Updated recently
Lucia
Did you lose your shadow? Or perhaps you just need a spare? Well, we have just the right solution for you! Meet Lucia, who goes by Lou. Lou is a 6 yea…
The Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County • Bellingham, WA
Retriever Dogs for Adoption
119 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 119 below.
About adopting a Retriever
When a shelter lists a dog as "Retriever" without a breed in front of it, staff are saying the dog looks like a Lab or Golden but they cannot tell which, or it is clearly a mix. The label covers Labrador and Golden crosses, flat-coated and Chesapeake types, and plenty of dogs whose ancestry is a guess based on a broad head, a thick tail, and a friendly face.
What the label suggests is temperament. Retriever-type dogs are, more often than not, sociable, food-driven, and easy to train, which is why so many people search for them. Puppies are mouthy and slow to mature. Adults are frequently well-adjusted family dogs surrendered for reasons unrelated to behavior. Most enjoy water and carrying things.
What the label does not settle is size, coat, and energy, which vary with whatever else is in the mix. A Retriever mix can be a compact, calm house dog or a large, driven athlete. Hips, ears, and weight are things to ask the shelter and your veterinarian about. Meet the dog, watch how she moves and greets people, and ask the shelter or rescue what they have seen of her manners, energy, and training so far.
119 Retriever dogs available — page 1 of 4
Updated recently
Gypsy
Her owner is in the hospital in critical condition and will not longer be able to take care of her .She is such a sweet, loving girl. I’m a girl who b…
Animal Sanctuary Society Inc. • Mt. Laurel, NJ
Updated recently
Houdini
Please welcome Houdini to WWR! As expected, he plans on magically entering your family and never leaving. At 55 lbs and 1.5 years of age, this dog fri…
Wags and Wiggles Rescue • NEWPORT NH, NH
Updated recently
Kirby 44217
Kirby is a 2-month-old male Retriever mix who was discovered on a dirt road in the county with his littermates. He has a brown coat with plenty of whi…
Prattville Autauga Humane Society • Prattville, AL
Updated recently
Black Jack 44335
Black Jack is a 2-month-old male Retriever mix who was found on a dirt road in the county with his littermates. He’s a handsome pup with a shiny black…
Prattville Autauga Humane Society • Prattville, AL
Updated recently
Bronco 44224
Bronco is a 2-month-old male Retriever mix who, along with his litter, was found on a dirt road in the county. This sweet pup has black fur with white…
Prattville Autauga Humane Society • Prattville, AL
Updated recently
Jeanie 44332
Jeanie is a 2-month-old female Retriever mix who was found abandoned on a dirt road in the county with her littermates. She’s absolutely adorable and …
Prattville Autauga Humane Society • Prattville, AL
Updated recently
Tiny Tina 44227
Tiny Tina is a 2-month-old female Retriever mix with a heart-melting charm. This sweet little pup was found on a dirt road in the county, abandoned al…
Prattville Autauga Humane Society • Prattville, AL
Updated recently
Rudie 44336
Rudie is a 2-month-old female Retriever mix who, along with her litter, was found abandoned on a dirt road in the county. This adorable black and whit…
Prattville Autauga Humane Society • Prattville, AL
Updated recently
Maive 44331
Maive is a 2-month-old female Retriever mix who, along with her litter, was found abandoned on a dirt road in the county. She’s a sweet little pup who…
Prattville Autauga Humane Society • Prattville, AL
Updated recently
Weiser
Meet Weiser. 10 months old, 40-ish pounds, uber handsome, potty trained, andvery enthusiastic when it comes to water! He's got some teenage-dog things…
Rescue Rovers Dog Adoptions • Sandy, UT
Updated recently
Josie
Meet Josie! Josie is a 6-month-old, 32-pound Lab mix who is as sweet as they come! This happy girl has a wonderful personality and is always ready to …
Greater Charlotte SPCA • Charlotte, NC
Updated recently
Charli
Please welcome Charli to WWR! She is 30 lbs and is 6 months of age and is believed to be a retriever mix. Charli is a spunky little girl, loves everyo…
Wags and Wiggles Rescue • NEWPORT NH, NH
Updated recently
Floppy
Currently located at our Owensboro, KY location Meet Floppy! Floppy is a sweet Chocolate Retriever mix, born in June 2024, and he’s ready to find a pa…
It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue • Evansville, IN
Updated recently
Coco (Cleveland Puppy)
Name: Coco*Age: approx DOB 2/20/26*Current Weight: 30 lbs *Adoption fee: $550Meet Coco! Sweet little Coco is ready to leave her days of wandering the …
SNARR Northeast Animal Rescue • Brewster, NY
Updated recently
Thunder (Cleveland Puppy)
Name: Thunder*Age: approx DOB 2/20/26*Current Weight: 30 lbs *Adoption fee: $550Meet Thunder! Thunder is one of two adorable puppies who, along with t…
SNARR Northeast Animal Rescue • Brewster, NY
Updated recently
Tiko
Alaskan Animal Rescue Friends • Anchorage, AK
Updated recently
Scout
Meet Scout! Scout is an approx. 4-year-old, 32lb. possibly golden retriever/spaniel or setter mix looking for his forever family — and if you’re looki…
Lil Rascals Dog Rescue • Osteen, FL
Updated recently
Mario
This adorable 1-year-old Flat-Coated Retriever mix is sure to steal your heart! Mario was found as a stray, but despite having been bounced around bet…
Rescue Ridge • Spring Lake, NJ
Updated recently
Moose
Tucker and Moose are playful brothers. Lab mixes, they’re 4 months old and weigh about 20 pounds; they’ll mature to 50 pounds or so. Both boys do well…
Crossing Paths Animal Rescue • Yardley, PA
Updated recently
Tucker
Tucker and Moose are playful brothers. Lab mixes, they’re 4 months old and weigh about 20 pounds; they’ll mature to 50 pounds or so. Both boys do well…
Crossing Paths Animal Rescue • Yardley, PA
Updated recently
Duke
A FUN & FRIENDLY FELLOW: Approx. 1 year old / Approx. 39 lbs. Hi, I'm Duke! I came to Mostly Mutts after finding myself in need of a new home and fami…
Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption, Inc. • Kennesaw, GA
Updated recently
Pickle
Meet Pickle! Pickle is a very sweet dog who is patiently waiting for a loving forever home! To get more information on Pickle, please visit: https://l…
Love & Second Chances • San Ramon, CA
Updated recently
Walkman
_________ B I O ______________ Name: Walkman Size: (Once fully grown) ~Large range: 61-100 lbs Adoption Donation: $250 (applicable sales tax included)…
4 Luv of Dog Rescue • Fargo, ND
Updated recently
MJ
A5789876 MJ is a happy, playful young Lab with plenty of puppy spirit! This 1-year-old girl is all about having fun—she’ll race around the yard with h…
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
Updated recently
Omega Albania
Meet Omega! Omega is a beautiful 6-7 month-old boy who made the long journey all the way from Albania with his brother, Recce, in hopes of finding his…
Eleventh Hour Rescue • Rockaway, NJ
Updated recently
Otto
MEET OTTO — YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND IS WAITING! Just look at that sweet little face! Otto is an adorable 3-month-old Labrador Retriever mix who is offici…
Pooch Kaboose • Jenkintown, PA
Updated recently
Johnny
Meet Johnny! He is a 6 month old, 35 lb. Retriever/Basset Hound mix. Johnny is a sweet, gentle pup with a heart of gold who is looking for a patient, …
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
Updated recently
Bingo
#A5620277 Bingo is a 3-year-old neutered male Retriever mix with a handsome black and white coat and a heart that's ready for a fresh start. Weighing …
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
Updated recently
TJ
#A5788110 TJ Meet TJ, a compact shepherd/retriever mix with a gentle heart that's ready to shine! -2-year-old, neutered male -Shepherd/Retriever mix -…
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
Retriever dogs by state
Other breeds
Adopting a Retriever — FAQ
What does "Retriever" mean on a shelter listing?
It is a catch-all for a dog that resembles a Labrador or Golden Retriever but whose breed is unknown or clearly mixed. Staff assign it from appearance. It hints at a friendly, trainable temperament, but the dog could be any size or energy level. Ask the shelter what they have observed.
Are Retriever mixes good with kids?
Frequently yes. The retriever breeds behind these mixes are known for patience and playfulness with children. Young dogs can be too boisterous for toddlers. Since a mix's other parent is unknown, ask the shelter how this individual has behaved around kids rather than relying on the label.
How much exercise does a Retriever mix need?
It varies. Many need an hour or so of activity most days, with fetch or swimming being favorites. A mix with a calmer breed may need less, and one with a herding breed may need more. Watch the dog's energy at the shelter and ask staff what they have noticed.
How do I adopt a Retriever?
Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.
Are Retriever dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Many Retriever dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.
How much does it cost to adopt a Retriever?
Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.
Are Retriever dogs good with children or other pets?
It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.
Can I foster a Retriever instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Retriever gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.
What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Retriever?
Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.
