Retriever Dogs for Adoption
119 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 91–119 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 4 of 4
Frankie
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue • Fairfax Station, VA
Cookie
Chesapeake Humane Society • Chesapeake, VA
Luna
Good with Dogs · Ready for training classes · Food Motivated · Friendly
Oregon Dog Rescue • Portland, OR
Spencer
How handsome is Spencer!? He is a little over 1 year old. Mixed breed. Spencer does great with other dogs. He could use some basic training with leash…
Berkeley County Humane Society • Martinsburg, WV
Dude
Hoke County Animal Control & Shelter • Raeford, NC
Gomez
Hoke County Animal Control & Shelter • Raeford, NC
Morticia
Hoke County Animal Control & Shelter • Raeford, NC
Briar
Briar is just an all around sweetheart. She is shy at first glance but if you give her 30 seconds, she switches to full body wiggles and is ready to p…
Central Valley Rescue Railroad • Lindsay, CA
Chardonnay
CHARDONNAY NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Chardonnay and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (9/6) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Alexandria (…
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC
Buttercream
Buttercream is a bright, cheerful pup who lights up around people. She brings sunshine wherever she goes and is ready to share that joy with a family …
Dog Star Rescue • Bloomfield, CT
~16 yrs
River
This handsome boy is RIVER, he is around a year old and we have no idea what his mix is. Flat-coat retriever mix, some sort of husky/golden? Who knows…
Friends of the Seal Beach Animal Care Center • Seal Beach, CA
At Risk
Jumanji
Meet Jumanji Jumanji is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside! With her gorgeous, velvety-soft brindle coat and sweet personality, this …
PA Caring for K-9's • New Oxford, PA
Captain
Saving Grace Animals for Adoption • Wake Forest, NC
Grumpy
Meet Grumpy! Grumpy is looking for a loving forever home. If interested in more info, please contact us! *********************************************…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
Napoleon
NAPOLEON NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!!Come meet Napoleon and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (8/23) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Silver Spring (1…
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC
LLP Trixie : Billy
The adoption fee for puppies under 6 months of age is $265. If the puppy is too young or small to be fixed there will be a $75 spay/neuter rebate form…
Stray Haven Inc • Aurora, IN
Murphy
Murphy is the sweetest and most gentle giant. He is well behaved and takes treats gently. He is a staff favorite because of his temperament. Outside i…
Last Chance Animal Rescue • Holbrook, NY
Belladonna
BELLADONNA NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Belladonna and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (8/23) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Silver Spri…
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC
Puppy Poppy
PUPPY POPPY NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Puppy Poppy and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (8/23) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Silver Sp…
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC
Bowie
BOWIE NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Bowie and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (8/23) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Silver Spring (12020 …
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC
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.
