Large Dogs for Adoption in Joplin, MO: 10 Big Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Joplin have 10 large dogs up for adoption. Here are all 10, 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 Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador Retriever.
Not in Joplin? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Charley
Adult · Female · Pit Bull Terrier · 80 mi from Joplin


<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
2. Milo
Young · Male · Pit Bull Terrier · 80 mi from Joplin


MEET MILO! ❤️ Looking for His Forever Home! ❤️Meet Milo, an approximately 1-year-old male pup with a wonderful, goofy personality and so much love to give!Milo was found at an apartment complex by some caring residents who wanted to help him. Sadly, Milo had been struggling to survive on his own and ended up needing surgery to remove a blockage after eating things he found along the way.Thankfully, Milo is now recovering in his foster home! He’s currently on crate rest while he heals, but being stuck resting is not his idea of fun. This playful boy would much rather be out running around and playing with the other dogs in his foster home!Milo has been through a lot in his young life, and now he deserves a family who will give him the love, safety, and happiness he’s always deserved.
Read more about Milo
❤️ Could Milo be the missing piece of your family?Please consider giving this sweet, goofy boy the forever home he’s been waiting for. Share his story to help Milo find his happily ever after! <br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
3. Blackie
Adult · Male · Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog / Mixed · 72 mi from Joplin



Hi, I'm Blackie! I'm a 5 year old sweet Lab mix with a great personality. I'm a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. I'm currently in a foster home awaiting my chance at a forever home. Can that be with you?This big hearted boy was found wandering the road on 64 near HH in Goodson. It appears that he was abandoned. He has a lot of personal love and attention to give a loving, caring family. He is a true couch potato at heart and just wants a safe place to live and a warm lap to lay his head on. He takes a bath and daily brushings well, walks on a leash great, gets along with my two Goldens and sleeps on the bed with us.
Read more about Blackie
His teeth are bright white, he is in awesome shape, and loves to take walks several times a day with his new pack. He is starting to play and does not bark unless warning of people at the door or while playing with the other pups. He knows and obeys commands, stays on trail, loves treats and is highly trainable. He just wants to please. He is still a bit scared but is quickly getting over losing his home. Please consider this gentleman if you are looking for a loving companion!Interested in adding me to your family? Complete an adoption application at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt. You can also schedule an appointment to meet me. Some pets are in foster homes or may already have meet-and-greets scheduled, so appointments help ensure I'll be available when you arrive.Polk County Humane Society is located in Bolivar, Missouri, but we happily consider adopters from across the United States. If you're not local, you're welcome to travel here to adopt or arrange transportation. All transportation arrangements and expenses are the responsibility of the adopter. Virtual meet-and-greets are available.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
4. Skully
Puppy · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Terrier / Mixed · 80 mi from Joplin


This litter was just another OOPS litter that found themselves needing rescue placement. Their momma has been spayed and now these sweet babies are seeking forever families !!! They’re all very sweet and social and working on their house manners.<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
5. Phantom
Puppy · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Terrier / Mixed · 80 mi from Joplin



This litter was just another OOPS litter that found themselves needing rescue placement. Their momma has been spayed and now these sweet babies are seeking forever families !!! They’re all very sweet and social and working on their house manners.<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
6. Winston
Adult · Male · Labrador Retriever / Coonhound / Mixed · 72 mi from Joplin


Hi, I'm Winston! I was at the shelter when I was just a tiny pup, but now I'm back through no fault of my own. I'm a sweet, goofy, and personable boy. I'm around 5.5 years old and am a Lab/Coonhound mix- what a great combo! I seem to be potty-trained and I get along well with other dogs. If you're interested in adopting me, please fill out an application at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt. You can also reserve an appointment to meet me. Some pets are in foster homes or may already have visits scheduled, so appointments help ensure I’ll be available.Polk County Humane Society is located in Bolivar, Missouri, and we welcome adopters from any state. We have access to a transport to Aurora, CO. Other outofstate adopters either travel to Missouri or arrange & pay for air transport. Virtual meetandgreets are available on the appointment request.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
7. Money
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Hound / Mixed · 80 mi from Joplin




Money is a true survivor who has already overcome more than any dog should have to. He was confiscated from a property after being abandoned, and we later learned that before he was left behind, Money had been hit by a car. His front leg was so severely mangled that it could not be saved, and he ultimately had to undergo an amputation. But losing a leg certainly hasn’t slowed Money down! This sweet boy is house-trained, crate-trained, and dog-friendly. He has adjusted incredibly well to life on three legs and is ready to put his difficult past behind him. With the right introduction and a knowledgeable home, he may also be able to live with cats.After everything Money has been through, we want his next chapter to be the one where he finally gets to be someone’s beloved family member!<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review.
Read more about Money
Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
8. Naux FNA “Spuds”
Adult · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 80 mi from Joplin



Unfortunately, Naux has found his way back into rescue. His adopter has fallen on some uncertain times and is no longer able to keep him. While we know returns are never easy, we’re determined to help Naux find his forever home this time around.Naux is a very sweet boy who is simply looking for a soft place to land. ❤️His foster says: Good with other dogs & kids Unsure about cats Neutered Housebroken & crate trained Knows basic commands Could use some leash training Food & treat motivatedNaux has so much love to give and deserves a family who will stick with him through life’s ups and downs.<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
9. Goofy
Young · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 80 mi from Joplin


Goofy is every bit goofy, fun, and adventurous! He initially entered OPR dangerously emaciated and dehydrated. He has since recovered and quickly showed his fun loving personality.<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- House-trained
10. Patty
Adult · Female · Labrador Retriever / Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 80 mi from Joplin




Patty has finished up her mom duties is ready for a family of her very own! She has been a phenomenal momma and an absolute pleasure for her foster family, but it is time for her to move onto her next journey!<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
Adopting a large dog in Joplin
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 Joplin
- Okie Pet RescueClaremore, OK · 8 large dogs above
- Polk County Humane SocietyBolivar, MO · 2 large dogs above
Questions about adopting large dogs in Joplin
How many large dogs are up for adoption in Joplin?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Joplin, Missouri, have 10 large dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a large dog in Joplin?
The rescues with the most large dogs near Joplin right now are Okie Pet Rescue (Claremore, OK) and Polk County Humane Society (Bolivar, MO). 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.