backyard and being fed every two days by neighbors for several weeks. He is friendly and affectionate, gentle, but busy, crowded places can feel a little overwhelming for him. Max is a bit shy at first and may not have had many opportunities to explore the world, so he is still building his confidence.
With love, patience, and gentle guidance, Max is sure to blossom into an exceptional companion. He gets along well with other dogs his size and is learning how to be part of a pack. Every day he shows a little more of his sweet personality.
Read more about Max
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.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
3. Queen Maeve
Meet Queen Maeve, Her Royal Highness
Queen Maeve is a 90-ish-pound, long-legged, dainty-pawed queen who has graciously decided that humans may serve her—provided they understand proper royal etiquette.
She is affectionate, goofy, playful, curious, and absolutely convinced that life should include plenty of attention, adventures, and perhaps the occasional cheese tax. When she wants affection, she has no problem pressing her royal head into you to make her wishes known. She loves car rides, exploring, and being brushed like the royalty she believes herself to be.
Read more about Queen Maeve
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
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
4. Freddie Fazbear
Freddie Fazbear is a happy, loving, and affectionate dog with a heart as big as he is. This gentle giant is kind and respectful with both people and other dogs, making friends wherever he goes. While he certainly enjoys attention, he has a wonderfully easygoing nature and excellent manners.
Freddie loves long outdoor walks and is a pleasure on leash, rarely pulling as he explores the world by your side. He also enjoys playing with other dogs and would be thrilled to have canine friends to romp around with.
Read more about Freddie Fazbear
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.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
5. Saben
ntroducing Saben, a young male German Shepherd who came from a local shelter. He is estimated to be about a year old, bursting with energy and a playful spirit! He’s always ready for an adventure, whether it’s chasing toys in the yard or exploring new sights and sounds. This lively guy is nicely balanced – while he is engaging and fun, he also has an OFF switch and is often found napping under his foster mom’s feet while she works. Thanks to his clever use of the dog door, he comes and goes as he pleases, and at the end of the day, he settles comfortably in his crate for a good night’s sleep (although he does not appreciate being confined during the daytime hours).
Read more about Saben
He rides nicely in the car, and his leash manners improve daily. He would love a home with another dog that appreciates his exuberance, and a home with a swimming pool/jacuzzi would thrill him to no end! This guy LOVES the water! While he’s already a friendly companion, he’ll benefit from ongoing socialization and training to help him shine even brighter. With the right guidance, this energetic pup is sure to become a wonderful addition to any loving home.No cats or small critters Level 2
- No cats
6. Sully
Meet Sully! Looking for a giant lap dog, BFF, and big drooly shadow who wants to go everywhere with you? Sully might be your guy.Sully is a 6 ish year old Mastiff, 135lbs ish, easy going and sweet as pie. He has one good eye, the “good eye” had cherry eye repair on it but it may pop out again, otherwise he is doing great. Personality: Sully is a gem! He’s the definition of a social butterfly- incredibly friendly and affectionate, just loves being right by his person’s side.Things he loves: Car rides, little adventures, walks, just being part of your everyday life. He is very much a “where are we going?” kind of dog.Potty trainedCrate trainedSully will go into a crate, but it definitely isn’t his favorite place to be.
Read more about Sully
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
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
7. Bob
Meet Bob — Big, Beautiful, and Even Better! ❤️
Meet
Bob
, an impressive
101 pounds of love, fun, and companionship
. This magnificent boy is wrapped in the most gorgeous, fluffy coat, and those adorable
“raccoon eyes”
make him even more charming and irresistible. He's also completely vetted and ready for action.
Bob absolutely loves being with people. He has attended adoption fairs and other Norsled events and has been a
model citizen
at every spot. He’s the kind of dog who makes friends wherever he goes—and since arriving at Norsled, he has made
a LOT of them
.
Read more about Bob
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
.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
8. Blaze
Blaze is a 2 yr old boy that has already survived more than most dogs ever will. After an accident, one of his rear legs had to be amputated. He adjusted immediately and lives life with the same joy, confidence, and gentle spirit as any other dog.
He's also big, weighing 60 lbs. Blaze is a tall, handsome husky with stunning blue eyes and the sweetest old soul. He’s calm, affectionate - and has a kind, quiet presence.
✔️Crate trained
✔️ Potty trained
✔️ Dog-friendly
✔️ Fully healed
✔️ All vetted
Blaze doesn’t need someone to feel sorry for him. He just needs someone to see him for who he is: an incredible dog who happens to have three legs.
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
9. Ricky
Ricky -This affectionate, intelligent young husky is the full package: energetic, eager to learn, and overflowing with potential. He bonds quickly with calm, confident handlers and thrives in a home that offers routine, consistency, and clear expectations. He’s not a “difficult” dog—he’s a high‑arousal adolescent still mastering impulse control, and he wants to succeed. In just a few days, he’s already shown impressive improvement.
Read more about Ricky
Crate Proficiency: He settles beautifully in his crate and sleeps comfortably for several hours. Initially he preferred the crate fully covered, but now handles partial visibility well and rarely reacts to other dogs. He uses the crate appropriately for rest and decompression, enjoys meals and enrichment inside, and quiet behavior is reinforced with calm treat delivery. Brief attention‑seeking vocalizations fade quickly when ignored.
House Manners: He has had no accidents indoors and can comfortably hold his bladder overnight for about eight hours. After activity, he often chooses to rest and loves leaning in for affection or rolling over for belly rubs.
Leash Skills: His leash progress has been rapid. With a front‑clip harness and a stop‑and‑wait protocol, his pulling has decreased significantly. He’s spending more time walking and less time stopping, beginning to check in with his handler, and recovering from distractions more quickly each day.
Reactivity: He is currently highly aroused by cats, small running dogs, fast movement, and running children. His reactions may include staring, lunging, vocalizing, and strong pulling. Once distance is created, he recovers well—he simply needs time to decompress before continuing.
Food & Reward Motivation: Food motivation is stronger than expected. He loves slow feeders, lick mats, treat balls, training treats, and string cheese as a high‑value reward. He enjoys working for his food through enrichment and training rather than eating from a bowl.
Toys & Play: Toy drive is high. Tug, fetch, and water play are favorites. Tug should be limited to designated toys to protect leash manners. Structured tug will become a powerful training reward once he fully understands start/stop cues.
Training Progress: Clicker training has been introduced and he’s thriving. Short, successful sessions (about three minutes) keep him engaged and prevent over‑arousal. He’s currently reinforcing his name, recall, sit, and down—and he learns quickly.
Dog Interactions: Introductions are ongoing. He shows positive interest through a crate but can become intense when entering another dog’s space. He has displayed stiff posture and direct staring, and benefits from slow, structured introductions with experienced handlers. Parallel walking is recommended before direct interaction.
Ideal Home: He will shine with a n active owner familiar with northern breeds or high‑drive dogs. Someone committed to ongoing training and structure. Daily physical exercise and mental enrichment and c lear routines and consistent expectations
Not recommended at this time for homes with cats, small prey animals, or small children until his impulse control continues to improve.
Biggest Strengths
Exceptionally intelligent
Learns fast
Affectionate with trusted people
Recovers from excitement better each day
Enjoys training
Highly toy and food motivated
Accepts structure readily
Outstanding potential with consistent handling
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
10. Nia
Nia is a 6 month old all black female. Affectionate, playful, and bit timid with new encounters. She’s slowly learning the world with the help of her big foster brother, Seamus. Nia is looking for a home that will include her in their daily routines. Another male confident dog will help her thrive. She is very cute and currently. under 50 lbs, so we don't expect her to be very large as an adult dog. Nia is a 6 month old all black female. Affectionate, playful, and bit timid with new encounters. She’s slowly learning the world with the help of her big foster brother, Seamus. Nia is looking for a home that will include her in their daily routines.
Read more about Nia
Another male confident dog will help her thrive. She is very cute and currently. under 50 lbs, so we don't expect her to be very large as an adult dog. Nia is a 6 month old all black female. Affectionate, playful, and bit timid with new encounters. She’s slowly learning the world with the help of her big foster brother, Seamus. Nia is looking for a home that will include her in their daily routines. Another male confident dog will help her thrive. She is very cute and currently. under 50 lbs, so we don't expect her to be very large as an adult dog. She does require strong leadership skills to make her into the best dog she can be.Cats and small critters unknown.Level 3
Adopting a large dog in Manteca
Large dogs need room to stretch out and plenty of exercise: at least one good walk a day, and a secure yard is a bonus. Check your lease too, as some landlords limit the size or breed of dog.
Start training from day one. A big dog who walks nicely on a leash and doesn't jump up is a pleasure to live with, and many rescues can recommend a local trainer.
Rescues with large dogs near Manteca
- Northern California Sled Dog RescueWalnut Creek, CA · 6 large dogs above
- Greater California German Shepherd RescueModesto, CA · 3 large dogs above
- K9 Paw Print RescueOakley, Ca · 1 large dog above
Questions about adopting large dogs in Manteca
How many large dogs are up for adoption in Manteca?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Manteca, California, have 10 large dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a large dog in Manteca?
The rescues with the most large dogs near Manteca right now are Northern California Sled Dog Rescue (Walnut Creek, CA), Greater California German Shepherd Rescue (Modesto, CA) and K9 Paw Print Rescue (Oakley, Ca). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Can I adopt a large dog if I live in an apartment?
Often, yes. Many big dogs are calm indoors as long as they get enough walks and exercise. Check your lease for size or breed limits, and ask the rescue how active the dog is.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.