Large Dogs for Adoption in East Hartford, CT: 20 Big Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of East Hartford 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 Labrador Retriever, Shepherd and German Shepherd.
Not in East Hartford? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Shadow
Adult · Male · Terrier / Mixed · 17 mi from East Hartford




Shadow wants to know who is ready to play?! This 2-year-old, 53 lb. brindle beauty loves to play with toys, people, children and other dogs. He is a mixed breed beauty with a zest for life and a longing for a family to call his own. Shadow has shown that he is a dog for all dogs with his social and playful spirit. As much as he enjoys a good game of tug, chase, or wrestling, his off switch works too. He is content to sniff around the yard or relax inside. He is ready to find his forever pack. We do not know if his forever pack will include a cat because he has not had the opportunity to interact with a cat since coming into rescue.
Read more about Shadow
That relationship remains to be seen. Shadow is a hard-working student with lots of effort working on mastering his crate and house training with an eager-to-please attitude. He excels in his leash walking skills and is ready to impress. Along with being a wonderful walking partner, Shadow would make a great snuggle buddy, or simply a listening ear to share your day. If you are looking for a lovable, playful family member with fur, be sure to meet Shadow!* When considering adoption, keep in mind that dogs thrive on structure and routine. They adjust much better when their owners are committed to providing consistency and stability.The adoption fee for Shadow is $500. That includes the cost of spaying/neutering, up to date vaccinations, foster care, rescue and transportation fees. To get the ball rolling, head over to our Adoption Application and submit your application today. A Dog Star representative will contact you within 24 hours. To speed up the process, contact your vet and give them permission to speak with us.If you do not get a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
2. Shaggy2
Adult · Male · Great Pyrenees / Anatolian Shepherd / Mixed · 17 mi from East Hartford



Ready to make a splash? Shaggy is a big, lovable guy who knows how to have a whale of a good time!Shaggy is a handsome 4 year old Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherd mix weighing 72 pounds. With his striking black and tan coat and larger than life presence, he is sure to turn heads wherever he goes.This sweet boy enjoys canine companionship and has done well getting along wonderfully with other dogs during playgroup sessions. He is also a big fan of water, so if you love outdoor adventures, Shaggy might be your perfect partner for fun!Shaggy is good with other dogs and children, making him a wonderful potential addition to a family looking for a friendly, fun-loving companion.
Read more about Shaggy2
He has not been introduced to cats since coming into rescue so his relationship with a feline is unknown. He is currently working on his house, crate and leash training skills.Shaggy is ready to trade in his past life for a loving home where he can make a splash, enjoy new adventures, and soak up all the affection he deserves. Come meet him and see if this big sweetheart is the missing piece of your family.* When considering adoption, keep in mind that dogs thrive on structure and routine. They adjust much better when their owners are committed to providing consistency and stability.The adoption fee for Shaggy is $500. That includes the cost of spaying/neutering, up to date vaccinations, foster care, rescue and transportation fees. To get the ball rolling, head over to our Adoption Application and submit your application today. A Dog Star representative will contact you within 24 hours. To speed up the process, contact your vet and give them permission to speak with us.If you do not get a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
3. Riley2
Young · Female · Anatolian Shepherd / Terrier / Mixed · 17 mi from East Hartford




Riley, is an Anatolian shepherd mix and the mix is a mystery. She has a medium length coat that is brown and white. She is 9 months old and weighs 69 pounds, so that puts her in the large size already which ranges from 60 to90 pounds.Riley is comfortable with other dogs and children as she has engaged socially with both. Her relationship with cats remains an unknown at this time. However, we do know that she is house and crate trained and working on her leash walking skills.Riley loves human affection far more than treats! She also likes to be a lap dog and does not understand personal space!Anotolian shepherds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature (devoted to family).
Read more about Riley2
They tend to be large dogs who need to be exercised daily and have a place to burn off energy. Daily short walks (under thirty minutes) will be a good opportunity to work on leash skills as well as socialization skills. It will be a new world to her with all the new sights, smells, sounds, and people along her walks. Please note: She may not be a running companion until at least age one when her growth plate closes.Riley 2, like all pups, will also appreciate free time in a back yard. Keeping her mind busy with activities that provide physical and mental stimulation will prevent boredom and burn up puppy energy.* When considering adoption, keep in mind that dogs thrive on structure and routine. They adjust much better when their owners are committed to providing consistency and stability.The adoption fee for Riley is $500. That includes the cost of spaying/neutering, up to date vaccinations, foster care, rescue and transportation fees. To get the ball rolling, head over to our Adoption Application and submit your application today. A Dog Star representative will contact you within 24 hours. To speed up the process, contact your vet and give them permission to speak with us.If you do not get a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
4. Sammi
Puppy · Female · Terrier / Mixed · 17 mi from East Hartford




Meet Sammi a girl who is ready to make some magic and meet the perfect forever family. This beautiful mixed breed puppy is about 5 months old and already has the friendly easygoing spirit that makes her such a joy to be around. With her sweet personality and social nature Sammi is ready to find a family who will love her through every adventure.Sammi currently weighs 30 pounds and is expected to grow into a large adult anywhere over 60 pounds when fully grown. She has a wonderful balance of playful puppy charm and calm manners. Whether she is meeting new friends soaking up attention or simply spending time with her people this lovely girl is always happy to be part of the fun.One of her favorite things is being showered with affection.
Read more about Sammi
She loves attention treats and other furry friends and will gladly accept all the love you have to offer. She is good with other dogs and good with children which makes her a wonderful fit for many homes. Her relationship with cats is unknown.Sammi is still learning about the world around her. Her house, crate and leash training status are currently works in progress. She will benefit from routine guidance consistency and positive reinforcement as she grows but she has already shown that she is a friendly willing girl with a great attitude and a desire to be around people.With her loving nature social personality and easygoing temperament Sammi has so much to offer. She would enjoy a home where she can keep learning, build confidence and be included as a cherished member of the family. After a day of making friends and collecting treats she will be ready to relax and enjoy quality time with her people.If you are looking for a sweet large breed companion who is ready to fill your days with love loyalty and tail wags Sammi may be the perfect match for you. This wonderful girl is ready to work her Sammi magic and find a family of her very own. * When considering adoption, keep in mind that dogs thrive on structure and routine. They adjust much better when their owners are committed to providing consistency and stability.The adoption fee for Sammi is $500. That includes the cost of spaying/neutering, up to date vaccinations, foster care, rescue and transportation fees. To get the ball rolling, head over to our Adoption Application and submit your application today. A Dog Star representative will contact you within 24 hours. To speed up the process, contact your vet and give them permission to speak with us.If you do not get a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
5. Mama
Adult · Female · German Shepherd Dog / Terrier / Mixed · 17 mi from East Hartford




Mama has a heart as big as her 59-pound frame, and those adorable ears are impossible to resist! She is a 2-year-old female German Shepherd mix with a sleek black short coat, a beautiful expressive face, and the funniest big ears that flop toward each other right on top of her head. At almost 60 pounds, she is a large girl with a playful spirit and so much love to give.Mama was found as a stray wandering down the middle of the road. It was clear she had recently had a litter because she was still full of milk, but sadly, no puppies could be found anywhere nearby. She was depressed and understandably in shock when she first arrived, so she went into a southern foster home where she was able to decompress and begin feeling safe.
Read more about Mama
Over time, Mama truly blossomed. She is now very playful with other dogs and enjoys having canine friends around. She also takes comfort in her crate, which gives her a cozy place to relax and feel secure. Mama is good with dogs and children, while her experience with cats is unknown. Her house, crate and leash training are all in progress.Mama will need some extra TLC, patience, and time to settle into her new home. After everything this sweet girl has been through, she deserves a soft place to land and a family who will show her just how wonderful life can be. Mama spent her first chapter taking care of everyone else. Now it is her turn to be loved. And with those silly ears, she is sure to bring plenty of smiles along the way.* When considering adoption, keep in mind that dogs thrive on structure and routine. They adjust much better when their owners are committed to providing consistency and stability.The adoption fee for Mama is $500. That includes the cost of spaying/neutering, up to date vaccinations, foster care, rescue and transportation fees. To get the ball rolling, head over to our Adoption Application and submit your application today. A Dog Star representative will contact you within 24 hours. To speed up the process, contact your vet and give them permission to speak with us.If you do not get a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
6. Pookah
Young · Female · Shepherd / Terrier / Mixed · 17 mi from East Hartford




Looking for a best friend with a wagging tail and a heart of gold? Meet Pookah. This sweet 1 year old Shepherd mix was surrendered alongside her sister Penny by an owner who had taken on too many animals. Pookah is a gentle, affectionate girl who spreads joy to everyone she meets and happily soaks up the attention her kind spirit naturally attracts.Pookah has a lovely and distinctive tan, white, and black medium-length coat and big brown eyes that draw you right in. At 65 pounds, she is considered a large dog. She enjoys playing with other dogs and does well with children. Pookah has demonstrated her level of comfort with cats as she shares space with them in her foster home.
Read more about Pookah
Pookah is checking off all the boxes with her impeccable skill set. She has mastered house, crate and leash training. This girl is ready to pack her bags and move right on in and definitely ready to impress. Although Pookah is housetrained, it is important to remember that accidents can occur while adjusting to a new home environment. If this beautiful Shepherd mix sounds like the perfect match for your home, apply now and let Pookah show you just how much love she has to give.* When considering adoption, keep in mind that dogs thrive on structure and routine. They adjust much better when their owners are committed to providing consistency and stability.The adoption fee for Pookah is $500. That includes the cost of spaying/neutering, up to date vaccinations, foster care, rescue and transportation fees. To get the ball rolling, head over to our Adoption Application and submit your application today. A Dog Star representative will contact you within 24 hours. To speed up the process, contact your vet and give them permission to speak with us.If you do not get a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
7. Ramekin
Young · Female · Affenpinscher / Terrier / Mixed · 17 mi from East Hartford




Meet Ramekin! No, she is not a small ceramic dish used for baking soufflé, though she is absolutely sweet, and guaranteed to rise straight into your heart! This striking, tricolor girl is currently a 6-month-old Affenpinscher mix who already weighs a sturdy 26 pounds. While purebred Affenpinschers are traditionally toy sized monkey dogs famous for their expressive, mustachioed faces and big personalities, Ramekin clearly has some mystery large breed genetics in her family tree. She is well on her way to becoming a large dog, weighing between 61 to 90 pounds fully grown, giving you all the spunky, charming traits of her breed heritage packaged into a much bigger, fluffier love bug.Ramekin has a personality that is absolutely shining.
Read more about Ramekin
Ramekin is a total love bug who thoroughly enjoys the company of other dogs and children, making her a fantastic fit for a bustling home. Ramekin has not been introduced to cats, so it is unknown how she will be with them. Because she is a 6-month-old adolescent, adopting her comes with the big responsibility of continuous training, socialization, and providing plenty of outlets for her youthful energy. Her new family will need to commit to the time, structure, and positive reinforcement required to help her blossom into a well-mannered adult giant. If you have a stray shoe or two that you do not mind sacrificing to the puppy teeth gods while she finishes growing, you are exactly who she is looking for!Like any typical canine teenager, her house training, leash walking, and crate training are all active works in progress. She is smart and eager to learn, but she is still figuring out that outside is for business, walks are meant to be in a straight line, and her crate is a cozy place for sweet dreams. The ideal family for Ramekin is an active, patient household ready to embrace the chaotic beauty of a growing puppy.If you have been searching for a companion who is part comedic monkey dog, part full size bundle of love, and 100 percent good girl, Ramekin is ready to dish out a lifetime of devotion. Apply to adopt her today, before someone else scoops up this perfect recipe for love! * When considering adoption, keep in mind that dogs thrive on structure and routine. They adjust much better when their owners are committed to providing consistency and stability.The adoption fee for Ramekin is $500. That includes the cost of spaying/neutering, up to date vaccinations, foster care, rescue and transportation fees. To get the ball rolling, head over to our Adoption Application and submit your application today. A Dog Star representative will contact you within 24 hours. To speed up the process, contact your vet and give them permission to speak with us.If you do not get a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
8. Hank
Adult · Male · Mastiff / Labrador Retriever · 15 mi from East Hartford




To adopt please fill out an adoption application.
Be sure to watch his video! Hank is an 18 month old lab/mastiff mix who was rescued as a stray from the streets of Memphis. Friendly, well socialized, never meets a stranger! Good with other dogs, not cat tested. Hank is very strong and active so he’s recommended for children 6 years and older. Very active outside, but he settles down quickly in the house. Crate trained and housebroken. Hank has a very distinctive “look” and is described by his foster mom as “a big goofball” and everyone who meets him just falls in love with him. Loves to be with his people.
Read more about Hank
Fair on the leash, we’re working on it. Rides great in the car. Estimated DOB is 1-1-25. Hank has a small cherry eye in his right eye and that will be repaired prior to adoption. Healthy and fully vetted, current on shots, neutered, weighs about 75 pounds. AWESOME young lab/mastiff mix will make a wonderful companion (and jogging partner) for an active family..
To adopt please fill out an adoption application.Contact us at reply@gooddogrescue.com
visit us at Good Dog Rescue
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
9. Alsa
Adult · Female · German Shepherd Dog · 15 mi from East Hartford




To adopt please fill out an adoption application.
Be sure to watch her video! Alsa is a 2yo female purebred German Shepherd Dog being surrendered by her elderly owner in Memphis. Friendly, well-socialized, typical GSD loyal, loving temperament. Obedience trained and also understands hand signals. Very high energy outside, goes to the dog park several times a week, accustomed to a long walk each day. Good house manners, quiet and well-behaved inside. Fine with other dogs, not cat tested. Alsa has spent lots of time with the grandkids and she’s fine with the older ones but too active for the toddler.
Read more about Alsa
Housebroken and crate trained. Affectionate with her people and loves to cuddle. Good on the leash, rides great in the car. Weighs about 70 pounds. Alsa’s owner has had her since she was 8 weeks old, he loves her dearly and is heartbroken about giving her up. However, he has developed health issues that prevent him from caring for Alsa any longer. Healthy, spayed and fully vetted. AWESOME young GSD will make a wonderful companion (and jogging partner!) for an active family that loves the breed.
To adopt please fill out an adoption application.Contact us at reply@gooddogrescue.com
visit us at Good Dog Rescue
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
10. Wishbone
Young · Male · Shepherd / Terrier / Mixed · 17 mi from East Hartford




REQUIRES A CONFIDENT, SOCIAL RESIDENT DOG IN THE HOMEThey say eight is enough but we think eight is great. When you have a bunch of sweet 6 month old shepherd pup mixes, you have eight times the love and happiness. Take a look at our boy Wishbone. At 38 pounds, he is a big boy for his age already and still has plenty of growing to do. Our best guess is that he will be a large dog of somewhere over 60 pounds when fully grown. Wishbone can be shy when meeting new people, but with a social, outgoing dog by his side, he is gaining confidence every day. Having a confident canine companion helps Wishbone feel safe and gives him the encouragement he needs to come out of his shell.
Read more about Wishbone
With patience and allowing Wishbone time to feel safe and trust the humans around him, he becomes a very cuddly boy.Wishbone has been working hard on his skills, and his efforts are paying off. He is now crate trained and house trained, but it is important to remember that accidents can happy when transitioning to a new home. He is still working on his leash skills since the outside world is still very overwhelming. * Please keep in mind when considering adoption, dogs thrive on structure and routine. They adjust significantly better when their owners are committed to providing consistency and stability.The adoption fee for Wishbone is $500. That includes the cost of spaying/neutering, up to date vaccinations, foster care, rescue and transportation fees. To get the ball rolling, head over to our Adoption Application and submit your application today. A Dog Star representative will contact you within 24 hours. To speed up the process, contact your vet and give them permission to speak with us.If you do not get a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
11. Slinky
Young · Male · Shepherd / Terrier / Mixed · 17 mi from East Hartford




REQUIRES A CONFIDENT, SOCIAL RESIDENT DOG IN THE HOMEThey say eight is enough but we think eight is great. When you have a bunch of sweet 6 month old shepherd pup mixes, you have eight times the love and happiness. Take a look at our boy Slinky. At 35 pounds, he is a big boy for his age already and still has plenty of growing to do. Our best guess is that he will be a large dog of somewhere over 60 pounds when fully grown. Slinky is very shy when meeting new people, but with a social, outgoing dog by his side, he is gaining confidence every day. Having a confident canine companion helps Slinky feel safe and gives him the encouragement he needs to come out of his shell.
Read more about Slinky
Slinky has been working hard on his skills, and his efforts are paying off. He is now house trained, but it is important to remember that accidents can happy when transitioning to a new home. Slinky takes comfort with his crate as that is his safe place in the home. He is still working on his leash skills since the outside world is still very overwhelming. * Please keep in mind when considering adoption, dogs thrive on structure and routine. They adjust significantly better when their owners are committed to providing consistency and stability.The adoption fee for Slinky is $500. That includes the cost of spaying/neutering, up to date vaccinations, foster care, rescue and transportation fees. To get the ball rolling, head over to our Adoption Application and submit your application today. A Dog Star representative will contact you within 24 hours. To speed up the process, contact your vet and give them permission to speak with us.If you do not get a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
12. Johnny
Young · Male · Shepherd / Terrier / Mixed · 17 mi from East Hartford



REQUIRES A CONFIDENT, SOCIAL RESIDENT DOG IN THE HOMEThey say eight is enough but we think eight is great. When you have a bunch of sweet 6 month old shepherd mix pups, you have eight times the love and happiness. Take a look at our boy Johnny. He is more than just his good looks, he is a sweet pup with so much potential just waiting to blossom in the right home.At 39 pounds, he is a big boy for his age and still has plenty of growing left to do. Our best guess is that he will be a large dog of somewhere over 60 pounds when fully grown. Johnny can be a little shy when meeting new people, so he appreciates having a bit of time and space to get comfortable.
Read more about Johnny
He may not be the first pup to rush up and say hello, but with patience, kindness, and a little encouragement, he can begin to find his confidence. One thing we’ve learned about Johnny is that he does best with a confident, social resident dog who can show him the ropes and help him feel more at ease in his new world. Having a canine friend by his side could make all the difference as he learns that life is full of wonderful things!Johnny is crate trained and house trained but it's important to remember that accidents can happen while transitioning to a new home. He’ll need continued guidance, consistency, and patience as he develops these important skills. After all, growing up is a big job, and every puppy needs a family ready to help along the way!* Please keep in mind when considering adoption, dogs thrive on structure and routine. They adjust significantly better when their owners are committed to providing consistency and stability.The adoption fee for Johnny is $500. That includes the cost of spaying/neutering, up to date vaccinations, foster care, rescue and transportation fees. To get the ball rolling, head over to our Adoption Application and submit your application today. A Dog Star representative will contact you within 24 hours. To speed up the process, contact your vet and give them permission to speak with us.If you do not get a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
13. Fae
Young · Female · German Shepherd Dog / Terrier / Mixed · 17 mi from East Hartford




A HOME WITH PRIOR GERMAN SHEPHERD OR SIMILAR WORKING BREED EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.Fae (aka Ciggy) is a strikingly beautiful 7 month old German Shepherd mix! At around 40 pounds, she’s already showing off all the intelligence, energy, and personality that make Shepherds such amazing companions.She is high energy and incredibly smart, so she will need a family that is ready to exercise her both physically and mentally. Training, enrichment, games, walks, adventures, and learning new skills will all help keep that clever Shepherd brain happy!Faes future family should be comfortable providing structure, consistency, and routine.
Read more about Fae
Those things will help her feel secure and give her the confidence to flourish.With the right person by her side, this sweet girl has so much potential. She is ready for someone who will see the amazing dog she can become and help her get there, one new experience at a time. Fae/ Ciggy is working hard on her leash training and has already mastered her house and crate training. It is important to remember that although she is housetrained, accidents can still occur while adjusting to a new home environment. * When considering adoption, keep in mind that dogs thrive on structure and routine. They adjust much better when their owners are committed to providing consistency and stability.The adoption fee for Fae/Ciggy is $500. That includes the cost of spaying/neutering, up to date vaccinations, foster care, rescue and transportation fees. To get the ball rolling, head over to our Adoption Application and submit your application today. A Dog Star representative will contact you within 24 hours. To speed up the process, contact your vet and give them permission to speak with us.If you do not get a response within 24 hours, check your spam folder.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
14. Bunny
Senior · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed · 15 mi from East Hartford




To adopt please fill out an adoption application.
Bunny is a 7yo female Labrador retriever being rehomed by her owner who can no longer keep her. Bunny is incredibly sweet and affectionate with her family. She has a playful personality but is also content to relax and cuddle. Her family reports that, before they adopted Bunny in 2020, she was abused by a man, so she’s timid around unfamiliar men. She typically hides or avoids new people at first. However, with patience and gentle introductions, she warms up well. No known history with small children, so she’s not recommended for children due to her timid nature.
Read more about Bunny
Not recommended for cats. Bunny was involved in an altercation with another household dog and that’s why she’s being rehomed. Bunny gets along well with large dogs but she doesn’t get along well with small dogs. Knows basic commands. Housebroken but never crated because she doesn’t need to be. Good on a leash, rides great in the car. Healthy and fully vetted, current on shots. Weighs about 65 pounds. Sweet, loving senior Labrador retriever will make a loving companion for a family with a quiet home without kids/pets who loves the breed and is willing to give a shy dog time to adjust
To adopt please fill out an adoption application.Contact us at reply@gooddogrescue.com
visit us at Good Dog Rescue
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
15. Sadie
Adult · Female · Labrador Retriever / Shepherd (medium coat) · 8 mi from East Hartford




Welcome Sadie to CCPAL foster program. Sadie is a 6 year old Shepherd/Lab mixed dog. She weighs 50 pounds. Sadie is very smart, loyal and affectionate. She and her sister live with an older couple. The man has a health situation which makes him unsure of his life expectancy. He is now looking for Sadie and her sister to have a new forever home. Sadie knows hand commands. She knows sit, stay and is good in a car. She is good with dogs, cats, kids and strangers. They are protective when they bond with their people and will alert you if there is a problem. They would be great for a senior or someone wanting a dog with training and that is smart.
Read more about Sadie
She is afraid of storms but is fine as long as she is inside with her people. She can hop over a 4 foot fence. She will need a 6 foot or she would be find in a dog park or on walks. She is currently in Texas and can be adopted locally or we can work with one of the wonderful transporters to get her to Washington, Portland, Minnesota, Vermont or all along the East Coast. Her adoption fee is 400 and transport is $200. . Rhode Island and Massachusetts are not states we adopt to because of the regulations imposed by these states. Contact Marlene at 210-867-1769 or email to ccpalinquiries@gmail.com if you have questions. Online applications at www.ccpalrescue.org See her cute video
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
16. Liberty
Young (5 months 4 days) · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from East Hartford




Meet Liberty!
Read more about Liberty
Liberty is a beautiful 5-month-old Lab mix weighing around 25 pounds, and this happy girl has a very special quality—she’s a total glue dog. Once Liberty decides you’re her person, she wants to be right there with you! She’s the kind of pup who will happily follow you from room to room, keep an eye on whatever you’re doing, and settle in nearby just because being close to her people makes her happy. Liberty isn’t looking to be off doing her own thing—she wants to be part of your world and included in whatever the day brings. She’s also a fun, playful puppy with plenty of curiosity and enthusiasm. She loves getting outside, exploring, and enjoying all the little things that make being a dog so much fun. But when the excitement is over, Liberty is perfectly happy to come right back to her person and soak up some love. At 5 months old, she’s still very much a puppy and has lots of growing and learning ahead of her. She’ll need a family willing to give her the patience, guidance, training, and consistency that every young dog needs. In return, you’ll have a devoted little shadow who is eager to share life with you. Liberty has such a happy spirit and an affectionate nature, and her desire to be close to her people is truly one of her sweetest qualities. She doesn’t just want a home—she wants her people.
If you’re looking for a loyal companion who will happily follow you through life, Liberty may be your girl.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
17. Justice
Young (5 months 4 days) · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from East Hartford






Meet Justice!
Read more about Justice
Justice is a sweet, happy girl who has one very important request: she wants to be with her people! This adorable girl is happiest when she can be right by your side, whether you’re out exploring, hanging around the house, or simply relaxing on the couch. She has the sweetest way of making you feel like wherever you are is exactly where she wants to be. Justice is a playful puppy with plenty of energy and curiosity, but she also has a wonderful affectionate side. She loves attention and being included in whatever is happening around her. She’s the kind of pup who will happily follow you from room to room just to make sure she doesn’t miss anything—and because being close to her person is her favorite place to be. She has such a happy, loving personality and is sure to bring plenty of smiles and laughter to her forever home. Justice is still young and has lots to learn, so she’ll need a family who is ready for all the fun, training, patience, and love that comes with raising a puppy. If you’re looking for a sweet girl who wants to be your companion, your shadow, your adventure buddy, and eventually your best friend, Justice may be your girl!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
18. Trooper
Young (5 months 4 days) · Male · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from East Hartford






Meet Trooper!
Read more about Trooper
Trooper is one happy little guy with a personality that is guaranteed to keep you smiling! This handsome boy has a playful and mischievous streak that makes him the one who is always ready to see what kind of fun he can find. He’s curious about the world around him and loves exploring, investigating, and being part of whatever is going on. Trooper has that fun-loving puppy personality where you can almost see the wheels turning in his head as he decides what he’s going to do next. He’s playful, adventurous, and full of personality, and he’ll keep his family entertained with his puppy antics. But underneath that mischievous side is a sweet, happy boy who loves people and wants to be included. Trooper is at such a fun age where he’s learning every day and discovering the world around him. With the right family, some patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement, this smart boy is going to have so much fun learning how to be the best dog he can be. Trooper would love a family who enjoys an active, playful pup and is ready for all the laughs and adventures that come with one. If you’re looking for a puppy with brains, personality, curiosity, and just enough mischief to keep life interesting, Trooper might be the boy for you!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
19. Kota
Young · Male · Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) · 8 mi from East Hartford




Welcome Kota to CCPAL Rescue. Kota is a 1-year-old and weighs 65 pounds. He is smart, social and outgoing. He is the most active of the two in the litter. He is a bit more shy than his brother Tug. He would do great with an active and outdoorsy family wanting a companion that has the stamina and energy to go with you. He got lots of time being held as a puppy so he does love people. Our kennel staff love Kota and he is really doing good with his leash training. He will sit and makes good eye contact. His breed is Lab/German Shepherd. These were in foster care until they were vaccinated and ready to come to the rescue.
Read more about Kota
They have had lots of attention from humans which is wonderful. It creates a wonderful puppy that loves humans and their attention. These puppies are smart, soft coats and most have the lab personality with the smartness of the Malinois. Kota is a smart boy and would be great dog for a man. He would love good direction and someone that is confident. This would allow Kota to let his owner be in charge. Both dogs would be great family pets. They can go with children and should be good with them. We like the children to be 8 or older. Young dogs are best with people that are home some and not gone 8 hours every day to work. Tug will need to finish up his training, and it would be best if he gets to spend time with his human so he can bond deeply with them. He does not mess up his kennel and goes in his outside kennel to go to the bathroom. Kota is playing in his play group of 6 puppies. The boys are all bigger than the girls. He also gets to play outside in his play group and does well in a group. He has good recall when he is off leash and likes treats. These puppies have webbed feet and should be good swimmers. He is in Texas and can be adopted locally or we can work with one of the wonderful transporters to get him to Washington, Portland, Minnesota, Vermont or all along the east Coast. His adoption fee is $400 and transport is $200. Rhode Island and Massachusetts are not states we adopt to because of the regulations imposed by these states Contact Marlene at 210-867-1769 or email to ccpalinquiries@gmail.com if you have questions. Online applications at www.ccpalrescue.org See his cute video
https://youtu.be/OdrO5yHVBkY
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
20. Tug
Young · Male · Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) · 8 mi from East Hartford




Welcome Tug to CCPAL Rescue. Tug is an 1 year old and weighs 65 pounds. He is smart, social and outgoing. He is the least active of the two in the litter. He got lots of time being held as a puppy so he does love people. Our kennel staff love Tug and he is really doing good with his leash training. He will sit and makes good eye contact. His breed is Lab/German Shepherd. These were in foster care until they were vaccinated and ready to come to the rescue. They have had lots of attention from humans which is wonderful. It creates a wonderful puppy that loves humans and their attention. These puppies are smart, soft coats and most have the lab personality with the smartness of the Malinois.
Read more about Tug
Tug is a smart boy and listens and learns quickly. They would be great family pets. They can go with children and should be good with them. We like the children to be 8 or older. Young dogs are best with people that are home some and not gone 8 hours every day to work. Tug will need to finish up his training, and it would be best if he gets to spend time with his human so he can bond deeply with them. He does not mess up his kennel and goes in his outside kennel to go to the bathroom. Tug is playing in his play group of 6 puppies. The boys are all bigger than the girls. He also gets to play outside in his play group and does well in a group. He has good recall when he is off leash and likes treats. These puppies have webbed feet and should be good swimmers. He is in Texas and can be adopted locally or we can work with one of the wonderful transporters to get him to Washington, Portland, Minnesota, Vermont or all along the east Coast. His adoption fee is $400 and transport is $200. Rhode Island and Massachusetts are not states we adopt to because of the regulations imposed by these states Contact Marlene at 210-867-1769 or email to ccpalinquiries@gmail.com if you have questions. Online applications at www.ccpalrescue.org See his cute video
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
Adopting a large dog in East Hartford
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 East Hartford
- Dog Star RescueCanton, CT · 11 large dogs above
- Good Dog RescueEnfield, CT · 3 large dogs above
- Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance LeagueBandera, Tx · 3 large dogs above
- East Coast Canine RescueLebanon, ct · 3 large dogs above
Questions about adopting large dogs in East Hartford
How many large dogs are up for adoption in East Hartford?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of East Hartford, Connecticut, have 20 large dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a large dog in East Hartford?
The rescues with the most large dogs near East Hartford right now are Dog Star Rescue (Canton, CT), Good Dog Rescue (Enfield, CT) and Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League (Bandera, Tx). 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.