Jersey City, NJ

Large Dogs for Adoption in Jersey City, NJ: 13 Big Dogs Looking for a Home

Large Dogs up for adoption near Jersey City, NJ

Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Jersey City have 13 large dogs up for adoption. Here are all 13, 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, Rottweiler and Great Dane.

1. Snow

Adult · Female · Rottweiler / Mixed (short coat) · 20 mi from Jersey City

Snow is anything but icy! The All-Terrain Sweetheart with a Spark!

Meet Snow, a vibrant and affectionate 4½-year-old Rottweiler mix weighing about 85–90 pounds. This sweet girl has a true zest for life and a heart full of love.

She's sugar with a little spice and oh so nice. The perfect mix of "adventure buddy" and "couch potato." Whether it’s a rainy hike or a sunny jog, this girl is all-weather, all-terrain, and always ready to go! She’s even mastering the treadmill for those extra chilly days.

Read more about Snow

When not outside exploring, she loves to be close to her people. Any chance for extra pets, cuddles, or toy time. But when the sun goes down? Snow is all about the "self-care." She loves wearing her favorite jammies, getting a little lotion, and settling in for a calm night.

Why you’ll love her:

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Pro Student: She is incredibly eager to learn and highly food motivated (even for frozen green beans!). She already knows Sit, Down, Paw, Off, Wave, Spin, and even Get Dressed (putting on her harness). Working on choice games and combo sets.

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Walking Partner: She’s well-behaved on a leash with her head harness and is the perfect size for a jogging companion.

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House Manners: She’s crate-trained, calm indoors, has impeccable potty behaviors, and even working on her dental hygiene!

Her perfect match: Snow is a thinker who thrives on learning games as well as a cuddlebug who thrives on affection. She’s currently practicing her social skills at doggy daycare and can be selective with dog friends. She needs a human, or two, who will continue her training journey. While she gets excited to meet new people, she does best with a slow, respectful introduction to feel her best.

Could you be the one to open your home and heart to Snow? She’s ready for her second chance and will reward you with endless love and loyalty. To adopt or foster, please apply at www.peace4paws.org/adoption-application from a laptop or computer.

Not able to adopt right now? You can still make a difference in Snow’s life! Fostering is another wonderful way to help, or you can donate toward Snow’s care while she waits for her forever family. Every bit of support helps us give sweet dogs like Snow the love and care they deserve.

  • No young kids
  • Only dog
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Snow fromPeace 4 Paws Inc.Westwood, NJ · listed Oct 28Courtesy listing: Snow's family is rehoming her through this rescue.

2. Gracie

Young · Female · Unknown breed / mixed · 8 mi from Jersey City

Gracie (GA) Needs Someone to See Her Worth When Gracie was rescued, her condition was nothing short of heartbreaking. At just 2 years old, this sweet Doodle girl should have been enjoying life, playing, loved, and cared for. Instead, she was found painfully emaciated, her body telling the story of neglect no dog should ever endure. Her coat was so severely matted that it hid the beautiful dog underneath, while her eyes carried the sadness of a soul that had been forgotten. But through it all, Gracie never stopped being gentle. Despite everything she has suffered, she still looks to people with hope.

Read more about Gracie

She still leans in for affection. She still believes that somewhere out there is a person who will finally show her the kindness she has always deserved. It's impossible to know exactly what Gracie's past looked like, but we know what her future should be. It should be filled with soft beds, full meals, loving hands, and the security of knowing she will never be hungry, neglected, or abandoned again. Gracie has survived what no dog should have to survive. Now she needs someone willing to help her heal, continue to blossom, and learn what it truly means to be cherished. She doesn't need a perfect family. She just needs a compassionate one. Every rescue dog deserves a second chance, but Gracie's story feels especially urgent. After everything she has endured, we desperately want her next chapter to be one of love, comfort, and belonging. Please don't let this sweet girl wait any longer. Apply online to adopt Gracie (GA) at: www.rescuedogsrocknyc.org. Be the person who changes Gracie's story forever. Gracie's adoption fee is $600.Please be sure to reference this pet's name as Gracie (GA) in case of duplicate names within the rescue. Thank you!All pets are current on age-appropriate vaccines at the time of adoption. Given technical constraints on this database, this pet's location may not be as listed here. We can, however, provide transport support for pets in foster at a considerable distance from the adopter.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Gracie fromRescue Dogs Rock, IncNew York, NY · listed Oct 20

3. Remi

Adult · Female · Great Dane · 8 mi from Jersey City

Remi (GA): Because Every Dog Deserves a Chance Remi's story could have ended before she ever got the chance to know what it feels like to be truly loved. At just 6 years old, this beautiful Great Dane was facing euthanasia because of ear infections and skin issues, conditions that are treatable and manageable with proper veterinary care. Thankfully, Remi was given a second chance, and she is now safe with rescue, receiving all the medical attention she needs to help her feel comfortable, healthy, and happy again. Through everything she's endured, Remi has remained exactly what makes Great Danes so special: gentle, loving, and incredibly devoted to people.

Read more about Remi

She has a kind soul, a sweet nature, and a quiet resilience that shines through despite the challenges she's faced. Remi is wonderful with people and enjoys the company of other dogs. She isn't asking for much, just a family that sees her worth and understands that every dog deserves to be cared for, especially when they need help the most. It's heartbreaking to think that a dog as beautiful and loving as Remi was almost denied the future she deserves simply because she needed medical care. Today, we're focused not on her past, but on the happy life that lies ahead. Imagine the joy of watching this magnificent girl leave her struggles behind and finally experience the comfort, security, and unconditional love every dog should know. Imagine being the person who shows Remi that her best days are still to come. This sweet Great Dane has been given a second chance. Now she just needs someone to give her a forever home. Apply online to adopt Remi (GA) at www.rescuedogsrocknyc.org. Remi's adoption fee is $450. Let's find the family that will love Remi the way she has always deserved to be loved.Please be sure to reference this pet's name as Remi (GA) in case of duplicate names within the rescue. Thank you!All pets are current on age-appropriate vaccines at the time of adoption. Given technical constraints on this database, this pet's location may not be as listed here. We can, however, provide transport support for pets in foster at a considerable distance from the adopter.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Remi fromRescue Dogs Rock, IncNew York, NY · listed Oct 13

4. Fatima TX

Adult (3 years) · Female · Basset Hound (short coat) · 24 mi from Jersey City

Fatima TX has recently joined the NorthStar family and she will soon be available for adoption. She is a 3-year-old Basset Hound who weighs 50 lbs. So far we know that she is super sweet and she appears to be housetrained plus good with other dogs and older children. As we learn more about Fatima, we will update her bio.

If you are interested in meeting Fatima, please fill out an adoption application at www.northstarpets.org and be sure to ask for FATIMA TX!

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Fatima TX fromNorthstar Pet RescueBoonton, NJ · listed Oct 4

5. Portia

Adult · Female · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 8 mi from Jersey City

Here comes Portia (GA), a five-year-old mystery mix (possibly Retriever, Pit Bull Terrier, and/or Cane Corso) whose most important breed is, without question, irresistible. Portia came to the shelter with a collar so deeply embedded in her neck that it had to be surgically removed, a wound that says everything about her past and absolutely nothing about her spirit. Despite the pain and neglect she endured, Portia remains pure love. She adores people, loves other dogs, and will happily lean her 69 pounds against you as if to say, "Thank you for seeing me." The good news? Her neck has healed beautifully, and she's finally ready to find the forever family she's waited so patiently for.

Read more about Portia

Portia's DNA results are also in: she's 90% love bug, 8% house hippo, and 2% velociraptor. The velociraptor only appears during her occasional playful zoomies. While she enjoys a few bursts of fun each day, most of the time she's happy to curl up on her bed, watch TV, go for walks, spend time with dog friends, or simply be wherever her people are. She has the calm confidence of a much older dog, walks beautifully on leash, is crate trained, and has excellent house manners. She's smart, eager to learn, and, according to her foster mom, one of the sweetest, most affectionate dogs she's ever known. Portia isn't defined by what happened to her. She's defined by her resilience, her gentle heart, and her remarkable ability to love despite it all. Could those velvet ears be calling your name? Apply to adopt Portia at www.rescuedogsrocknyc.org. Her adoption fee is $450. She's been through the worst. Now she deserves the very best.Please be sure to reference this pet's name as Portia (GA) in case of duplicate names within the rescue. Thank you!All pets are current on age-appropriate vaccines at the time of adoption. Given technical constraints on this database, this pet's location may not be as listed here. We can, however, provide transport support for pets in foster at a considerable distance from the adopter.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Portia fromRescue Dogs Rock, IncNew York, NY · listed Sep 29

6. Hope

Senior (7 years 1 month) · Female · Bullmastiff (short coat) · 13 mi from Jersey City

SHE’S READY FOR A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE — ARE YOU?

Meet Hope, our beautiful Bullmastiff who is fully vetted and ready for her forever family.

If personality came in extra-large, Hope would have plenty to spare. She’s funny, affectionate, easygoing, and has just enough Bullmastiff stubbornness to keep you smiling.

Despite her size, Hope is very easy to manage both on and off leash and is respectful of the things around her. She’s completely house-trained, rarely barks (although she's very alert to her surroundings), grew up around kids, and is currently living in a foster home with two other dogs and doing well.

Read more about Hope

Hope loves her walks, but she’s a lower-energy girl who doesn’t need miles of exercise and prefers walking when it is cooler outside and always enjoys having a sip of water now and then. She’s equally happy playing with you or spending the afternoon snoozing on a pillow or dog bed. On a beautiful day, give her a sunny patch of grass where she can stretch out with the cool grass against her belly and Hope is in heaven.

She also loves being very close to her people often laying right at your feet. Stop petting her too soon and you may get a good nudge reminding you that your job isn’t finished. Put a baby gate between Hope and you and she’ll make it known that she’d prefer full access, thank you very much. Once she gets her way, she’ll happily settle down beside you.

Hope is particular about a few other things, too. A walk is for walking and keeping tabs on her local territory. Bathroom business is a private backyard affair only, and Hope takes selecting the perfect spot very seriously. A fenced in back yard for her to roam and do her business is very important for a successful adoption. She does not use walks for going potty, no matter how much encouragement or distance is provided.

And then there are apples. Start cutting one and Hope will hear it from across the house and come running for her share.

Hope is loyal, loving, wonderfully laid-back, and genuinely easy to have around. She doesn’t ask for much: a comfy bed, a nice walk, some sunshine, plenty of affection, and a family to call her own.

It’s part affection, part Bullmastiff stubbornness, and 100% Hope.

Could Hope be the easygoing companion you’ve been looking for?

ADOPT HOPE AT BFDAAA.COM

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Hope fromBest Friend Dog and Animal Adoption IncCranford, NJ · listed Sep 28

7. Ruxpin

Senior · Male · American Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 15 mi from Jersey City

Ruxpin (13) and Tata (7) would ideally find a home together, but we understand that’s a big ask. We are willing to consider separating them if necessary, but please consider both before making a decision. They’ve already lost so much, and keeping them together would give them some comfort and familiarity during an incredibly difficult transition.Ruxpin is looking for a new home through RHF Safe Passage Responsible Rehoming Initiative,due to a difficult situation his owner is facing. Breed: Pitbull Weight: 70 lbs Age: 13 yrs. Old Gender: Male /NeuteredRuxpin is a 13 year old, 70 lb American Pitbull who is ready to find his forever home and enjoy his golden years surrounded by love.Kids: People friendly and best with older children who respect and interact appropriately with dogs.Dogs: Best in a one-dog home (or with Tata) Cats: UnknownHousetrained: YesCeate trained He does not require a crate.

Read more about Ruxpin

Leash manners: Good on leash.Personality: Ruxpin is easy going, sweet-natured, and would love curling up beside you on the couch, however he enjoys short daily walks. He would do best as the only dog in the home or with TataConsider giving this senior boy a loving home and all the attention he deserves.

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Ruxpin fromRescue Haven FoundationCaldwell, NJ · listed Aug 25

8. Henry

Young · Male · Pit Bull Terrier · 15 mi from Jersey City

Henry is looking for a new home through RHF Safe Passage Responsible Rehoming Initiative due to family time/illness.About: Name: Henry Breed: Pit Bull Weight: 60 lbs Age: 4½ years Gender: Male neutered Health: Fully vetted/healthyForever home recommendations: Henry would do best with an experienced, loving family who can give him a calm, stable home. Since he has not been exposed to other dogs, a dog-free home is recommended at this time.Kids: People-friendly. Best suited for respectful older children who understand how to interact appropriately with dogs.Dogs: Has not been exposed to dogs. A one-dog household is recommended.Cats: Unknown.Crate trained: Yes.House trained: Yes.Leash manners: Good on leashPersonality: Henry is an affectionate, quiet, people-loving boy who enjoys being around his humans.

Read more about Henry

At 4½ years old, he is past the puppy craziness and is looking for a loving home where he can settle in and be someone's loyal companion

  • No young kids
  • Only dog
  • House-trained
Adopt Henry fromRescue Haven FoundationCaldwell, NJ · listed Aug 24

9. Poppy

Puppy · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed · 8 mi from Jersey City

Poppy (AL) is a young Labrador Retriever mix with a heart full of sweetness and a spark of curiosity that makes her impossible not to love. She is about 8 months old and is growing into a beautiful girl with a soft expression and an eager, hopeful spirit. We are still getting to know Poppy—discovering her quirks, her preferences, and all the little things that make her Poppy. What we do know is that she’s gentle, friendly, and clearly wants to connect with the people around her. She has that classic Labmix charm: a wagging tail, a bright mind, and a sweetness that shines through even before she fully understands she’s safe.

Read more about Poppy

As we learn more, we expect her personality to blossom. For now, she’s a lovely young dog looking for a family who will guide her, adore her, and help her grow into the loyal, joyful companion she’s meant to be. If you’re ready to give a deserving pup her fresh start, Poppy is waiting. Apply to adopt at www.rescuedogsrocknyc.org. Poppy’s adoption fee is $575.Please be sure to reference this pet's name as Poppy (AL) in case of duplicate names within the rescue. Thank you!All pets are current on age-appropriate vaccines at the time of adoption. Given technical constraints on this database, this pet's location may not be as listed here. We can, however, provide transport support for pets in foster at a considerable distance from the adopter.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Poppy fromRescue Dogs Rock, IncNew York, NY · listed Aug 3

10. Millie

Young · Female · Akita / American Bulldog / Mixed (medium coat) · 13 mi from Jersey City

BIG GIRL. BIG HEART. BIG LOVE TO GIVE.

Please meet Millie — and trust us, this beautiful girl is impossible not to love!

At just about 10 months old, Millie is already a stunning 75-pound American Bully/Akita mix with the sweetest smile and a personality that shines. She is confident, fun, affectionate, and has that special “everyone is my friend” kind of energy.

Read more about Millie

Millie came to us from a local shelter, and we can’t help but wonder what happened that landed this amazing girl there. She seems a little confused about why she lost her home, but she hasn’t lost her ability to love. ❤️ She’s ready to turn the page and find the family who will see what we see — a wonderful dog with so much potential.

This big girl is looking for a family who understands that great dogs need guidance, exercise, and continued training. Millie is young, strong, and full of life, so she’ll thrive with an active family ready to help her become the best version of herself. A home with older children would be the best fit.

Millie has been enjoying pack walks and has been completely unfazed by the other dogs around her. We’re still learning about her dog and cat compatibility, but we’re pretty sure we caught her sneaking a quick “hello kiss” through her kennel door to our resident hunk, Roscoe.

If you’ve been waiting for a big, beautiful, loyal companion with a goofy smile and a heart to match her size… Millie may be your girl.

Let’s help Millie find the forever home she has been waiting for.

Interested in adopting Millie? Apply today at bfdaaa.com at Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption Inc, in Cranford, N. J.

Adopt Millie fromBest Friend Dog and Animal Adoption IncCranford, NJ · listed Jul 22

11. Roscoe

Adult · Male · German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) · 13 mi from Jersey City

Some dogs never stop believing their next chapter will be their best one. ❤️Roscoe is a handsome 3-year-old German Shepherd with a heart as big as his beautiful smile. After losing the person he loved, he's patiently waiting for someone to give him the second chance he deserves.

Read more about Roscoe

This loyal, loving boy is happiest when he's out on a walk or exploring the woods on a hike with his favorite person. He also enjoys having his luxurious coat brushed and spending quiet time by your side. Roscoe is highly intelligent, knows his commands, and walks beautifully on a leash. Like so many German Shepherds, he forms a deep bond with his family and is devoted, protective, and eager to be your faithful companion.

Roscoe is so much more than another dog waiting in a kennel. He's a best friend, an adventure buddy, and a loving companion who's ready to share his heart with the family willing to give him a fresh start.

If you are interested in Roscoe, please go to bfdaaa.com to complete an application. ❤️

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Roscoe fromBest Friend Dog and Animal Adoption IncCranford, NJ · listed Jul 21

12. Jody

Young · Female · Golden Retriever / Poodle (Standard) / Mixed (medium coat) · 13 mi from Jersey City

Meet Jody

Read more about Jody

. Jody is a 2–3-year-old Doodle girl with the sweetest soul and the gentlest heart. She can be a little shy when meeting new people or experiencing new things, but once she feels safe, she melts right into you and happily seeks out affection, reassurance, and snuggles. This lovely girl is still learning that the world is a safe and wonderful place. She’s making progress every day and would thrive with a patient family willing to help build her confidence and show her all of life’s adventures at her own pace. Jody absolutely loves going for walks, soaking up quiet moments, and curling up close with her people. She’s incredibly gentle and does beautifully with everyone she meets. Because she bonds deeply and will benefit from continued guidance and socialization, Jody would do best with a family who has the time to devote to her and include her in everyday life. Older children would be the best fit for her gentle and sensitive personality. If you’re looking for a sweet companion who will reward your patience with endless love and loyal snuggles, Jody may just be your perfect match. Jody is fully vetted and ready to go home. Please apply to adopt Jody at bfdaaa.com, and if your application is a possible match, a volunteer will get back to you shortly. No inquiries, please, without an adoption application.

  • Good with kids
  • House-trained
Adopt Jody fromBest Friend Dog and Animal Adoption IncCranford, NJ · listed Jun 23

13. Ivy

Puppy (7 months) · Female · Cane Corso Mastiff / Neapolitan Mastiff / Mixed (short coat) · 10 mi from Jersey City

Ivy, formerly known as Skylar, is a silver bouncy velveteen hippo goddess with striking Tahoe blue eyes. Born in December, this Cane Corso Neapolitan mastiff is a true Sagittarius. Her curiosity is boundless and her optimism infectious. This 6-month-old 60 lb rock star is your future soul mate from the stars.

Read more about Ivy

Ivy loves her canine and feline foster siblings. In fact, she loves that cat so much that she tries to impersonate him by playing with his tiny toys. Also known as the collector, she uses her impressive jowls to gather all the dog toys in her mouth and prance around the home with them. She finds toys irresistible, and who can blame her- she's just a big baby! Of course, she loves to play with her siblings as well, but her toys are a little more tolerant of her clumsy antics than her dog and cat siblings.

Ivy also loves cuddling with anyone that will indulge her- cat, dog, human. She knows basic commands and obedience, such as sit, down, come, SPIN, and stay. Very impressive for such a young girl. In addition to these academic accolades, Ivy is an eager dog puzzle enthusiast and highly food- and treat-motivated.

Ivy’s ideal family would be one that will continue to nurture her and understands guardian breeds. She had a traumatic start to life- bred in a backyard breeding ring, purchased, under socialized, kept in a crate, and neglected- although the owner did love her as best she could. In her foster home, the endless love, patience, and guidance her foster parents and siblings provided allowed Ivy to blossom. However, city life is too much for beautiful Ivy. She would thrive in a home that can show her the world is not so terrifying. New people and animals scare her. She does not realize she is 60 lbs of super soft fabulous power. Ivy believes she is a 10 lb dog with the heart of a survivor- filled and ready to love.

Ivy loves people, but might be too much for little humans at this time. She would love to be in an adult home or one with older children.

If interested in adopting or fostering Ivy, please complete an application, which can be found on our website at www.twentypawsrescue.com/forms-applications. Please note that due to an email glitch, sometimes emails get lost. We respond to all emails so if you don’t hear back from us, please follow up!

  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Ivy fromTwenty Paws RescueBrooklyn, NY · listed May 31

Adopting a large dog in Jersey City

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 Jersey City

Questions about adopting large dogs in Jersey City

How many large dogs are up for adoption in Jersey City?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Jersey City, New Jersey, have 13 large dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a large dog in Jersey City?

The rescues with the most large dogs near Jersey City right now are Rescue Dogs Rock, Inc (New York, NY), Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption Inc (Cranford, NJ) and Rescue Haven Foundation (Caldwell, NJ). 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.