Large Dogs for Adoption in Lynchburg, VA: 13 Big Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Lynchburg 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 Labrador Retriever, Hound and Boxer.
Not in Lynchburg? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Smokey Lorelei
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
2. Saint
Saint is feeling so much better now that he has been treated for an infection of unknown origin, and allowed to move around at his own pace. He appears to be a boxer/ hound mix, who arrived in our care already neutered, and under very sad circumstances. He had been abandoned by his former owner in the woods in the neighboring county. It’s sad that the shelter is only 2 miles from the home where he originated, yet he ended up all on his own in the woods. At some point, he ended up with injury to his side, and that is what we have been treating. The good news is that after 10 days of treatment, he is well on his way to being healed. He even has a Foster who wind up to take him in in just a couple more days. Saint is beautifully house trained, fine with other dogs, and fine with cats. He has been updated with vaccines and heartworm testing!
Read more about Saint
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- House-trained
3. Arabella
From her foster mom: "The name her family gave her is Bella. Because we have had so many dogs with this name at the shelter, her shelter name is Arabella. But those of you who have known me for a while know why she is Bella at our house. Around here we think that name is very special. She was brought to the shelter because her mom was having medical issues and could not care for her. Between her name and knowing that "there but for the grace of God go I".... I wanted to bring her home to foster. I am hoping that this news will give her mom comfort. At the shelter, Bella was very sweet and loving. But also very quiet. Since she has been with us, she has reminded me that she is only 3 years old. She is funny and playful. She likes toys and chew bones. And while she is fine with my two small seniors, this new side of her shows me that she would probably love to be in a home with another sweet, playful dog more her size. I can just see her chasing around the backyard with a good buddy. She is crate trained and house trained. She sleeps all night in her crate without a peep. She also has good kitchen manners. She is watchful but not obnoxious. And no counter surfing. Do you know anyone who is looking for a beautiful, sweet, loving, playful companion? If so please have them fill out a no obligation application so that a time can be set for a meeting."
Read more about Arabella
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
4. Ox
Ox, 1-1/2 years old and 55 pounds, is a gorgeous black-and-golden boy. Ox appears to have been well cared for before coming in as a stray. He gets a little burst of happy excitement when he first steps into the play yard, but once he stretches his legs, his gentle, easygoing nature shines right through. He is an absolute dream on the leash, walking softly by your side and leaning in for every head scratch and chin rub you’re willing to give. He has been well-mannered and loving—a Superstar on leash. Polite, gentle, and an absolute bliss to take on daily walks. He is low maintenance: Moderate energy and low grooming needs make him a wonderful fit for all types of homes—even first-time dog owners! He is eager to learn: Smart, attentive, and excited to master basic obedience alongside his new best friend. He is familiar with a crate.
Read more about Ox
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- House-trained
5. Claire
Claire is one of our favorites!
Read more about Claire
Following her stray hold, we took her to the vet to get her checked out, and discovered she was not only heartworm positive, but also positive for two tickborne diseases, and had horrible ear infections in both of her ears. This girl must have been in such misery, and yet she maintained her good attitude, her playfulness, and wanted everyone to pay attention to her. Claire is about six years old, (best guess), and is spayed, as we can see her green tattoo from the Spay/Neuter Clinic showing clearly on her belly when she flops to the grass, rolls over, and asks for belly rubs! This girl is amazing, smart, (does a great sit!) and housetrained. She is surely missed by her family! We have discovered Claire has no patience with many dogs, and is going to be very selective about who she lives with. She is fabulous with toddlers and children, but needs no other animals in her home. She is heartworm positive and is being treated for them via the "slowkill" heartworm treatment method. She also has badly inflamed ears, due to chronic ear infections and we are helping her find great relief from that pain, too. We know there’s a home for her somewhere! Apply to adopt and let’s get her into a home!
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- Good with kids
- Only dog
- House-trained
- Special needs
6. Biscuit
Biscuit arrived as a stray, healthy and social, but without leash-walking skills, and we had hoped he would be home by now! He appears to be housetrained, and he loves having humans around to show him attention. He has learned that the only way to get outside for fun and exercise is to wait patiently for a volunteer to come to his kennel run with a leash in hand so he can enjoy not only human presence, but also enjoy the landscape and smells all around. We think that Biscuit will be a fun companion, and are enjoying getting to know him.
Read more about Biscuit
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- Good with kids
- House-trained
7. Salt
Salt is a happy and healthy boxer, whose family is trying to rehome her due to changes in their family structure. She has lived with other dogs and has good social skills with others. She still requires a spay and we will need to confirm vaccine records.
Read more about Salt
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
8. Wiley
GIANT EAR ALERT! Here is what happens when your floppy ears get excited about people wanting to spend time with you! Wiley loves stretching his long legs, chasing toys, and hanging out in the playyard. He has been very interested in meeting other dogs, although he’s not had an opportunity to interact with an yet. He loves chasing the ball, bringing it back, running and jumping and just being a regular goofball. Volunteers think he’s pretty cool and we think you will too! He recently had a day at a volunteer's bome and did wonderful. Not one mess, snuggled with her roommate and respected the gate boundaries even though he could jump them if he wanted. He completely relaxed and was the perfect guest.
Read more about Wiley
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- House-trained
9. Zita, aka Pat: Not at shelter
She is a beauty, now that her mats have been shaved off, but Zita still has some healing to do, as her skin is sensitive and raw in many places from her original ill-kempt state. Zita is good with other dogs, and loves the humans who are caring for her in her foster home. We have learned that she does guard the place she is sleeping, her food bowl on occasion, and may be grumpy with other dogs are near treats. For this reason, we feel young children are not a good match. We see no guardian instincts in her, but only pet-quality traits.
Read more about Zita, aka Pat: Not at shelter
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
10. Baby Bear
BABY BEAR is making huge progress with his training, and is learning not to jump on volunteers, and to show affection more appropriately than just leaping madly on to his human of the moment.
Read more about Baby Bear
He has completely recovered from his bout of Parvovirus, and is putting on weight, and enjoying a routine at the shelter. We would love to have him in a home with an experienced family. Due to his occasional resource guarding, which can be controlled by a knowledgeable family, we would like him to go to a home with older kids, or no kids at all. Are you experienced with German Shepherds and their propensity to nibble and be mouthy? If so, you would be a great possibility for his new family! He is under a year-old, a great size, and very smart and willing to please! We have trainers who would be willing to give you advice and work with you as he makes the transition from shelter to pet. Apply here: https://www.friendsofcampbellcounty.org/info/adoption
Update: Baby Bear is full of life and his energy is now that of a young puppy who needs an outlet, guidance, and training. It is so good to see a dog full of himself after being deathly ill. we need to address behavioral issues regarding resource guarding, as that is a concern right now. currently he is recommended only for experienced doctors and one willing to consult with a trainer.
***
Baby Bear was brought to us by his family because he was sick. They had never taken him into a vet, and that was the first thing we did, after he had been signed over to us. at the Animal Emergency Clinic, he was diagnosed with Parvovirus in addition to having a heavy load of parasites, and dehydration and emaciation. This boy was in rough shape! 24 hours at the emergency hospital, followed by three days at Altavista Animal Clinic, has made a huge difference for him, and he is now back at the shelter where we are treating him like the special little boy he truly is. We are helping him gain weight, and feel good about being alive! For a dog who was sick, he is pretty social, and is willing to let us make friends with him. If you are a German Shepherd lover, this might be just the dog for you! We were told he is a little iffy about food, and that is not unusual in dogs that have not had enough to eat. We are hoping he will bounce back quickly so he can find his perfect new home with someone who will love and care for him the way he’s so deserves.
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- House-trained
- Special needs
11. Ruby
Ruby's family would like to rehome her to a knowledgeable new caregiver willing to work with her reactivity toward other dogs. (She is not spayed.) We were told that Ruby was saved from euthanasia from another shelter, but her adopter was not aware of her reactivity toward other dogs. (The breed mix would dictate that it is not an unusual trait.) If you love the challenge that comes from a dog needing lots of training and re-direction to handle reactivity, then Ruby might be a great choice for you. Here is what her current mom says about Ruby:
Ruby was given a second chance and has been loved deeply by us. She is the sweetest girl and deserves the best life. I know she will make an amazing companion (more than just inside the house) once some of her behaviors are corrected. She is fine with older children, and may be okay with other dogs, but is very interested in cats, and we are not comfortable introducing her to them."
Read more about Ruby
Contact Ruby's family by filling out an application for her and we will forward it to them.
"
- No cats
- House-trained
- Special needs
12. Maverick
Maverick has turned out to be one of the most well-rounded dogs we have had in a while! He enjoys playing with other dogs, And has good social skills with them. He knows when to back off if he is playing too hard, and he understands when they get tired and need a break. Maverick appears to be a couple years old and was found as a stray, so we have no background on him and it has been interesting for us to get to know him. He has gone from being scared to let us handle him when he first came in, to being happy to see everyone and welcoming attention. He has house trended himself being at the shelter, and is very polite taking treats.
Read more about Maverick
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
13. Sugar Not at the shelter
Some dogs are the life of the party. Sugar would rather be the friend who quietly sits beside you, listens without judgment, and is always there when you need her.
At 9 years old, this beautiful White German Shepherd has blossomed from an incredibly shy girl into a gentle, trusting companion. She's not looking for excitement or the spotlight—she's looking for a peaceful home where she can simply be loved.
Sugar is the kind of dog who brings calm wherever she goes. She would be happiest as a companion to another dog who could use a steady, reassuring friend. If your pup needs a kind soul to share life with, Sugar may be the perfect match.
Read more about Sugar Not at the shelter
9 years old
White German Shepherd
Spayed & current on vaccines
70 pounds
Gentle, quiet, and loyal
Looking for a calm home where she can truly belong
Could you be the person she's been waiting for?
PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the Adoption Application heading on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption. We reserve the right to deny adoptions.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
Adopting a large dog in Lynchburg
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 Lynchburg
- Friends of Campbell County Animal ControlRustburg, VA · 13 large dogs above
Questions about adopting large dogs in Lynchburg
How many large dogs are up for adoption in Lynchburg?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Lynchburg, Virginia, have 13 large dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a large dog in Lynchburg?
The rescues with the most large dogs near Lynchburg right now are Friends of Campbell County Animal Control (Rustburg, VA). 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.