Large Dogs for Adoption in San Rafael, CA: 25 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.

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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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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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A people-loving sweetheart: Pavlova loves attention and will happily jump onto outdoor furniture to get closer to her person. She’s a big leaner, enjoys butt scratches, and may even try to climb into your lap for extra cuddles.
Happy and playful: Pavlova is always cheerful and may be a little bouncy when excited, especially when greeting people.
Smart and treat motivated: She responds to “sit,” takes treats gently, and can even catch them mid-air!
Calm around other dogs: Pavlova calmly passes barking dogs nearby and generally ignores her noisy neighbors.
Likely housetrained: She prefers to go outside to do her business and keeps her kennel quite clean.

Pavlova is working on her leash manners in the shelter but has shown great leash walking manners on a recent field trip. She would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.

Sweet and affectionate: Orville approaches his person when they lower down to his level, then happily leans in for pets and affection. He may even offer a few face kisses while enjoying attention.
Smart and treat motivated: Orville takes treats very gently and shows off his nice “sit” and “down”. He loves cheese and may get a little bouncy when excited, but he’s easily redirected.
Enjoys exploring: Orville loves a good sniffari and taking time to investigate his surroundings.
Water enthusiast: One of his favorite activities is playing with water spraying from the hose—he’s always ready for some backyard fun!

Orville is continuing to work on his leash manners and would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.

Kyle is a treat-motivated smarty pants who loves practicing and learning new tricks. He’s also always ready for a game of fetch! He's making great progress with leash manners for walks and jogs—he loves to run!

With his sweet nature and puppy enthusiasm, Kyle is ready to find a loving home with adopters who can keep up with his playful energy and continue helping him learn. Click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.

Cliffy
is great with people, kids of all ages included, and he especially LOVES men! The joke is that he's a "dude's dog." He likes women too, though, which would make him an excellent wingdog for anyone who could use a charming icebreaker at the other end of the leash. Are you looking for that special someone to be in matching pajamas with on Christmas Day?
Cliffy
is here to help you! And don't forget a matching set of pajamas and an ugly Christmas sweater for him too, because this guy looks great sporting some dogwear.

Cliffy
is eager to go on his daily walks and is also great in the car for adventures farther away from home. The car is one of his favorite places to be, and he will try to convince you to take the car to go places rather than walk there. In fact, he will sometimes try to convince you to steal someone else's car, just so he doesn't have to walk the whole way.

At home,
Cliffy
has impeccable manners. While he's a strong chewer who adores his spiky ball and tasty chews, he doesn't destroy anything in the house. He is not a big barker, though if other dogs in the house start up, he will join the choir, even when he doesn't know what the song is about. He loves cuddling up next to his humans and being petted for as long as they are willing. He is also okay being left home alone for several hours and will stay in his crate even if the door is left open.
Cliffy
loves his crate, so much so, in fact, that after a walk he lets himself in and sometimes closes the door behind him. Because, manners!

Cliffy
currently lives with two female dogs, and could share his home with a well-matched female dog. If you have a spot on the couch, a spiky ball subscription, and a healthy treat budget for ball negotiations,
Cliffy
would love to meet you.

A gentle walking companion: Rocket trots along nicely beside you with very little pulling, making him a pleasant partner for relaxed walks.
Sweet once he settles in: After getting comfortable, Rocket alternates between exploring and coming back to his person for treats and gentle pets, gradually revealing his affectionate side.
Exceptionally gentle: He takes treats very politely and sometimes responds to “sit.” He enjoys quiet connection and seems happiest when given the time and space to build trust.
Sensitive and observant: Rocket notices sounds and activity around him and may be startled by crowds or very barky dogs, but settles nicely with calm, reassuring vocal engagement.

Rocket would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.

Calm and well-mannered: Nita walks beautifully on leash, takes treats gently, and is learning cues like “sit” and “come” with the help of tasty rewards.
Growing in confidence: Although shy with strangers, Nita has become noticeably more comfortable with her foster family. She now occasionally approaches with a soft tail wag or a gentle lick and especially enjoys calmed and relaxed interactions.
Affection on her terms: As trust grows, Nita has started enjoying belly rubs, ear scratches, and quiet companionship. Her affectionate side continues to blossom with patient, gentle handling.
Settling into new experiences: She may be a little anxious when car rides begin, but she relaxes quickly and often settles down for a nap once she realizes she’s safe.

Nita would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with dog friends outside the home. Click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.