Evanston, IL

Large Dogs for Adoption in Evanston, IL: 17 Big Dogs Looking for a Home

Large Dogs up for adoption near Evanston, IL

Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Evanston have 17 large dogs up for adoption. Here are all 17, 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 White German Shepherd, German Shepherd and Pit Bull Terrier.

1. Aiden

Adult · Male · White German Shepherd / Mixed (long coat) · 20 mi from Evanston

BIO
Hello! My name is Aiden. I am currently being treated for heartworm. My heartworm treatment will be completed, and I can go home with my family the middle of December 2026. I am housetrained. I am not crate trained. I have been fine when left unsupervised. When meeting strangers I go right up to them without barking and enjoy getting pet. I have been friendly to everyone I meet.I have met other dogs; however, I prefer female dogs about the same size as me. I really love to play with the female dog here at my foster home. I have not met any cats, so I do not know how I feel about them. I don’t really care about toys. I like going for car rides. I walk well on a leash with no reactivity. I know a few commands, but maybe you could teach me more. I love being brushed. Look how handsome I am.I would like to find a home with someone active. Someone who likes hiking and going on adventures. We could go to some obedience classes where I could learn lots of things. I can be an only dog. It would be nice to find a friend and have some play dates to help keep up my social skills since I do enjoy running around and playing. Do you know anyone with a female dog who would like to play with me?
Follow me on Facebook: #EchoDogAiden
For more information, please contact adoptions@echodogs.org.

Read more about Aiden

Echo Dogs fosters dogs in many states. Visit www.echodogs.org/available-dogs to see more of our dogs. Transportation for the adopted dog IS available. Remember, we are an all-volunteer foster rescue organization - we DO NOT have a physical shelter to visit. Our minimum adoption donation is $350. All dogs are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations and micro-chipped. Puppies under 6 months old may not be spayed/neutered. This would be the responsibility of the adopter at their own expense. Proof of spay/neuter will be required!
To review our adoption procedure and submit an online application, visit: www.echodogs.org/procedure

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Aiden fromEcho Dogs White Shepherd RescueHoffman Estates, IL · listed Nov 3

2. Pistachio

Puppy · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 24 mi from Evanston

This dog is a recent arrival to REACH Rescue. Please check back for more information as their foster family gets to know them!Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person.Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue

Adopt Pistachio fromREACH Rescue, IncMundelein, IL · listed Oct 28

3. Wally

Puppy · Male · Labrador Retriever / Mixed · 24 mi from Evanston

Meet Wally, a handsome 4-month-old Lab mix who is just beginning to discover what it means to be a dog! Wally had a tough start in life, coming from a hoarding situation where he lived with 40 other dogs. He’s still learning about the world around him and will need a patient, loving family to help him build confidence and feel safe.Despite his fears, Wally is an affectionate, playful boy who loves attention. He is crate trained and working on his potty training and puppy manners with both people and other dogs. He is food motivated, although he can be a little particular about his treats! The outside world can be scary for Wally right now.

Read more about Wally

He is very fearful of leaving the house and often tries to pull back toward home. He can be hypervigilant outdoors, so he’ll need continued positive reinforcement, training, and plenty of time to learn that the world isn't such a scary place.Wally would do best in a home with a secure, fenced yard and another friendly dog who can be his playmate and help show him the ropes. Most importantly, he needs a family who understands that building trust takes time and is willing to celebrate the little victories along the way. Wally has so much potential, and with patience, consistency, and lots of love, he can grow into the confident, happy pup he deserves to be.Could you be the safe place Wally has been waiting for? Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person. Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Wally fromREACH Rescue, IncMundelein, IL · listed Oct 27

4. Hondo

Young · Male · German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) · 3 mi from Evanston

Hondo was recently returned to rescue when his owner was facing a housing crisis. He is currently boarding with our friends at playful pets playtime. Hondo was originally rescued from Chicago Animal Control where he was brought in as a stray. He is about 2-3 years old, neutered, vaccinated, and housebroken. Hondo is dog friendly and attends daycare.

  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Hondo fromGerman Shepherd Rescue INCSkokie, IL · listed Oct 23

5. Monet

Adult · Female · Hound / Mixed · 24 mi from Evanston

This dog is a recent arrival to REACH Rescue. Please check back for more information as their foster family gets to know them!Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person.Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue

Adopt Monet fromREACH Rescue, IncMundelein, IL · listed Oct 18

6. Yukon

Adult · Male · White German Shepherd (medium coat) · 20 mi from Evanston

BIO
Hello! My name is Yukon. You can call me Yuki if you like. I am house trained and crate trained. I should be crated when you cannot supervise me. I am still learning. I am very good in my crate. I even share my crate with my cat friend. I have just completed heartworm treatment, and I am ready to find my family. I love meeting people and getting all the attention and petting I can. I love being close to my people. I am not shy so I will snuggle up to you for some cuddling.I have met other dogs of different sizes, and I am always friendly when greeting them. I live with a young female dog here at my foster home and we play together and run around the backyard. I also live with cats and do very well with them. I am learning commands. I walk well on a leash. I do pull a little if I see a squirrel but, hey, who doesn’t. I like playing with toys, especially my Starmark ball and chew toys. I know how to play fetch. I am good in the car. I would like to find a home with a fenced yard; I absolutely love to run around. A home with a young playful female dog would be best. An active family that likes to go places, hiking and exploring. Someone who will continue teaching me how to become the best boy I can be. Could that be you?
Follow me on Facebook: #EchoDogYukon
For more information, please contact adoptions@echodogs.org.

Read more about Yukon

Echo Dogs fosters dogs in many states. Visit www.echodogs.org/available-dogs to see more of our dogs. Transportation for the adopted dog IS available. Remember, we are an all-volunteer foster rescue organization - we DO NOT have a physical shelter to visit. Our minimum adoption donation is $350. All dogs are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations and micro-chipped. Puppies under 6 months old may not be spayed/neutered. This would be the responsibility of the adopter at their own expense. Proof of spay/neuter will be required!
To review our adoption procedure and submit an online application, visit: www.echodogs.org/procedure

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Yukon fromEcho Dogs White Shepherd RescueHoffman Estates, IL · listed Sep 25

7. Otto

Adult (3 years 1 month) · Male · German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) · 3 mi from Evanston

Otto was rescued from Waukegan Animal Control where he was brought in as a stray. He is estimated to be 3 years old. Otto came into rescue very underweight with long nails and ear infections. He has been in foster care for the last month and is doing well! Otto gets along well with other dogs and is fostered with two other German Shepherds. He is learning to play with toys and loves cuddling his foster mom. Otto is a sweet boy and doesn't show any reactivity towards people or dogs. When his foster siblings bark he likes to join in and howl! Otto loves his crate and sees it as his safe space. He has not been around children but suspect he'd do well with older, respectful kids.

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Otto fromGerman Shepherd Rescue INCSkokie, IL · listed Sep 11

8. Stanley

Young (1 year 5 months) · Male · Shepherd / Husky / Mixed (short coat) · 7 mi from Evanston

Charming, sweet, silly, engaging, and exceptionally loyal are just a few words to describe Stanley, a wonderful pup searching for his forever family. His soulful, expressive eyes suggest a pup wise beyond his years and draw you in, and his observant, perceptive, loyal, and loving demeanor wins over all who meet him; he'll be a phenomenal companion for a lucky home. Stanley was rescued from an overburdened animal control facility in Kentucky with his five littermates when they were just three months old. He is currently 9 months old and is a middleweight champ at 55 pounds. DNA test revealed that 3/4 of his lineage is close to being equally divided among three breeds: German Shepherd, Husky, and Bluetick Coonhound, with percentages equaling around 25% of each breed. The remaining 25% of his DNA is made up of smaller percentages (10% or less) of Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, Collie, Malamute, and Chow. Stanley was adopted by a loving family earlier this year; however, he has recently been returned to Pal's Place for placement with another family. Stan can sometimes be a little reserved and cautiously curious when meeting some new people coming into his home (generally larger men with deeper voices or people with hats/beards, etc). Being the perceptive, sensitive, intelligent fella he is, if he is unsure of someone when he first meets them, he likes to take several minutes to assess his new friends. His assessment process generally involves a bit of barking and skittering around. If we ignore Stanley and his initial chatter. He settles down after a few minutes, gathers some courage to get in closer for a few sniffs of the visitor, and goes back to being the big ol' lovebug he usually is. He's not wary of everyone coming into the home, and we think that with a little more confidence-building and exposure, he'll be confident, calm, and comfortable with every visitor. The household he was living in over the past few months was bustling, with lots of children and new people coming and going all the time. When Stanley reacted with anxious, nervous barking at certain visitors, he sometimes frightened the resident children, visiting children, and some visiting adults, who were startled by his loud bark. Unfortunately, the decision was made to return Stanley to the rescue to prevent further tensions with guests.

Read more about Stanley

Stanley has been back with us for a short time, but his fosters have started building his confidence with new people, and he has already made great progress. His ideal guardians are calm, confident, patient, and dog-experienced or dog-savvy who can work with Stanley to help him nurture and develop a little more self-confidence. He's an exceptionally loyal, devoted, and amenable dog to those he loves and trusts, and he wants so badly to please that we are confident that, with just a little more time, exposure, support, and understanding, he will blossom into the more confident dog we know he wants to be! He's spent most of his life with at least one other dog and is sharing his foster home with several others. Stanley is much more confident overall when other dogs are around, and we think a home with at least one other confident, balanced dog to show him the ropes would be fantastic, but not necessarily a deal breaker in his search for a forever home. As a mix of hunting, herding, and working breeds, Stanley also needs a home committed to exercising him properly and giving him an outlet for his energy and enthusiasm. He'd make a great hiking or running companion and a great candidate for many dog sports, like tracking, nosework, or earth dog trials. Training for these sports, for fun or competitively, would be a great way to grow his confidence and bond with new guardians. He's active, energetic, and athletic, and loves nothing more than a good game of fetch, but he's also one who knows how to settle down and does not need constant entertainment or engagement throughout the day. He's incredibly intelligent and wickedly c

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Stanley fromPal's Place FoundationChicago, IL · listed Sep 11

9. Sassa

Senior · Female · White German Shepherd (medium coat) · 20 mi from Evanston

BIO
Hello! My name is Sassa. I am currently undergoing heartworm treatment. When that is complete, I will be spayed. I will be ready for adoption in October. I get very excited when visitors come to the house. I am very friendly and affectionate, especially with children, I love children.I am friendly with all the dogs I meet. I even had a puppy friend to play with. I have not met any cats, so I do not know how I feel about them. I love my stuffies and chew toys. I like going for rides in the car. I walk very well on a leash. I come when you call my name and I know no means no. I am very good about getting baths. I was in bad shape when I came into rescue and foster mom had to give me lots of baths. Look at me now! I will require iron and joint supplements to help me continue to do well.I would like to find a home with someone that would love a very sweet old girl with spirit like me to follow them around. I am great with children but would do best as a companion to someone that is home more often than not. I am really a gem that deserves a good life with someone that loves me. Could that be you?
Follow me on Facebook: #EchoDogSassa
For more information, please contact adoptions@echodogs.org.

Read more about Sassa

Echo Dogs fosters dogs in many states. Visit www.echodogs.org/available-dogs to see more of our dogs. Transportation for the adopted dog IS available. Remember, we are an all-volunteer foster rescue organization - we DO NOT have a physical shelter to visit. Our minimum adoption donation is $350. All dogs are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations and micro-chipped. Puppies under 6 months old may not be spayed/neutered. This would be the responsibility of the adopter at their own expense. Proof of spay/neuter will be required!
To review our adoption procedure and submit an online application, visit: www.echodogs.org/procedure

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
  • Special needs
Adopt Sassa fromEcho Dogs White Shepherd RescueHoffman Estates, IL · listed Sep 9

10. Ivy

Young (1 year 7 months) · Female · German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) · 3 mi from Evanston

Meet Ivy! Ivy is a sweet, approximately one-year-old German Shepherd who was rescued from Will County Animal Control. She can be a little shy when she first meets someone, but once she feels comfortable, her gentle and loving personality shines through.

Ivy does well with other dogs and would enjoy having a canine playmate in her forever home. She is housebroken and does well in her crate. She is still working on her leash skills and basic commands, so her new family should be willing to continue her obedience training and help her build confidence.

Read more about Ivy

Ivy is a young girl with so much potential who is looking for a patient, loving family that will give her the time and guidance she needs to blossom. With a little training and plenty of love, Ivy will make a wonderful companion.

If interested in adopting Ivy, complete an application at www.gsrescue1.org

Please note applicants must be within 2 hours of Chicago.

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Ivy fromGerman Shepherd Rescue INCSkokie, IL · listed Sep 9

11. Remy

Adult · Male · German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) · 3 mi from Evanston

Remy is a gorgeous 4–5-year-old male found as a stray in Park Ridge IL We don't know how such a lovely boy was not reclaimed. He is an active pup who loves people and wants to be a part of whatever his foster family is doing. He will happily come over for pets or offer a gentle nose boop just to let you know he is there. Bring out a toy or toss a ball for a game of fetch, and he is ready to play! If you're going somewhere, Remy loves the car and is always ready for the next adventure.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Remy fromGerman Shepherd Rescue INCSkokie, IL · listed Aug 20

12. Morris

Senior · Male · White German Shepherd (medium coat) · 20 mi from Evanston

BIO
Hello! My name is Morris. I am house trained and crate trained. I am currently being crated when my foster dad cannot supervise me. I am not destructive, I am still unsure of my new surroundings. I love it when visitors come to the house. I don’t bark at people. I just love everyone I meet. I wag my tail and hope to show off my ball playing skills. Don’t let my age fool you. I can catch a ball like a champ.I don’t care for other dogs. I pull a bit on the leash, however I am not reactive when I see other dogs. I just look and keep on walking. I have not met any cats, so I do not know how I feel about them. I like going for rides in the car. Maybe we could go on an adventure. I know lots of commands. I don’t care too much for toys, just give me my ball. It would be even better if we could play a few games of catch.I would like to find a home with an active family. A home where someone is home more often than not. It would be nice to have a yard to play ball in. If you are looking for an excellent dog with lots of spunk, look no further, here I am. Did I mention I love to play ball?
Follow me on Facebook: #EchoDogMorris2026
For more information, please contact adoptions@echodogs.org.

Read more about Morris

Echo Dogs fosters dogs in many states. Visit www.echodogs.org/available-dogs to see more of our dogs. Transportation for the adopted dog IS available. Remember, we are an all-volunteer foster rescue organization - we DO NOT have a physical shelter to visit. Our minimum adoption donation is $350. All dogs are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations and micro-chipped. Puppies under 6 months old may not be spayed/neutered. This would be the responsibility of the adopter at their own expense. Proof of spay/neuter will be required!
To review our adoption procedure and submit an online application, visit: www.echodogs.org/procedure

  • Good with kids
  • Only dog
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Morris fromEcho Dogs White Shepherd RescueHoffman Estates, IL · listed Jul 20

13. Henley

Senior · Male · White German Shepherd (medium coat) · 20 mi from Evanston

BIO
Hello! My name is Henley. I am house trained and crate trained. You do not need to crate me as I am a mature, well-behaved guy. I’ll just go take a nap when you must step out. I enjoy being around my people. I love attention, pets & scratches. I will alert you if someone comes to the house, but I will settle down quickly.I live with another dog in my foster home and had no problems with other dogs when I was at the shelter. I did not do so well with meeting cats, so no cats for me. I walk well on a leash. I will bark and pull a bit if I see another dog, we are working on that. I know some commands and I have a good recall. Even though I am an older gentleman, I still like this stuffie rope toy I have. I don’t play fetch. I like to go for car rides, but I need help getting in/out of the car. I am sure I can learn how to use a ramp. Maybe you could teach me.I would love to find a home where my people are home more often than not. I occasionally play with my foster sister, but I can be an only dog. I prefer my people over other dogs. I am a low energy, low maintenance kind of guy. I do, however, enjoy my walks. We could go for a walk, maybe a little bit of yard time. Or we could just simply hangout together.
Follow me on Facebook: #EchoDogHenley2026
Follow me on Facebook: #EchoDog
For more information, please contact adoptions@echodogs.org.

Read more about Henley

Echo Dogs fosters dogs in many states. Visit www.echodogs.org/available-dogs to see more of our dogs. Transportation for the adopted dog IS available. Remember, we are an all-volunteer foster rescue organization - we DO NOT have a physical shelter to visit. Our minimum adoption donation is $350. All dogs are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations and micro-chipped. Puppies under 6 months old may not be spayed/neutered. This would be the responsibility of the adopter at their own expense. Proof of spay/neuter will be required!
To review our adoption procedure and submit an online application, visit: www.echodogs.org/procedure

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Henley fromEcho Dogs White Shepherd RescueHoffman Estates, IL · listed Jul 9

14. Moe

Young · Male · Boxer / Mixed · 24 mi from Evanston

Moe is a young Boxer mix with a big personality and a loving heart. He’s potty trained, crate trained, listens well, and does great with other dogs. Moe is generally good-natured and likes to stay close to his people—he enjoys being part of whatever’s going on.Moe loves toys and snuggles and has an active, playful side that will thrive with an engaged family. He would do best in an active home that can provide structure, exercise, and continued training. Because Moe can get mouthy during play, he should not be placed in a home with small children.Moe will need an experienced dog owner. While he shows no signs of aggression in daily life, he has reacted with little warning when medications are applied to his ears or skin during treatment for infections.

Read more about Moe

Outside of these situations, he is affectionate and stable. His future family should be comfortable working with a veterinarian and using management strategies for medical care.One thing to note—Moe is curious and a known countertop surfer! Food should be kept out of reach, as he won’t hesitate to help himself if given the chance.Moe is looking for a knowledgeable, active home that understands his needs and will love him for the fun, loyal companion he is. With the right fit, Moe will be a devoted sidekick ready for adventure, play, and plenty of cuddle time. Stop by our weekly adoption events on Saturdays from 11-3 pm at 372 Townline Road in Mundelein, IL 60060 to meet our adoptable animals in person.Follow us on Facebook for additional updates and sneak peeks of new dogs! https://www.facebook.com/reachrescue

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Moe fromREACH Rescue, IncMundelein, IL · listed Jul 7

15. Jacks

Young · Male · German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) · 3 mi from Evanston

Jacks is an energetic two-year-old male rescue from Chicago Animal Control. He has completed training at Dog Style and in need of a foster or adoptive home. Jacks is very athletic and loves to run, jump, and play fetch. He would be a great dog sport candidate. Jacks is very sweet and affectionate with his people. He is housebroken, crate trained, and knows basic commands. Jacks is a typical GSD that is protective of his home, but does well meeting new people with lots of treats and praise. Jacks does well with other dogs, but needs to be properly introduced. He would do best in a home with no cats or small children.

  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Jacks fromGerman Shepherd Rescue INCSkokie, IL · listed Jun 21

16. Tam

Adult · White German Shepherd (medium coat) · 20 mi from Evanston

BIO
Hello! My name is Tam. I am 2 or 3 years old. I am house trained. I do not like to be crated. I do not need to be crated when you cannot supervise me. If you do leave me alone, I will sleep most of the time. I have other dogs here to keep me company. I am good with both men and women. I am not much of a snuggler, but I love to be pet. I’ll come over to you for attention. I will even roll over for belly rubs. In the daytime I will approach strangers slowly. At night if I don’t recognize a person, I will bark at them. I do very well with the other dogs in my foster home. They are females, different sizes. One dog is high energy, another not so much. I did not do so good with the cat. So, it is best if you do not have a cat. I like to destuff toys and pull all the toys out of the toy box. I guard my toys and food from the other dogs so foster mom doesn't leave anything laying around and is proactive with trying to work on this issue. I ignore loud noises like thunderstorms and sirens. I am nervous about getting in a car, but Foster Mom and I are working on this. I love my daily walks, and I am pretty much a dream walking companion as I am completely nonreactive on leash even to the point of ignoring squirrels.I would like to find a home with someone who is home more often than not. I do like running around & playing with one of the dogs here at my foster home. A home with someone that has patience and can continue working with me to build my confidence. Are you looking for a Velcro dog, I want to be one.
Follow me on Facebook: #EchoDogTam
For more information, please contact adoptions@echodogs.org.

Read more about Tam

Echo Dogs fosters dogs in many states. Visit www.echodogs.org/available-dogs to see more of our dogs. Transportation for the adopted dog IS available. Remember, we are an all-volunteer foster rescue organization - we DO NOT have a physical shelter to visit. Our minimum adoption donation is $350. All dogs are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations and micro-chipped. Puppies under 6 months old may not be spayed/neutered. This would be the responsibility of the adopter at their own expense. Proof of spay/neuter will be required!
To review our adoption procedure and submit an online application, visit: www.echodogs.org/procedure

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Tam fromEcho Dogs White Shepherd RescueHoffman Estates, IL · listed Jun 15

17. Hodor

Adult (4 years 4 months) · Male · German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) · 3 mi from Evanston

Hodor recently completed heartworm treatment and is ready for his forever home! He is currently fostered with a female GSD and likes to play with her. Hodor is estimated to be 4 years old and weighs 80 lbs. He is more on the submissive side with humans and will cower if you raise your voice or if he thinks he will be hit. Hodor has been friendly to children he has met out on walks. He would benefit from training to help build his confidence and work on obedience skills.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Hodor fromGerman Shepherd Rescue INCSkokie, IL · listed Jun 6

Adopting a large dog in Evanston

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 Evanston

Questions about adopting large dogs in Evanston

How many large dogs are up for adoption in Evanston?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Evanston, Illinois, have 17 large dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a large dog in Evanston?

The rescues with the most large dogs near Evanston right now are Echo Dogs White Shepherd Rescue (Hoffman Estates, IL), German Shepherd Rescue INC (Skokie, IL) and REACH Rescue, Inc (Mundelein, IL). 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.