Winston-Salem, NC

Large Dogs for Adoption in Winston-Salem, NC: 15 Big Dogs Looking for a Home

Large Dogs up for adoption near Winston-Salem, NC

Rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Winston-Salem have 15 large dogs up for adoption. Here are all 15, 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 Great Pyrenees, Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd.

1. Lorenzo

3 Years · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Mixed (medium coat) · 4 mi from Winston-Salem

This very friendly boy found himself out of time and bewildered at a large, high-kill animal control facility, so we rescued him and are glad we did...He's the class clown on the playground w/ Scooby Doo-like moments...goofy and silly, affectionate, has never met a stranger:) He'd be a great companion or family pet. Fenced yard required; VET'S REFERENCE REQUIRED.

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Lorenzo fromGram Rescue RanchWinston Salem, NC · listed Oct 1

2. Irving

3 Years · Male · Husky / Labrador Retriever / Mixed (medium coat) · 4 mi from Winston-Salem

He and his beautiful brother were found as strays and taken to a large, high-kill animal control facility, where their time ran out before any owner went to claim them. We think he is lovely and would make a nice family pet. He is quiet, submissive, and enjoys playing with others:) Fenced yard required; VET'S REFERENCE REQUIRED.

  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
Adopt Irving fromGram Rescue RanchWinston Salem, NC · listed Oct 1

3. Minnie

Adult (4 years 11 months) · Female · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Winston-Salem

Meet Minnie! She is a 5 year old Great Pyrennes mix. She currently weighs about 85lbs, but needs to put some more weight on. She also had to have some of her fur shaved due to severe matting, but it will grow back! She loves humans and wants to be with you as much as possible. She is completely house trained and good with other calm dogs. She is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Minnie fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Sep 2

4. Bane

Adult · Male · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Winston-Salem

Meet the happiest boy ever, Bane! He is a 4 year old Great Pyrennes mix. He currently weighs about 90lbs, but is still putting on weight. He came into the rescue very malnourished and with skin issues. He's doing much better. Bane thinks everyday is the best day ever and everyone he meets is his bestfriend! He's a sweetheart! He seems to be ok with other dogs. He needs a 5-6ft fenced in backyard, he loves to run around! He is completely vetted and ready to find his forever home!

Adoption fee- $400

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Bane fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Aug 29

5. Biscuit

Adult · Male · Golden Retriever / Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 34 mi from Winston-Salem

Biscuit is a 5 year old Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees mix, he weighs about 60 pounds.

We adopted Biscuit out to a lovely couple 3 years ago. Unfortunately they are having health issues and we need to find Biscuit a new home.

Biscuit's pros: Amazing with kids of all ages, doesn't bark unless absolutely necessary, good with other dogs, loves attention and is loyal.

Biscuit's con's: chases small animals like rabbits and squirrels, we are thinking no cats because of this, he is stubborn and afraid of thunder and fireworks. We said he is good with other dogs and he is but he can get protective with his owner when unknown dogs are around.

Read more about Biscuit

Biscuit is special to us and we want to find him the perfect home. He will need a fenced yard for when he is out playing and doing his business.

Please fill out an application from our website if you would like to meet Biscuit

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Biscuit fromSurry Animal RescueMount Airy, NC · listed Aug 21

6. Evie

Adult (1 year 5 months) · Female · Great Pyrenees / Beagle / Mixed (medium coat) · 15 mi from Winston-Salem

Meet sweet Evie! She is about a 1.5 years old and full of puppy fun!! She weighs right under 70lbs. She is crate trained and great with other dogs. She would do best in a home with a large yard and another dog in the home to play with and learn from. She will need someone who can contuine training with her and raise her up to be the well behaved girl she strides to be!! She is very smart!! We also have her DNA results and the results will be attached. She is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home!

Adoption donation- $300

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Evie fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Aug 7

7. Aura

Adult (2 years) · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Winston-Salem

Meet Aura! Aura is a 2 yo female, 45-pound Lab Retriever mix. She has lots of energy, so she’s needs an active family. Do you like to run or hike? Aura is your girl! She is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home!!

Adoption donation- $300

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Aura fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jul 28

8. Bridget

Adult · Female · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Winston-Salem

Meet Bridget! She is a 3 year old Great Pyrennes mix and weighs about 80lbs. She is so sweet and beautiful! She would love to be your one and only. She does not like other dogs. She is a laid back girl who gets spurks of energy and enjoys pouncing around with her humans! She jumps right in the car and is great on a leash! She is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home!

Adoption donation- $400

  • Only dog
  • House-trained
Adopt Bridget fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jul 19

9. Vera

Adult · Female · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Winston-Salem

Meet Vera! She is a doll!! Vera is about a 5 year old Great Pyrennes mix and weighs about 65lbs. She is extremely laid back. Her pictures are perfect examples of what she does all day.. she lays around and cuddles with her humans. She is also equally independent. She will cuddle and then she likes to find places to "hide" such has under desks, chairs, or tables. She has shown no aggression at all. She is fostered in a home with multiple other laid back Great Pyrennes and is great with other dogs with her energy level. She is very respectful of other dogs. Eventhough she can be independent, she does have some separation anxiety when you leave the house. She would do best with someone who is home more often than not! Also, no apartments for her if she's going to be left home alone often due to barking. If you're looking for a dog to lounge around with you, Vera is your girl!! Vera is completely vetted and ready to find her forever home!!

Read more about Vera

Adoption donation- $400

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Vera fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jul 16

10. Oggie

Young (2 years 1 month) · Male · Labrador Retriever / Boxer / Mixed (medium coat) · 21 mi from Winston-Salem

Meet Oggie!

Applicant:
Oggie

Age:
2 years young

Build:
Big, athletic & professionally clumsy

Special Skills:
Master toy dissector, professional car-ride enthusiast & Olympic-level cuddler!

Oggie is a big, goofy Shepherd/Boxer/Lab mix who earned his name because, well… he’s a little bit of an ogre! But don’t let his size fool you—inside this big body is pure honey-colored sweetness.

Oggie is the
ultimate leaner
. He’ll glue his big body to your legs for chest scratches, then happily plop down for belly rubs. He loves his people, loves attention, and would happily spend his days as your oversized shadow.

Read more about Oggie

And this handsome guy is already a certified good boy! Oggie is
fully house- and crate-trained
and knows his basic commands, including
sit, shake, down and crate
. He’s also a huge fan of car rides and can turn just about any toy into a fun dissection project!

Oggie is a social butterfly and
loves other dogs
. If he spots a potential dog friend, though, his recall can mysteriously disappear! He can also get a little
mouthy when he’s excited
, so because he is a strong, enthusiastic boy who sometimes forgets just how big he is, he needs an
experienced big-dog adopter
who can provide confident leadership and continue working with him on his manners and training.

Oggie would do best with
older, dog-savvy kids
who are comfortable around large dogs. A resident dog who enjoys having a big, goofy playmate would be a wonderful bonus!

If you’re ready for a gentle giant who will fill your life with
love, laughs, heavy leans, goofy antics and endless cuddles
, Oggie is ready to meet you. Just bring the chest and belly scratches! ❤️

Oggie is looking for his forever adopter!

Interested in making Oggie part of your family?
Please complete an adoption application online at
LastDayDogs.com
⁠.
Once your application is submitted, the rescue team will review it and follow up with you regarding next steps.

❤️
Apply today and give this big lovable goofball the forever home he deserves!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Oggie fromTails of the UnwantedGreensboro, NC · listed Jun 27

11. Milo

Adult (3 years 11 months) · Male · Labrador Retriever / Mixed (short coat) · 15 mi from Winston-Salem

Courtesy post-
Fort Mill, SC. Milo is losing his home and is hoping to find a new one where he can have a yard and an active family. He has lived his life with a small dog and loves playing. He is a 4 year old neutered 60 pound Lab/Hound who is up to date on vaccinations and is potty trained but does not crate well as he has spent much of his time crated or gated in a room for lengthy periods. Please help me give Milo a second chance!!

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Milo fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jun 26Courtesy listing: Milo's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

12. Clyde

Adult (4 years 1 month) · Male · Great Pyrenees / Mixed (long coat) · 15 mi from Winston-Salem

Meet Clyde! Clyde is the definition on a gentle giant. He is around 4 years old and weighs just under 100lbs. Clyde loves people and is friendly, but he is more of an independent dog. He enjoys laying around and doing his own thing. Clyde will require a fenced in backyard. He also needs a strong owner that will be consistent with obedience. He is inclined to resource guard his food, so he will need owners that are familiar with resource guarding and able to set him up for success safely! With his resource guarding, Clyde will do best as your only pet and with children over the age of 13. Please research the Great Pyrennes breed to ensure you are a good match for Clyde! He is completely vetted and ready to find his perfect forever home!

Read more about Clyde

Adoption donation- $400

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Clyde fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jun 15

13. Finley

Adult · Male · German Shepherd Dog / Belgian Shepherd Malinois / Mixed (medium coat) · 15 mi from Winston-Salem

Meet Finley! He is a 3 year old German Shepherd/Malinois mix. He weighs about 57lbs. He is dog tolerant with well adjusted dogs. He also doesn't bother cats. He is incredibly intelligent. He is protective. Finley is crate and house trained. He is slow to warm up to new people so he will need patience. He would do best with someone experienced in Shepherd/Mals. He is completely vetted and ready to find his forever home.

  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Finley fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed Jun 11

14. Dutchees

Adult (6 years 2 months) · Female · Hound / Mixed (medium coat) · 15 mi from Winston-Salem

This is Dutchees. She is such a sweetheart!! She is about 6 years old and weighs around 70lbs. She is house/crate trained. She is good with cats/kids/dogs. She is NOT destructive and really doesn't require a crate. She loves to roam outdoors, so she needs fenced yard. Dutchees loves, loves, loves her humans!! She is completely vetted and ready to join your family!

Adoption donation- $300

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Dutchees fromRuff Love Foster Care and Dog RescueThomasville, NC · listed May 25

15. Moe

Adult (1 year 6 months) · Male · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Winston-Salem

Meet Moe!

❤️

Hi! My name is

Moe

, and I’m the sweetest, goofiest boy you’ll ever meet! At just

1 year old

, I’m still a puppy with lots of love, energy, and personality to share.

Right now, I’m in need of a foster or forever family. If I don’t find one soon, I’ll have to go into boarding. That would make me incredibly sad because my favorite place is right by my people. I’m hoping someone will open their heart and home to me!

Here’s a little about me:

I LOVE to play! Tug, fetch, rope toys—you name it! I’ll even bring you my favorite rope toy to let you know it’s playtime.

Read more about Moe

I’m a handsome guy with beautiful reddish-fawn coloring, stunning eyes, and the cutest ears you’ve ever seen.

I sleep quietly in my crate at night and settle nicely when tethered in the house. I even enjoy relaxing to soothing music! I’d make a great work-from-home buddy, but I’m also comfortable being crated when you need to leave.

I’m not reactive on walks around dogs, cars, strollers, or other distractions. I can be a little strong on leash at first, but I settle down as the walk continues, especially in quieter environments.

I’d love a fenced yard or an active family because playing and exploring are some of my favorite things!

I’m dog-friendly and enjoy having playful canine companions who like to romp as much as I do.

I’m affectionate, lovable, and convinced I’m the perfect lap dog—all 55 pounds of me!

Sometimes I get so excited to see my people that I jump up to say hello. I’m still learning that four paws on the floor is the best way to greet people, so I’d do best with older children while I work on my manners.

I’m a smart boy who loves treats, wants to please, and enjoys learning. With a little guidance and consistency, I’ll make an amazing companion.

I’m just looking for a family who will love me, help me continue learning, and let me be the happy puppy I’m meant to be.

Can you foster or adopt me so I don’t have to go to boarding?

If you’re interested in Moe, please complete an adoption or foster application at

lastdaydogs.com

. I can’t wait to meet my forever family!

  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Moe fromTails of the UnwantedGreensboro, NC · listed May 17

Adopting a large dog in Winston-Salem

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 Winston-Salem

Questions about adopting large dogs in Winston-Salem

How many large dogs are up for adoption in Winston-Salem?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, have 15 large dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a large dog in Winston-Salem?

The rescues with the most large dogs near Winston-Salem right now are Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue (Thomasville, NC), Gram Rescue Ranch (Winston Salem, NC) and Tails of the Unwanted (Greensboro, NC). 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.