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15 Large Dog Breeds That Rarely Get Adopted

“Anatolian Shepherd Dog 01” by Zeynel Cebeci is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Big dogs often face an uphill battle when it comes to finding homes. They’re not always overlooked because of their behavior but because of misconceptions, practical concerns, and stereotypes. Here are 15 large dog breeds that sadly spend too much time waiting for someone to take them home.

Great Dane

“The Walk to Save Great Danes” by Warchild is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Great Danes are called “gentle giants” for a reason. They’re friendly, calm, and good with families, but their size scares many people off. Prospective adopters worry about space or think they’ll be too hard to manage. In reality, they’re surprisingly low-maintenance for their size and are happy to relax indoors with their people.

Mastiff

“File:Neapolitan Mastiff Flickr.jpg” by Flickr user Srinayan Puppala (TigerPuppala) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Mastiffs look big and serious, which can intimidate people who don’t know much about them. Their size and drooling can seem overwhelming, but they’re incredibly sweet and calm dogs. They’re great with kids and are very loyal to their families, but they often get overlooked in shelters.

Rottweiler

a dog sitting on the side of a road
Photo by Kevin Seibel on Unsplash

Rottweilers often get a bad reputation because of their muscular build and intense stare. Many people assume they’re aggressive, but they’re actually affectionate, loyal, and highly trainable. With proper guidance, Rottweilers are great pets for families or individuals.

Saint Bernard

adult white, black, and brown Saint Bernard walking at the beach during day
Photo by Stephanie Tuohy on Unsplash

Saint Bernards are famous for their size and fluffy coats, but that combination can make them seem like too much work. While they do shed and drool, they’re gentle, patient, and wonderful with children. Their size may require more space, but their calm nature makes them a great fit for the right home.

Alaskan Malamute

“Alaskan Malamute” by BPPrice is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Alaskan Malamute’s thick fur and high energy levels can make them seem like too much of a challenge. They were bred for hard work and love staying active, so they’re not for everyone. However, they are friendly, playful, and very loving with their families, thriving in homes that match their energy.

Newfoundland

“Newfoundland dog” by jimforest is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Newfoundlands are sweet and affectionate dogs known for their love of water and incredible patience. Despite their kind nature, their large size and grooming needs often put people off. Families willing to invest the time in their care will discover a loving, laid-back dog that’s great with kids.

Akita

“Akita Dog, Taro Taking a Walk in Yamoto-Park.” by Dakiny is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Akitas are strong, dignified dogs that some people view as aloof or unapproachable. While they can be reserved around strangers, they are fiercely loyal and loving to their families. Their size and independent nature make them seem harder to manage, but they thrive with experienced owners.

Great Pyrenees

“Great Pyrenees sitting” by Flickr user striatic is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Great Pyrenees are calm and easygoing, but their size and thick coat often discourage potential adopters. They were bred to guard livestock, which gives them a protective nature. For families with space and patience, they’re loving and reliable pets who will watch over everyone in the house.

Anatolian Shepherd

“Anatolian-shepherd-dog” by Karen Arnold is licensed under CC CC0 1.0

Anatolian Shepherds were bred to guard livestock, which makes them independent and strong-willed. These traits can seem intimidating to first-time dog owners. However, in the right hands, they’re protective, devoted, and incredibly smartdogs who love their people.

Bernese Mountain Dog

“Bernese Mountain Dog.” by Bernard Spragg is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

Bernese Mountain Dogs are big, fluffy, and friendly, but their size and shorter lifespan often deter adopters. They’re easygoing and fantastic with families, making them a great match for people who have enough room to accommodate them.

Irish Wolfhound

“Irish Wolfhound Sam” by Tirwhan is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

As the tallest dog breed in the world, Irish Wolfhounds are often overlooked because of their size. Despite their height, they’re calm, gentle, and affectionate. They’re happiest in homes where they can lounge around and spend time with their family.

Cane Corso

“Cane corso” by Steve-©-foto is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Cane Corso’s muscular build and serious expression often lead to misconceptions about aggression. While they areprotective, they are also incredibly loyal, loving, and eager to please their owners. Their size and need for consistent training can be a challenge, but they’re deeply rewarding pets for those who understand their needs.

Bullmastiff

“Bullmastiff” by von Stickstoff is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Bullmastiffs are large, protective dogs that might seem intimidating at first glance. They were bred to guard estates, but they’re also calm, affectionate, and great with kids. Their drooling and size can make them harder to adopt, but their loving nature makes them worth the effort.

German Shepherd

“The Dogs, Argos the German Shepherd” by Magnus Bråth is licensed under CC BY 2.0

German Shepherds are often seen as working dogs, and their association with police work gives them an undeserved reputation for being aggressive. While they’re intelligent and protective, they’re also playful, affectionate, and love spending time with their families.

Boxer

“Boxer Dogs” by nicadlr is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Boxers are muscular, energetic dogs that can seem overwhelming to some adopters. They love to play and have boundless energy, which can be a challenge for people who prefer quieter dogs. However, their fun-loving, affectionate personalities make them fantastic pets for active families.

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