Meet 4 Adorable Mixed-Breed Dogs Waiting for Homes in New Jersey

From a sweet senior to a 100-pound gentle giant, these pups prove there’s a mutt for everyone.

by Katie Koschalk, | July 21, 2026

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Meet 4 Adorable Mixed-Breed Dogs Waiting for Homes in New Jersey

Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center

National Mutt Day, observed each July 31, shines a spotlight on mixed-breed dogs. A mixed-breed dog, aka mutt, is one whose ancestry includes more than one breed. Some are a blend of two breeds, while others are the canine equivalent of “it’s complicated.”

Lady

The basics: Female, Mixed Breed, 9 years old, 51 pounds

All about Lady: Lady wears her heart on her paw. This sweet, affectionate girl loves being around people and never turns down the chance to soak up attention, pets, and butt scratches.

She may be a senior, but she’s still got plenty of pep in her step. When she’s feeling playful, Lady is known to break into the cutest zoomies, racing around with pure joy. Once she’s burned off some energy, she’ll happily settle in for some cuddles.

Lady is just as adorable on the outside as she is on the inside. She has a creamy white coat, perky ears, and warm, expressive eyes that seem to say, “Can we be friends?”

After being surrendered to the shelter, Lady is ready to leave the past behind and start a new chapter with a family who will love her as much as she’ll love them.

How to meet Lady: Visit her adoption profile to learn more. If she’s already been adopted, there are several other wonderful pups who would love to meet you.

Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center/

Harper

The basics: Male, Mixed Breed, 2 years old, 61 pounds

All about Harper: Harper has mastered the art of balance. This goofy guy loves to run, play, and have fun, but he also knows how to kick back and relax, especially when his favorite people are right there with him.

He’s good with other dogs and enjoys making new canine friends — a major plus for pet parents who love visiting dog-friendly parks, patios, and other pet-friendly destinations.

Harper walks nicely on a leash and is a smart cookie who already knows the basics, including “sit” and “down.” That means you can spend less time teaching foundational cues and more time making memories together.

Harper is also undeniably handsome. His striking brindle coat and warm amber eyes are certainly eye-catching, but it’s his ear-to-ear smile that really steals the show.

How to meet Harper: Visit his adoption profile to learn more. If he’s already been adopted, there are plenty of other pups waiting to become your new sidekick.

Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center/

Big Poppa

The basics: Male, Mixed Breed, 2 years old, 103 pounds

All about Big Poppa: With his stunning copper-colored coat, adorable floppy ears, and 103-pound frame, Big Poppa certainly stands out. But his personality is even more captivating than his handsome appearance.

This gentle giant is goofy, energetic, and always eager to spend time with his people. He enjoys exploring new places and showing off his silly antics that are guaranteed to make you smile.

Despite his impressive size, shelter staff describe Big Poppa as a “big softie” who loves attention and affection from the people he trusts.

This lovable gentleman is looking for a pet parent who can provide him with plenty of exercise, attention, and structure to help him be the best boy he can be. Big Poppa can be protective of his food, so his future family should be mindful of his boundaries during mealtimes, especially if other dogs are around.

If you’ve been searching for a big dog with a larger-than-life personality, Big Poppa just might be your soul pup.

How to meet Big Poppa: Visit his adoption profile to learn more. If he’s already living his best life with a new family, there are plenty of other lovable dogs eager to win you over.

Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center/

Cloud

The basics: Male, Mixed Breed, 6 years old, 81 pounds

All about Cloud: Cloud is ready for his fresh start! This handsome boy’s journey hasn’t always been an easy one. When he first arrived at the shelter, he was unsure of the world around him.

But thanks to the care and patience of the Homeward Bound staff, he’s blossomed into the fun-loving, confident dog everyone knew he could become. His goofy personality and loving heart have even made him a favorite among staff and volunteers.

Cloud is also every bit as striking on the outside as he is on the inside. His snow-white coat, Batman-esque ears, and bright smile make him impossible to miss.

This big boy is happiest spending time with the people he trusts. And as an active dog, he’d happily join you on walks, hikes, and other adventures.

Cloud is looking for a family that will continue building his confidence, keep him active, and love him for the amazing dog he’s become. He’s already done the hard work and is ready to show one lucky person or family just how special he is.

How to meet Cloud: Visit his adoption profile to learn more. If he’s already found a home, take a look at the many other incredible dogs waiting for a fresh start.

National Mutt Day: 5 Reasons Why You Should Adopt a Mutt

Lower healthcare costs, unique looks, adorable personalities — there are several reasons to rescue a mixed-breed dog. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them.

Why adopt a mixed-breed dog?

Here are just a few reasons to consider opening your home (and heart) to a mutt:

Every dog is one of a kind. Mixed breeds come in endless combinations of looks, personalities, and quirks, so no two are exactly alike.
There’s a great match for every lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a jogging partner or a couch companion, shelter staff can help you find a dog that’s well-suited to your lifestyle.
They may have a lower risk of some health conditions. Because mixed-breed dogs have more genetically diverse ancestry, they may be less likely than purebred dogs to develop certain health conditions. Like all dogs, though, they can still develop health problems and benefit from regular veterinary care.
They often cost less to adopt. Most shelter adoption fees range from $50 to $500, which is a fraction of what you’d pay for a purebred dog from a breeder.
You’ll be helping the rescue community. Mixed-breed dogs make up the majority of dogs waiting in shelters, so adopting one gives a pup a loving home while also making room for another dog in need.

Still searching for your match?

If these pups aren’t quite the right fit, you can find plenty of other wonderful dogs available through Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center and other shelters, rescues, and individual homes across the country.

Katie Koschalk

Katie Koschalk is a freelance writer based in Northern California. Fusing her love and knowledge of animals with her journalism degree and years of professional writing, Katie is dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their caretakers by sharing helpful and accurate information. When she’s not at her desk, you can find her exploring trails with her Aussie, Hunter, cooking plant-based meals, and talking to her two cats, Jax and Sadie, in really ridiculous voices.