Large Dogs for Adoption in West Des Moines, IA: 9 Big Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of West Des Moines have 9 large dogs up for adoption. Here are all 9, 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 Terrier.
Not in West Des Moines? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Zion
Zion is scheduled for his neuter and rabies vaccination on Wednesday, January 6, 2027. His adopter will be required to complete his remaining vetting (neuter and remaining vaccinations) in West Des Moines, Iowa without exception.
Read more about Zion
Zion is an 8-week-old, male (dob 9/11/26), Lab mix puppy that weighs about 12 lbs. Zion will likely be 70 to 80 lbs. full grown. He is an active, adventurous puppy that loves to explore and keep busy. He is working on house training and kennel training and is doing quite well for such a young puppy. He is walking well on a leash and also likes to explore but mostly hangs out right next to me. He needs human touch. Zion is a friendly, sweet puppy that does well with other dogs and enjoys children. He has started walking on a leash and does very well. This boy is very smart and is eager to please.
Momma: Ziggy
Siblings: Zion (M), Zavian (M), Zora (F), Zena (F), Zaida (F)
If you are interested in meeting Zion, please complete an online application at https://hopeanimalrescueofiowa.duplie.com/forms/196/dog-application Adoption fee is $300 which includes spay/neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
2. Zena
Zena is scheduled for her spay and rabies vaccination on Wednesday, January 6, 2027. Her adopter will be required to complete her remaining vetting (spay and remaining vaccinations) in West Des Moines, Iowa without exception.
Read more about Zena
Zena is an 8-week-old (dob 9/11/26), female, Lab mix that weighs around 10 lbs. We have no idea what breed daddy is, but momma appears to be part Black Lab. She will likely be 50 to 60 lbs. full grown. Zena is as sweet as they come and is the smallest of her littermates. She has started her kennel training, house training, and leash training. She eats in her kennel and sleeps through the night in it. Zena is a very young puppy so she will need time to become fully house trained, but she is doing pretty good so far for her age. She has adjusted well to being on a leash and needs continued experience with it. Zena is being fostered with her brother Zion and 2 other large dogs that are helping her learn how to interact and play with other dogs. One of Zena's favorite past-times is jumping into leaf piles and chasing her brother through them. She is a very smart puppy and has already learned to sit, stay, and come when given the command.
Momma: Ziggy
Siblings: Zion (M), Zavian (M), Zora (F), Zena (F), Zaida (F)
If you are interested in meeting Zena, please complete an online application at https://hopeanimalrescueofiowa.duplie.com/forms/196/dog-application Adoption fee is $300 which includes spay/neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
3. Zaida
Zaida is scheduled for her spay and rabies vaccination on Wednesday, January 6, 2027. Her adopter will be required to complete her remaining vetting (spay and remaining vaccinations) in West Des Moines, Iowa without exception.
Read more about Zaida
Zaida is an 8-week-old (dob approximately 9/11/26), 12 lb., female, Lab mix puppy. We have no idea what breed daddy is, but momma appears to be part Black Lab. She will likely be 65 to 75 lbs. full grown. She loves being pampered and being the center of attention! At just 8 weeks old, she is just starting to learn about kennel and house training, but she is very smart and should get the hang of it pretty quickly. She is doing well with the adult dogs and cats in her foster home. This girl plays hard and then sleeps hard. She's every bit as sweet as she is sassy!
Momma: Ziggy
Siblings: Zion (M), Zavian (M), Zora (F), Zena (F), Zaida (F)
If you are interested in meeting Zaida, please complete an online application at https://hopeanimalrescueofiowa.duplie.com/forms/196/dog-application Adoption fee is $300 which includes spay/neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
4. Zora
Zora is scheduled for her spay and rabies vaccination on Tuesday, January 5, 2027. Her adopter will be required to complete her remaining vetting (spay and remaining vaccinations) in West Des Moines, Iowa without exception.
Read more about Zora
Zora is an 8-week-old (dob 9/11/26), 12 lb., female, Lab mix puppy. We have no idea what breed daddy is, but momma appears to be part Black Lab. She will likely be 65 to 75 lbs. full grown. Zora is working on house training, kennel training, and leash training in her foster home. She is a sweet, cuddly puppy loves other dogs and kids. She is a very smart puppy that would love an active family that can help her learn about the world and explore as she grows up.
Momma: Ziggy
Siblings: Zion (M), Zavian (M), Zora (F), Zena (F), Zaida (F)
If you are interested in meeting Zora, please complete an online application at https://hopeanimalrescueofiowa.duplie.com/forms/196/dog-application Adoption fee is $300 which includes spay/neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
5. Dan
Meet Dan! He is an approximate 16-week-old, male, 22 lb., possible Shepherd mix. Dan is a sweet, goofy puppy. He’s likely to grow into a big, active boy, so he’s looking for a family that’s ready to put in the time and effort to help him become the very best dog he can be. Right now, Dan is busy learning how to be a dog. He’s working on crate training, potty training, and walking on a leash, but he’s still very much a baby, and his new family will need to pick up where his foster home leaves off. The good news? He’s a smart little guy who wants to please, and he’s eager to learn. Dan is also a bit of a character. He loves sprawling out on cool floors, galloping awkwardly around the yard, and settling in with a good chewy stick. He’s quite talkative, too, and has a habit of muttering to himself when he’s sleepy. (We don’t know what he’s saying, but we suspect he has some strong opinions). He currently lives in a foster home with other dogs and cats and is doing well with both. Dan’s future family should be prepared for a large, energetic dog who will need regular exercise, mental stimulation, and continued training. With patience, consistency, and a little humor, though, we think Dan is going to grow up to be a pretty fantastic dog. If you’re ready for all the fun, work, and occasional chaos that comes with raising a puppy, Dan would love to meet you!
Read more about Dan
Siblings: Shay (F) Dan (M)
If you are interested in meeting Dan, please complete an online application at https://hopeanimalrescueofiowa.duplie.com/forms/196/dog-application Adoption fee is $300 which includes spay/neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
6. Smoosh
This sweet bully loves other dogs, kids and cats, he loves attention and snuggling with you
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
7. Izzy
Sweet girl who loves human affection. She likes toys and other dogs
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
8. Beefcake
Came from a hoarding situation, He is a big boy and is such a sweetheart. Loves the couch and wants nothing but love.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
9. Murphy
Murphy is a handsome yellow lab mix. When he first came in, he had some food/kennel aggression, but he has gotten much better! He's approximately 1 year old and weighs 75 pounds. He gets along with other dogs and kids. We think he would do best in a home with no small kids.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
Adopting a large dog in West Des Moines
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 West Des Moines
- Hope Animal Rescue of IowaWest Des Moines, IA · 5 large dogs above
- Cedar Valley Pit Bull RescueWaterloo, Ia · 3 large dogs above
- Marion County Humane SocietyKnoxville, IA · 1 large dog above
Questions about adopting large dogs in West Des Moines
How many large dogs are up for adoption in West Des Moines?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of West Des Moines, Iowa, have 9 large dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a large dog in West Des Moines?
The rescues with the most large dogs near West Des Moines right now are Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa (West Des Moines, IA), Cedar Valley Pit Bull Rescue (Waterloo, Ia) and Marion County Humane Society (Knoxville, IA). 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.