Large Dogs for Adoption in Elkhart, IN: 14 Big Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Elkhart have 14 large dogs up for adoption. Here are all 14, 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 American Staffordshire Terrier, German Shepherd and American Bulldog.
Not in Elkhart? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Loki
Adult · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Husky / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
2. Banjo
Adult · Male · American Bulldog / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart


Meet Banjo! This handsome guy is 4 1/2 making him the perfect age! Why!? Because at this age he is still full of life and has plenty of it to live and knows how to chill when its time. Banjo is a handsome man who isn't fond of young children or sharing his living space with another dog. Banjo is fine on neutral territory with female dogs he just doesn't want to live with another dog. Banjo has lived with cats so if you have a cat Banjo can still go home with you! Banjo is potty trained and knows how to sit and laydown when told. Come meet Banjo and see if he could fit into your family.Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
3. Dixon
Young · Male · American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Meet Dixon our 1 year old staffy mix. This blue eyed guy is looking for his perfect match! Are you looking for a handsome young man to join your family? Maybe you are cold and need a cuddle buddy, or maybe you have a dog that would love a friend! Or maybe you are looking for that perfect match that will play with the kids and join you on your long walks. Look no further than Dixon! He is all of that and more. This handsome guy has a heart of gold and gives the best hugs. His dream is to one day have a family of his very own, and no worries if you have a family he will slide right in and make himself at home on the couch.
Read more about Dixon
He loves love and exercise, so if a nice long walk or hike on the weekend is your idea of a good time, take him home today! There is nothing more than this guy loves then spending time with his people. Come meet Dixon and you wont want to look any further!Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
4. Glock
Adult · Male · American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Hello! My name is Glock and I am 5.5 years old. I am a sweet, friendly boy that is quite chunky! I am 73 lbs of pure love. I am a highly food motivated boy that will gobble treats all day long if I could. I also love to play with toys and can win any game of tug of war. I was surrendered to the shelter due to not getting along well with other dogs, so I do need a dog free home!Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- Only dog
5. Bentley
Adult · Male · American Staffordshire Terrier / Labrador Retriever / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Hi there! My name is Bentley and I am 2.5 years old. I am a sweet, playful boy that is back here at the shelter; I was adopted last year and have returned due to there being a baby in the household. I am a friendly, affectionate boy that is pretty high energy! I like to be a lap dog when I want to be though and can provide some great snuggles! I am friendly with strangers and visitors too and want to play with them! I do well with other doggos, including large and small dogs, and I have lived successfully with cats too! I am crated when I am left alone in the home and I do pretty well... but I do like to tear up my stuffed animals.
Read more about Bentley
Who doesn't love free fluffing? I like to play with tennis balls, bones, kongs, squeaky toys and rope toys! Anyways, I know how to sit, leave it, off and come, but I can pull quite hard on the leash so a fenced in yard would be recommended for me unless you're up for some leash training! I do have some facial scarring from my past, but I think it only adds to my unique and lovable look! I hope you will come visit me soon!Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
6. Maximus
Adult · Male · American Staffordshire Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Hi! I'm Maximus and I am 4 years old! I am a short, stocky boy that thinks I am over 100 pounds. I am a powerhouse, wrecking ball of fun! I love to play, I love to eat, I love pig ears, I love to play with other dogs (even if they don't want to play with me), and I love life.Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
7. Silna
Senior · Female · Staffordshire Bull Terrier / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Hello, my name is Silna. I am a sweet and quiet girl. My fur is so warm and soft, would you like to pet me? I'd love to be petted and cuddled. I also like to go for walks. My dream is to find a loving family that will let me watch tv with them and comfy bed where I can nap. Come visit me today!Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
8. Kilo
Adult · Male · American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Hi there! I'm Kilo and I am 5 years old. I am a good boy that was recently surrendered to the shelter due to no fault of my own. My mom loved me very, very much and giving up my fur sister and I was very hard on her. She gave the shelter all kinds of information on me, so lets talk about it! I have successfully lived with Maelin (my fur sister who is also available for adoption), cats and kittens and an infant and I have done amazing with them. I cuddle with all of them! I am a good boy that listens very well and I know how to sit, stay, come and shake. I am loyal and protective and sometimes that means that I am weary of strange men.
Read more about Kilo
I can be a little shy when meeting new people, but throw a ball for me and I'll warm right up! I am housetrained and I ring the potty bells when I have to go potty! I was not crated when my mom left the house, and I did very well left alone by myself. I love toys of all kinds: balls, squeaky toys, stuffed toys and even a basketball that I deflated and love to carry around like its my personal emotional support friend. I may pull on the leash a bit so keep a tight hold on me for walks because I do have a prey drive for little critters, including cats, that are not my friends. For my future owner, I do not enjoy the vet or my nails being trimmed, so I am used to taking trazadone and sedatives for my anxiety when it comes to medical things; this is an extra expense whenever it is vet time so please keep that in mind! I am used to eating Iams large breed dog food (chicken and whole grain) and have done very well on that brand! If you have read this far and are looking for a cuddle bug to lay under the blankets with you, cuddle in bed and greet you warmly when you come home, I am the perfect guy for you!Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
9. Goose
Young · Female · Chesapeake Bay Retriever / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Meet Goose, a 1 year old Chesapeake bay retriever. Not a breed we see much here at AWL and getting know her personality has been fun and interesting! Goose found her self as a stray and her owners chose not to reclaim her. Goose will need an active family (she is a breed of hunting dog!) Goose is not good with cats. She does enjoy playing with other dogs but she would do best in a home without them because she resource guards food and door ways from other dogs. As much as she enjoys playing with other dogs she just hasn't proven that she is safe to live with another dog. Goose does enjoy to play ball and is good with people including children.
Read more about Goose
Goose's ideal home would have a fenced in yard although not mandatory it would help her get her zoomies out! Goose just wants a family of her own where her breed is understood. She is potty trained and crate trained! Come meet Goose and take her on a walk, she is ready to get out of here and have a home of her own!Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- No cats
- House-trained
10. Buster
Adult · Male · Coonhound / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Hi there! I'm Buster and I am 2 years old! I am your typical hound: loud when I want to be, happy go lucky and super friendly!Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- No cats
11. Boone
Adult · Male · Hound / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Hi there! My name is Boone and I am 4.5 years old! I am a sweet boy that loves to give hugs! I'm a typical hound and will show you my treeing skills. I ran a cat right up the cat tree and howled and howled to let the staff know where to find that cat! Because of this staff has decided that a cat free home would be best for me but I maybe a great hunting partner! Now as far as dogs and children go I am great with both! So come check me out and see if you have a spot for this amazing hound!Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
12. Kingston
Young · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Husky / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Hi there! My name is Kingston and I am 1 years old! I am a sweet, goofy guy that is ready to make you laugh! I have lots of energy and will need a home that understands huskies! I don't like going back in my kennel because I would really just love to stay with my people. In a home I should be crate trained to keep me safe while you are away but I will need lots of positive reinforcement and to learn that you will come back and I will get to go out again! I want to be good but all this energy keeps me moving. I was in a home with young children and was good with them but anyone considering taking me home should know I may knock little ones over when I get to running through the house.
Read more about Kingston
Here at the shelter I ignored the cats but have also barked at them. I have never tried to chase them but being part husky there is a good chance that I would like to play a game of catch the cat! Caution should be used if bringing me into a home with cats to make sure I get along with them! I tend to be to much for most dogs and have a very dominant personality. While a home with a dog maybe ok, I think a home with no dogs would be even better!Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- House-trained
13. Angel
Adult · Female · American Staffordshire Terrier / Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart


Hi everyone!! My name is Angel and it fits me pretty well! I am a super sweet girl that is 4 years old! I was recently surrendered to the shelter due to no fault of my own, and I would love it if you came to meet me so I can find my furever family! I act a a little intimidating behind my kennel, but I assure you it is because I am scared here and I am not used to being locked up. I was raised around children and I am housetrained, but I can be picky on who I like as my fur siblings, so I would need a slow introduction with them (like all shelter dogs!). Come say hi!Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- No cats
- House-trained
14. Maxwell
Adult · Male · American Staffordshire Terrier / Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler / Mixed · 36 mi from Elkhart




Meet Maxwell a 4 year old mix who is still full of life and energy!. Maxwell loves to play, especially with those stuffed toys! Maxwell enjoys going outside and have the attention of everyone around him. Maxwell is good with dogs and would make a good dog to bring home as a friend to your own dog. Maxwell doesn't do well with cats so he would prefer a home without them and we are sure the cats would appreciate that you don't bring him home to them. Come meet Maxwell and let him show you how much fun he can be!Give the shelter a call at (574) 267-3008 or email them at info@awlwarsaw.com if you have any questions about me! If not, stop by the shelter at 1048 S 325 E in Pierceton, IN 46562 to look at me! No appointments necessary!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
Adopting a large dog in Elkhart
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 Elkhart
- Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko CountyPierceton , IN · 14 large dogs above
Questions about adopting large dogs in Elkhart
How many large dogs are up for adoption in Elkhart?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Elkhart, Indiana, have 14 large dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a large dog in Elkhart?
The rescues with the most large dogs near Elkhart right now are Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County (Pierceton , IN). 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.