Have a Big Heart: Adopt A Homeless Big Dog Today

Gentle Giants rescues dogs of all large breeds.

I posted a list of 10 websites that help people rescue unwanted Chihuahuas not too long ago.

While Chihuahuas are among the tiniest of dog breeds—and also very popular, especially in urban settings where space is at a premium—some folks like their dogs a little larger.

According to Just Dog Breeds, some of the largest “giant” breeds include Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees and Great Danes.

Popular large breeds, which are smaller than the giants but still considered big pooches, are: Golden Retrievers, Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, English Setters and Coonhounds.

Each breed has its own distinct temperament but as with any dog, the way it is treated generally determines its disposition. I’ve know a “ferocious” Rottweiler that was more likely to lick you to death then bit you, for example.

Jasper is one of many dogs available for adoption through Homeless Hounds.

This is only a partial list of the many rescue groups specializing in large dog breeds. Your best bet is to always start with your local animal shelter. Many shelters get dogs of all sizes, genders, breeds and disposition, including paperless pure-breds. Some shelters will even contact others then call you when they have the breed you are looking for.

·  Gentle Giants Rescue is based in California and deals with all large breeds including giant breeds such as Great Danes and Mastiffs.

·  Homeless Hounds is based in Sonoma County in Northern California. It deals with dogs of all breeds, from large to small and in-between.

·  West Coast Mastiff & Large Breed Rescue saves primarily Mastiffs, Great Danes and St. Bernards plus other giant breeds.

·  Big Dawgs Rescue is located in the East Bay community of Livermore, Calif.

·  California Great Dane Rescue helps find homes for this giant breed.

·  Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue has dogs that always fostered, never kenneled and temperament tested as well.

·  The Golden Retriever Club of America National Rescue Committee has links and connections to many local breed-specific groups.

·  Rottweiler Rescue Sites Nationwide has state by state listing for this large breed, including five in California alone.

·  Gulfstream Guardian Angels Rottweiler Rescue is based in Miami and helps find forever homes for these large, loveable, loyal dogs.

·  Doberman Pinscher Rescue USA & Canada has listings of various Doberman rescue groups in North America, including by state.

·  Hand Me Down Dobes is based in Ohio and serves several surrounding states. “The Doberman is intelligent and eager to please, making a loyal and devoted pet. When young, most are energetic and playful needing consistent exercise and attention,” just like any other breed.

·  The American German Shepherd Rescue Association was created, “as a fund raising group to operate programs which protect the German Shepherd Dog from suffering due to cruelty, homelessness, ignorance, neglect and misuse. This site includes a list of rescue groups by state.

·   Central California Labrador Retriever Rescue covers California’s Central Valley from Sacramento to Merced. It has generally has young dogs and senior citizens available for immediate adoption.

·  Lab Rescue of LRCP covers the Mid Atlantic Region. Its function is finding homes for Labs.

·  Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue includes board members from across the nation, though the group is based in Lancaster, Penn.

·  Love of Breeds has listings of rescue sites for many breeds, including English Setters.

This is just a partial list of a few rescue groups dealing with large dog breeds. Five minutes of searching on-line will help point you in the direction of a breed and group where your new best friend is waiting. Have a heart and save a life: Adopt a homeless dog (or cat) today.