Large Dogs for Adoption in Orange, CA: 20 Big Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Orange have 20 large dogs up for adoption. Here are all 20, 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, Cane Corso Mastiff and Labrador Retriever.
- All dogs 814
- Puppies 76
- Adult Dogs 647
- Senior Dogs 85
- Kid-Friendly Dogs 129
- Cat-Friendly Dogs 61
- Small Dogs 83
Not in Orange? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Paisley
Puppy · Female · Cane Corso Mastiff · 23 mi from Orange



MEET PAISLEY — A BEAUTIFUL GIRL WITH A SECOND CHANCE! Those soulful eyes and adorable floppy ears! How could anyone resist this sweet face? Paisley is a gorgeous 4-month-old Cane Corso mix with a beautiful black brindle coat, a little white chest, and the sweetest personality!At approximately 15 pounds, Paisley is still just a baby with lots of growing to do!Sadly, this precious girl has already spent half of her young life in a shelter. Two long months behind kennel doors when she should have been enjoying all the wonderful experiences of puppyhood. But despite her rough start, Paisley is an absolute sweetheart! She’s incredibly sweet, already crate trained, and gets along wonderfully with other dogs.
Read more about Paisley
Paisley is expected to grow into a larger dog, so she’s looking for a family ready to give her the love, guidance, and commitment she deserves as she grows.She’s already spent far too much of her short life waiting. Now it’s time for Paisley to experience what it means to be someone’s beloved family member. Could you be the happy ending Paisley has been waiting for? Apply to adopt this beautiful girl today!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
2. Argos Adopt Me
Adult · Male · Cane Corso Mastiff / Mixed · 15 mi from Orange




Meet Argos, a 7-year-old, 85 lb Cane Corso with a heart as big as he is! Rescued from the Riverside shelter just moments before euthanasia, Argos was severely malnourished but has since made a full recovery and is ready for his forever home.This gentle giant is a total couch potato who loves snuggling, relaxing with his people, and going for walks. He's calm, affectionate, walks nicely on leash, is crate trained, and is doing well with potty training. He can be shy initially but warms up quickly.Argos has done well with female dogs and may enjoy a compatible female companion. He has shown little interest in cats and would do best in a calm home without young children.Argos is neutered and urgently needs a forever home or new foster placement. He deserves a loving family and a comfy couch to call his own!Courtesy Post: Argos is not under The Little Red Dog's care.
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
3. Polo
Adult · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Mixed · 15 mi from Orange




Polo is a handsome 4-year-old German Shepherd weighing approximately 75 pounds. This sweet boy is the perfect combination of intelligence, loyalty, and affection, and he's ready to find a family to call his own!One of Polo's favorite things in the world is playing fetch! He's quite the ball-catching superstar and loves showing off his skills. He also enjoys car rides, walks nicely on a leash, and is always happy to spend quality time with his people.Polo is wonderful with other dogs and has been around children of all ages. He's gentle, affectionate, and well-behaved with kids. He's even been around goats and geese without any issues! A home without cats is a must.This smart boy already knows basic commands and is a quick learner.
Read more about Polo
He's neutered, fully vaccinated, healthy, potty trained, crate trained, and leash trained. He's got so much going for him—all he's missing is a forever family to share his love with!Located in Southern California. Transport within the U.S. may be available for the right home, with fees depending on distance.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
4. Diesel
Young · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Mixed · 15 mi from Orange



Looking for a fun-loving, loyal companion to share life's adventures? Meet Diesel! Diesel is a handsome 1½-year-old German Shepherd with a little Husky charm, weighing approximately 75 pounds. This sweet boy is full of personality, loves attention, and is always ready for his next adventure!Whether it's playing fetch, exploring hiking trails, enjoying long walks, or hopping in the car for a ride, Diesel is happiest when he's spending time with his people.Diesel is intelligent, affectionate, and playful. He gets along great with other dogs and does well with children. He would love an active family who will include him in their daily adventures and give him all the love he deserves! A home without cats is a must.Diesel is neutered, vaccinated, healthy, crate trained, and leash trained.
Read more about Diesel
He's ready to leave his past behind and start his next chapter with a family of his own. Located in Southern California. Transport within the U.S. may be available for the right home, with fees depending on distance.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
5. Jewel
Adult · Female · Pit Bull Terrier (short coat) · 16 mi from Orange




Our beautiful Jewel was found as a pregnant stray and was brought to a shelter in San Bernadino where she gave birth to her babies. As you can imagine, that's simply no place to raise a family so CARMA brought Jewel and her brood to safety when the puppies were just a few days old. Jewel was an amazing and sweet mama right from the start. She's great with children and adults but will need to be an only child when it comes to other pets. She is totally potty trained, vaccinated, spayed and healthy. Jewel is super affectionate and smart. She's a big fan of belly rubs and just love in general. If you would like to meet and adopt Jewel, please apply at www.carmoc.org
- Good with kids
- Only dog
- No cats
- House-trained
6. Bear
Puppy · Male · Chow Chow · 23 mi from Orange



Meet Bear!Bear is a 6-month-old, 35 pound purebred Chow Chow with a big personality and an even bigger heart. This handsome boy is the life of the party, and his long, shiny black coat and adorable floppy ears make him absolutely irresistible!Bear is great with other dogs and happily lives with many canine friends. He’s playful, social, and full of puppy fun. He loves being part of the action and is ready to find a forever family who will love him and make him a cherished part of their lives.This gorgeous boy can’t wait to meet you and start his forever adventure. Bear is ready to steal your heart!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
7. Bell
Adult · Female · Great Pyrenees (medium coat) · 3 mi from Orange


Meet Bell! Your new best friend!
Bell is a beautiful Great Pyrenees girl, about 4 years old, with a heart full of love and a serious appreciation for the great outdoors! She absolutely LOVES people and wants nothing more than to be by your side, sharing life’s adventures and soaking up all the affection you have to give.
Bell is fine with other dogs, but we think she would really shine in a home where she gets to be extra special — where she can be your number one girl and the apple of your eye! ❤️ A home without other dogs might be her dream come true, giving her all the attention and love she deserves.
If you love spending time outside and want a loyal companion who will adore you right back, Bell could be your perfect match.
This sweet girl is ready to be somebody’s whole world. Could that somebody be you?
FOCHP.org for more info.
- Good with kids
- House-trained
8. Kara
Puppy (1 month 29 days) · Female · German Shepherd Dog / Mixed (short coat) · 18 mi from Orange



Hi! My name is Kara, and I’m a beautiful little shepherd mix… although exactly what kind of shepherd mix is still a bit of a mystery.
My siblings and I had a pretty rough start. We were found abandoned in a box at a park by a Good Samaritan who took us home and bottle-fed us. He quickly realized that raising a litter of tiny puppies was a bigger job than one person could handle, so he reached out for help. That’s when a foster stepped in and welcomed my sister and me into her home.
Now I’m busy doing what puppies do best: growing, learning, playing, and showing off my personality. I’m sweet, smart, confident, and just the right amount of sassy.
Read more about Kara
Basically, I have that classic shepherd sparkle.
I’m expected to grow into a large girl, likely 70+ pounds, so I’m looking for a family that understands that adorable little shepherd puppies eventually become big, intelligent, active dogs. I’ll need continued training, structure, exercise, enrichment, and a family ready to give my busy brain something to do.
In return, you’ll get a loyal companion with plenty of personality, a whole lot of love to give, and probably a few strong opinions about how things should be done.
If you’re looking for a big, beautiful girl to grow up alongside your family, Kara might just be the one. ❤️
See their adoption page here: http://www.causeforsbpaws.org/animals/browse
Apply to adopt here: http://www.causeforsbpaws.org/forms/form?formid=3251
- Good with dogs
9. Osito and Cloud
Adult · Male · Labrador Retriever / Cattle Dog / Mixed · 15 mi from Orange



Meet Osito & Cloud, two wonderful young dogs who were found by a transport company while traveling through New Mexico. Now they need help finding the loving homes they deserve. Osito — About 2 years old, 62 lbs and believed to be a Lab/Cattle Dog mix. He’s affectionate, attentive, great with dogs and children, and walks beautifully on leash. Osito is not yet neutered.Cloud — About 1½ years old, 72 lbs and believed to be a Great Pyrenees mix. He’s neutered, gentle, affectionate, great on leash and loves being close to his people.These boys are bonded and would love to stay together, but finding each of them a wonderful home is most important. They can be considered separately if the right homes come along.Please share and help us find Osito & Cloud their next chapter!
- House-trained
- Adopt together
10. Coco
Young · Female · Dutch Shepherd / Mixed · 23 mi from Orange



MEET COCO — A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE! Remember this beautiful girl? Coco was just TWO DAYS away from being euthanized when we shared her story. Thanks to everyone who helped, this sweet girl is now SAFE! Now, she’s ready for the next chapter of her life — finding a forever family to call her own!Coco is approximately 1 year old and an absolutely beautiful brindle Shepherd mix with the most adorable ears! She’s an incredibly sweet, gentle and loving girl who just wants to be loved in return.She can be a little shy when meeting someone new, but give her a moment to feel comfortable and her sweet personality begins to shine.
Read more about Coco
All she needs is a little patience, kindness and someone willing to give her the love she deserves. At just a year old, Coco has her whole life ahead of her. After everything she’s been through, we’re determined to make sure the rest of her story is filled with love, happiness and a family of her very own. Approximately 1 year old Female Shepherd mix (best guess!) Sweet, gentle and affectionate A little shy at first, but warms up quickly Looking for her FOREVER HOME!Coco got her second chance. Now let’s find her the family she’s been waiting for!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
11. Freeman
Adult · Male · German Shepherd Dog · 15 mi from Orange




Freeman is a handsome 2-year-old German Shepherd who was rescued from a heartbreaking situation, living outside on a 3-foot chain in the heat. Thankfully, those days are behind him!Freeman is now thriving in his foster home and discovering what it means to be part of a family. He is sweet, mellow, and eager to learn. He’s doing well with potty training and has started enjoying walks, where he loves sniffing and exploring. His leash skills are still a work in progress, but he’s learning quickly.Freeman is looking for a loving home that will give him the exercise, structure, and continued training he needs to thrive.
- Only dog
- House-trained
12. George Foster or Adopt Me
Adult · Male · Cane Corso Mastiff / Mixed · 15 mi from Orange


George is a handsome Cane Corso mix born in 2023 looking for a new home or foster home! He is not currently in our care but with his owner. George’s owner works long 12–16 hour days, including weekends, which means this sweet boy spends far too much time alone. His owner wants George to have the companionship, attention, and life he deserves.George is a sweet, loving boy who, according to his owner, is good with other dogs. He was adopted as a puppy and is now ready for a fresh start and a new place to call home.Could you be the one to give George the life he deserves?
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
13. Smokey
Adult · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Mixed · 15 mi from Orange




Smokey is a smart, friendly, playful 72-pound guy who loves spending time with people and playing fetch. He knows sit and down and is even learning to roll over!Smokey can do well with dogs who match his energy, although he can be dog selective. He needs a cat friendly home. He’ll need plenty of exercise, structure, and a confident leader to help him channel his excitement.Smokey is looking for a fresh start with someone who will give him the guidance, consistency, and love he needs to thrive.
- No cats
- House-trained
14. Hercules Foster or Adopt Me
Adult · Male · American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed · 15 mi from Orange


COURTESY POST: Hercules is not in the care of The Little Red Dog. He is with current owners until new placement is found. Handsome Hercules is a 5-year-old Blue Nose Pit Bull, approximately 60–80 lbs., looking for someone special to give him the fresh start he deserves!Hercules is a loving, playful boy who enjoys his walks and spending time with his people. He hasn’t had many opportunities for socialization, so he’s looking for an experienced, adult-only home where he can build confidence, enjoy a consistent routine, and continue learning.Hercules can be unsure around unfamiliar people and will do best with someone patient who will give him time to settle in and feel secure. Compatibility with other animals would need to be evaluated.
- House-trained
15. Lucca
Young (8 months) · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Mixed · 23 mi from Orange







Lucca is an 8 1/2-month-old male shepherd mix puppy that weighs 53 pounds of love and sweetness. He loves everyone he meets and is dog-friendly with other friendly dogs. He loves exploring his foster family's yard and is loving and loyal. Lucca is smart and eager to learn. We encourage our puppy adopters to provide them with stability, structure, consistency, and training to set them up for success.
Read more about Lucca
Words from his foster:
Lucca walks great on the leash now that I have him on the front lead; before, he was pulling. He’s playful but super mellow too. He plays great with his foster sibling, Kenna, but gets a little crazy around small dogs. Lucca is taking commands and learns easily, and will be a great addition to any loving family.
If you're interested in adopting Lucca, please fill out an application at www.doggiebonez.com. You can also check out our social media pages on Instagram (@Doggie_Bonez_Inc_) and Facebook (Doggie Bonez) to see more of Lucca's cuteness. Our adoption fee for dogs, which includes vaccinations, fecal testing, wellness exams, microchipping, spaying, or neutering, is $500.
If adoption isn't feasible, please consider fostering one of our pups. We are a volunteer-run non-profit dog rescue and always welcome new short or long-term doggie foster families. Doggie Bonez will provide you with everything you need, including dog food, a bed, toys, medical attention (if required), and more. So, if you're interested, please visit www.doggiebonez.com to see all of our available dogs who need a foster family while waiting for their forever home and complete the foster application.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
16. Ben
Young · Male · Newfoundland Dog (medium coat) · 3 mi from Orange



Ben – Available for AdoptionBen is a 2‑year‑old Newfoundland and weighs 94 pounds. He’s a gentle giant, sweet, skittish at first, but very loving once he trusts you. Great with dogs, house trained with outdoor access, and needs a big yard.
Apply or learn more at fochp.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
17. Thor & Ellie
Senior · Male · German Shorthaired Pointer · 23 mi from Orange


Both dogs get along great with kids. They both seem to get along with other dogs that are medium or small but we are unsure if they get along other large dogs. Not recommend to be around cats or other small pets since they are a hunting breed. Thor and Ellie are 7-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer siblings who are looking for a loving home where they can continue being part of a family. They have spent their lives around adults, children, and other dogs and have always enjoyed being involved in everyday family activities. Both dogs are affectionate, social, and happiest when they are around people.
Read more about Thor & Ellie
Whether it’s relaxing with the family, going for walks or chasing a favorite rope toy, they simply enjoy being included. They thrive in an environment that provides structure, consistency, and regular interaction. Ellie is often the first one to win people over. She has a gentle, affectionate personality and genuinely enjoys attention and companionship. She loves being close to her people and is eager to be part of whatever is going on around her. Like many dogs, she can occasionally become vocal when reacting to neighboring dogs through a fence, but she settles well when redirected. Thor is a big-hearted dog with an equally big personality. He is incredibly people-oriented and forms strong bonds with his family. He thrives on companionship and loves being involved in family life. Thor can be a bit like a toddler at times—he prefers not to be left out and does best in a home where he receives plenty of attention, activity, and interaction. Because he becomes stressed when separated from his people, he may whine or attempt to reunite with them, so a secure yard and a family committed to providing companionship and structure are important for his success. Both dogs have done well with children and other dogs throughout their lives. They are not a good fit for homes with cats or small animals due to their strong prey drive. Their ideal home would be with an active family or individual who understands the German Shorthaired Pointer breed and can provide regular exercise, companionship, and consistency. In return, Thor and Ellie offer loyalty, affection, entertainment, and the kind of companionship that makes them feel like true members of the family.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- Adopt together
18. Cashew
Adult · Male · Labrador Retriever / Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 23 mi from Orange




Meet Cashew Cashew is a 6-year-old Lab/Pitty mix weighing about 95 pounds, and beneath his big size is an even bigger heart. This handsome boy is a gentle, affectionate companion who thrives on love, routine, and being close to his favorite people. Cashew is fully house-trained, crate-trained, and has wonderful indoor manners. He enjoys a relaxed lifestyle and is happiest spending time with his humans, soaking up cuddles, lounging in the sunshine, or joining you for a leisurely walk or car ride. He’s also a big fan of treats and is always excited when snacks are involved! While Cashew is generally friendly with other dogs, he would do best in a calm, adult-only home where he can feel safe and secure.
Read more about Cashew
He can become anxious around children and needs slow introductions to new people and situations. Cashew also has some resource-guarding tendencies with food and high-value items, so an experienced adopter who understands dog behavior will help him continue to succeed. His ideal home is a quiet environment with a fenced yard, a predictable routine, and someone who is around much of the day to provide companionship. In return, Cashew will reward you with unwavering loyalty, endless affection, and the kind of companionship that only a devoted dog can give. Cashew’s family loves him deeply, but with a growing family and major household changes ahead, they know he deserves a home better suited to his needs. They are committed to finding him the peaceful, stable forever home where he can truly thrive. If you’re looking for a loyal best friend, a professional cuddle expert, and a loving companion to share your days with, Cashew may be the perfect match.
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
19. Zion
Adult (5 years 2 months) · Male · German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) · 12 mi from Orange



Zion is an absolute stunner of a dog, he is a 5 year old German Shepherd who turns heads everywhere he goes. He is a great dog that just needs a strong handler, familiar with the GSD breed. After about 3 years living in New Mexico, after being adopted from us in 2023, Zion had to return to the shelter through no fault of his own. Here at the shelter, he has made a lot of friends with our volunteers. They love to play fetch with him up in the yard! Zion is also a big lover of squeaky toys, the bigger the better!! He is so sweet with the people within his circle of friends here. Always rolling over for belly rubs, or leaning into them for booty scratches. This big guy also LOVES car rides!
Read more about Zion
A little bit about Zion from his previous owner:
He is a stunning German Shepard and a big boy weighing in around 100lbs and very strong.
At home with people he trusts he is very chill, playful, friendly, and always happy for attention.
His greatest joy in life is fetch and loves to carry his ball around with him.
Zion has been formally trained with basic commands and behavior and responds to them excellently. He is always eager for learning, activity and engagement.
He is kennel and muzzle trained. He can be slow to trust but once he does there is not a more loyal dog.
Zion can be insecure, so he needs an owner he can look to for reassurance! When he trusts you, he will follow your lead, and follow you anywhere!
Zion does need to be the only pet, in an adult only home.
- No young kids
- Only dog
- No cats
- House-trained
20. Ozzy
Adult · Male · Shepherd / Mixed (medium coat) · 11 mi from Orange




Ozzy is a gentle soul who was found lost and alone in the desert, but his luck is about to change. This 7-year-old, 65-pound boy has a heart as big as the open desert sky and is ready to share it with a loving family. Ozzy is good with people and just wants to be part of the pack. He's house-trained and vetted, so you know he's a well-mannered boy who's ready to settle into his new forever home. Ozzy's story is a bit of a mystery, but one thing is certain: he's a resilient, loving dog who deserves all the comfort and happiness a family can offer.
Could you be the one to show Ozzy what it means to be loved and cherished? To meet Ozzy, apply at-
https://muttsinneed.org/apply/adopt
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
Adopting a large dog in Orange
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 Orange
- The Little Red Dog, IncLake Forest, CA · 8 large dogs above
- Love All AnimalsDana Point, CA · 5 large dogs above
- Friends of Orange County's Homeless PetsMenifee, CA · 2 large dogs above
- Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical AidMission Viejo, ca · 1 large dog above
- Cause for SB PawsSan Bernardino , Ca · 1 large dog above
- Doggie Bonez IncSan Juan Capistrano, CA · 1 large dog above
- Friends of the Seal Beach Animal Care CenterSeal Beach, Ca · 1 large dog above
- Mutts in NeedNewport Beach, CA · 1 large dog above
Questions about adopting large dogs in Orange
How many large dogs are up for adoption in Orange?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Orange, California, have 20 large dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a large dog in Orange?
The rescues with the most large dogs near Orange right now are The Little Red Dog, Inc (Lake Forest, CA), Love All Animals (Dana Point, CA) and Friends of Orange County's Homeless Pets (Menifee, 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.