30 Dogs Who Need a Home for Christmas

Give the gift of unconditional love!

As far as Christmas presents go, nothing beats getting a dog. If you've seen Netflix's new docu-series on man's best friend—or read about the puppy that fiercely defended his owner from a rattlesnake—you know that the protection and unconditional love that they provide is like no other. One recent study found that women sleep better when they share a bed with a dog (rather than a cat or a human), and that's only one of the dozens of health benefits they provide.

But getting a dog isn't just great for the human. Research has shown that dogs are unique among animals in that they were bred over the course of centuries to be entirely dependent on humans for survival. Dogs need a lot more than food, water, and exercise to thrive; they have a fundamental need to bond with a human they can call their own. Which is why there's no greater feeling than seeing a dog explode with happiness upon realizing they are getting a forever home. And if there's one thing that all those YouTube videos have taught us, it's that even the most abused and seemingly aggressive of pups can be rehabilitated with just a little bit of kindness.

With that in mind, here are 30 wonderful dogs on rescue websites who are in need of a forever home. Some of them are puppies, others are senior dogs who have been abandoned, and the most unfortunate ones have been abused and never felt the warmth of love. Once you fall for one (as you invariably will), click on the link to submit an application. In most cases, you'll need to provide some references, but overall the process is fairly quick, and you'll need to act fast to compete with other people eager to shower them with tenderness and affection.

And for more photos that prove every pup is adorable, check out this slideshow of 40 Dogs So Ugly They're Actually Cute.

1
Cringle

dogs who need forever home
Petfinder

This 7-week-old Labrador Retriever Mix is perfect for Christmas—just look at his name! "He enjoys attention and likes being pet," his listing reads. "He is also fond of ear scratches and belly rubs. He is friendly toward people and yearns for human companionship. Given his likable personality, gentle heart, and great looks, this deserving dog would make a really wonderful pet. It doesn't take much to please him. All he needs is a warm happy home and a devoted best friend with whom to share the joys of life!" Oh, and speaking of devotion, have you heard about the dog that waits up to 12 hours a day at a train station for his owner to come home from work

2
Frank the Tank

dogs who need a home for christmas
Petfinder

This 8-year-old Labrador Retriever & Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mix is perfectly house-trained and a great family dog. According to his profile, "he is a medium-energy gentleman that enjoys playing and going on walks. In fact, the only thing slowing Frank down is that he's an adult now and does not go in for silly puppy shenanigans! If you are looking for a dog to take on adventures, relax by the fireplace, go to the dog park, spend the day building a couch fort, then Frank is your man."

His foster mom says he is "not excitable and pretty even tempered and sweet," and that "all he asks for is to be near you." 

3
Penny Lane

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Penny is a 1-year-old Labrador Retriever Mix who is spayed, house-trained, and fully up-to-date on her vaccinations. Her foster mom says she is, "full of love and snuggles [and] never barks or chews! She and our family pit bull get along so well. Every time my boyfriend and I come home, Penny wiggles her little butt and hops up on her two hind legs to give us a hug. She knows her commands including 'paw,' and is great with all dogs and people."

4
Sage

dogs for adoption
Petfinder

Sage is the absolute ideal puppy. This 3-month-old boxer mix is fully vaccinated and spayed, and is super smart and social. "She is a very happy dog and loves being held and given kisses," her listing says. "She would love to be a lap dog."

5
DJ

dogs who need homes
Petfinder

DJ is a 9-year-old Dalmatian and Pit Bull Terrier Mix. As you can tell from the picture, he is super sweet and friendly, and absolutely radiating with positivity, in spite of his past.

According to his post, "I grew up in San Diego, California, and then moved to New York City in 2011 with my person. I wasn't easy to walk on a leash and we had a really small apartment. She could see that this wasn't the best situation for either of us. So she found me what had the potential to be a great new home in Brooklyn with a family that had a house with a yard, just like I was used to in California. Unfortunately, 5 years later, just this past May, they abandoned me by tying me to a pole in Brooklyn."

6
Bonnie and Clyde

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Both of these Yorkshire Terrier–Maltese Mixes are up for adoption, but, ideally, they're looking for a home where they can continue to be brother and sister. Clyde (left) is the affectionate one, whereas Bonnie (right) is clearly the philosopher in the family.

"Both are housebroken, great with kids, ignore cats, good with dogs, content, and docile, but bark when there is commotion sometimes," their listing reads. "Both are altered, vaccinated, chipped, and just need you."

7
Gotti

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

This American Bulldog Mix was "found as a stray on the streets getting rocks and sticks thrown at him by some neighborhood kids." Luckily, he was rescued, and since then, "he has been nothing less than loving, fun and absolutely all puppy!"

8
Juneau

dogs who need homes
Petfinder

If you'e looking for an adult, well-trained, pure-breed dog, you can't do any better than this English Pointer.

9
Cuddles

dogs who need forever homes
Petfinder

This Great Pyrenees Mix is, as his name implies, a cuddlebug. "He loves nothing more than a tummy rub and being close to his person or persons," his listing reads. "He is wonderful with other dogs, both large and small. Cuddles is very gentle and never gets upset. He is just a lovely gentleman." 

10
Cyrus the Magnificent

dogs who need a home
Petfinder

As his name suggests, this 10-year-old Pit Bull Terrier Mix is magnificent. "This sweet senior has been an utter dream," his listing says. "He's gentle, sweet, and his tail his constantly wagging, Cyrus is simply a joy. And for an older guy, he still has plenty of life in him! He loves a good walk and is a curious fella—[always] exploring and sniffing around outside and greeting people with a big smile. His wonderful disposition made him a favorite at the shelter as he was always ready to hang out with volunteers and hop up on a bench chill out with his handlers."

11
Max

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Max is a young Chihuahua & Terrier Mix, and he is here to steal yo' girl. 

12
Billy

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Little Billy is a 12-year-old Shih Tzu who's as sweet as can be. His listing describes him as an "adorable senior gentleman who is looking for that special family. He currently has [difficulty] hearing, due to years of untreated ear infections, and also some skin issues that are currently being treated with medicated baths. He also receives cream several times daily for his dry eyes, which may need to continue indefinitely. He takes it like a champ, though, and curls up on his back while you administer the cream, and then promptly falls asleep on your lap. Billy has a heart murmur for which he receives daily medication and will need to do so for the rest of his life." 

13
Rumple

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Rumple is a senior American Staffordshire Terrier who was found wandering the streets of New York with no collar or tags. A volunteer who cares for him describes him as such:

"Despite his tough looks, scars, and home-cropped ears, Rumple is a gentle, affectionate sweetheart. He is a short, squatty, 9-year-old, 70-pound bundle of love. If you sit down next to him, he will give you a kiss, lay his head in your lap and fall asleep. Basically, he's just a low-key couch-potato, who loves kissing, cuddling, snoozing, snacks, and short walks. He's been in the shelter a very long time and needs a home!"

14
Blake Carrington

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Blake is a Wirehaired Terrier & Terrier Mix, and, as you can tell from his name and photo, a born academic. 

15
Bobo

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Bobo is a 5 or 6-year-old English Bulldog & Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mix who was given away during a move.  "I'm a sweet, shy, chunky, short boy," he says in his listing. "I used to live with kids, another dog, and a cat, so I get along with everyone. I'm very quiet & chill—the 'strong silent' type—and I'm very well mannered, know basic commands, am not fussy or pushy or demanding, except that I do want my own part of the couch to snuggle up on. I'm very friendly and loving and am okay being left alone. I'm crate-trained and housebroken. I'm a little vocal when someone knocks on the door or is making noise in the hallway. I do still pull a bit on the leash in a new environment, but nothing a gentle leader harness won't fix. I'm a medium-energy guy so I don't need to go jogging or biking but I do like to go out for leisurely walks and explore. I'm a silly sweet chunky lovebug and would love to snuggle up with you." 

16
Kravitz

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Kravitz is a 13-week-old, Australian Cattle Dog and Blue Heeler Mix. He's super-smart, potty-trained, and lives to please. He will be 35-40 pounds once he's fully grown, and will need to live in an active household.

17
Buddy and Diva

dogs up for adoption
CorgiRescue

This one is urgent! Buddy is a neutered 10-year-old male yellow Labrador Retriever who was rescued after being thrown from a semi truck. His best friend Diva is a 10-year-old spayed female Corgi Mix that was found hiding in a rock pile, absolutely terrified. They're not great with kids, but they are both sweeties, and will be sent to the pound soon if unclaimed.

18
DJ

dogs up for adiption
CorgiRescue

"I am a senior dog and have been told that it might be hard to find a home at my age, but I am hoping really hard that someone will want to love me anyway," this mix says. "The vet says I am at least 8 years old (maybe even older) and I weigh a healthy 17 lb.—on the 'small' side for a corgi. I am a little 'odd' looking for a corgi because I have a corgi body (yes, I have a cute corgi butt) but my face (especially my nose) looks like a dachshund. I guess I am a corgi/dachshund mix. I hope that doesn't keep you from loving me. I have lots of good qualities. I am a quiet little guy and I get along with other dogs (big or small) and am crate-trained. I would love to be your forever dog!" The fact that corgi mixes just look like other breeds trying to disguise themselves as corgis is one of the 50 Corgi Facts That Will Make You Want a Corgi.

19
Barley

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Barley is a four-year-old Staffie/American Bull dog mix.

"His dad for his whole life was going to euthanize him because Barley did not get along with his new wife or her dog," his listing says. "He would do best in a home with no children and probably would do best with no other animals. He is 100 percent housebroken and crate-trained, plays well, and gives up his toys when asked. He is not dog aggressive. He loves hanging out, curling up, and napping while you are watching TV. He will play ball or frisbee if invited and plays very politely. He is not at all demanding of your time or attention, rather he politely accepts it when offered. He pulls a little on the leash initially, but after 15 feet or so, slows down and walks nicely. He has a happy, goofy side when playing—which is very sweet. He just needs that right person who will understand who he is and what he needs and he will be the best friend ever."

20
Hendrix

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Hendrix is a 3-year-old Great Pyrenees who's excessively jolly given the poor conditions in which he was kept.

"He was all matted and sad, malnourished, and unloved," his listing reads. "But that has changed! Look at this stunning boy now. He is a 120-pound Teddy Bear that would do best outside of the city. He is an active dog and would do best with someone that has herding dog experience. He is mellow, well-behaved, housebroken, and great with other dogs. He is loyal and sweet and in dire need of love and home to call his own."

21
Daisy

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Daisy is an 11-month-old beagle who won't get any bigger than 25 pounds fully-grown. "She is great with dogs, loves people, has an exquisite nose and is ready to bless someone very special with her love and funny demeanor," her listing reads. "She is playful, snuggly, loves to run and roam around, and would do best in a medium active household."

22
Lady Gaga

dogs needing forever home
Petfinder

Lady Gaga is a sweet, 10-week Hound Mix who is "very well socialized with other dogs, will grow to be about 40-45 lbs fully grown and would do best in a medium active home."

23
Daisy

dogs up for adoption
CorgiRescueMe

Daisy is a six-year-old Shetland Sheepdog and Corgi mix. According to her listing, she's not great with kids, tends to lunge at squirrels, and isn't a good candidate to have off-leash at a dog park. But that doesn't mean she isn't a great dog! She's just most compatible with someone looking to keep a quiet home with a dog that needs no one but you.

24
Terra

dogs up for adoption
Petfinder

Terra is a house-trained, 2-year-old Border Collie mix who was found chained to a poultry house in the Middle East.

"He didn't even have a proper shelter and the people who saw him said that he was constantly being kept tied up, and was not fed for days at time," his listing reads. "The 'owner' let us rescue him. He spent two weeks at the vet, during which he was neutered and given vitamins/supplements, as he had a mild cold, and was very skinny. He's been at the dog hotel ever since and we now know that he is a very well-behaved and very smart dog. He gets along really good with other dogs and is overall a very easygoing guy. Considering he is not a special breed nor a small dog, he hasn't had any luck finding a home and I'm sure he would adjust really well to any family that might adopt him." 

dogs who need a forever home
Petfinder

This 10-week-old Lab Mix is bringing sexy back. According to his listing, he and his siblings "are very well socialized with other dogs, will grow to be about 50-55 lb. fully grown and would do best in a medium active home."

26
Hector

dogs looking for forever home
Petfinder

This goofy, 11-month-old Poodle Mix is a "happy-go-lucky boy who loves to play! He would absolutely love to make tons of friends in the dog park. Hector would play all day, if you let him. He loves all people, all dogs, and all dog toys. (He's just a lovebug!) Hector would make the perfect family dog."

27
Foxy

dogs who need a forever home
Petfinder

This 10-year-old Pomeranian Mix was recently rescued from a high-kill shelter. "Foxy came to us as a languid, lethargic boy, which struck us as odd in a typically energetic breed," his listing reads. "We discovered that a massive ear infection had really dug in and caused him quite a bit of misery for some time. As soon his ear was treated, Foxy began to feel better, his energy level perked up, though he is one of the calmer Pomeranians that we've known."

He's fully vaccinated and neutered and is in optimal health, but would do better in a calm household (perhaps one with other dogs) than with a family full of kids.

28
Grover

pets up for afoption
Petfinder

Grover is a five-week-old Hound and Retriever Mix who is "dog friendly, cat friendly and is fabulous with all humans. He seeks out attention and affection, and responds with happiness and joy. He is lively and active, but needs plenty of nap time too!" his listing reads. "This tender-hearted darling has an engaging personality and is bursting with love. He is a great pup with a lot to offer. Affectionate, curious, spirited, and kind, all this little guy needs is a home to call his own and a devoted best friend for life."

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Diana Bruk
Diana is a senior editor who writes about sex and relationships, modern dating trends, and health and wellness. Read more
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