Belgian Malinois puppies and dogs in Charlottesville, Virginia

Meet Swift, your brilliant, high-energy sidekick with a big personality and an even bigger heart. At just 1.5 years old, Swift has all the drive, intelligence, and intensity you’d expect from his Malinois background. He’s affectionate, goofy, incredibly smart, and thrives when he has a job to do. This is a dog who wants a partner, not just a home, someone ready to engage with him, challenge his brain, and build a strong bond together. Swift is house trained and crate trained, doing best when he has a cozy covered crate where he can settle quietly. He loves being with his people, but he’s already beginning to learn how to settle and self-soothe when his fosters leave with time and consistency. He knows basic cues like sit and name recognition and is eager to keep learning. He’s currently working on leash skills and making progress with a gentle leader. Swift does well with female dogs and small dogs when properly and slowly introduced. He is not a match for homes with cats. Because of his energy level and working-dog intensity, he’s best suited for an experienced owner and a home with older, dog-savvy kids or adults. What makes Swift especially unique is his resilience. He came to us with a rear hock injury that went untreated long enough that surgery is no longer an option. While he can absolutely enjoy normal daily life, he won’t be a candidate for high-impact sports. Instead, Swift shines in activities like scent work, training games, swimming, and enrichment. He has already completed multiple nose work classes and absolutely loves it, and swimming has become both a favorite activity and great therapy for his leg. Swift will need a home committed to structured, low-impact exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. Think long walks, puzzle toys, scent work, frozen Kongs, and continued training. With the right outlet, he is an incredibly rewarding dog who will give you his whole heart. If you’re looking for a smart, driven, slightly chaotic, deeply loving companion and you’re ready to meet him where he is, Swift just might be your perfect match. At Green Dogs Unleashed (GDU), we are dedicated to ensuring the successful placement of our dogs in loving, permanent homes. Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of returns due to behavioral issues that could have been prevented with the right support. A significant percentage of these returns involve out-of-area clients or those who have not completed training with GDU. To address this, positive reinforcement training with Green Dogs Unleashed is required as a condition for all adoptions. Preference for this dog will be given to adopters who commit to signing up for and completing our six-week Canine 101 training class in person at our headquarters in Troy, VA. Secondary consideration will be given to a limited number of out-of-area adopters who agree to complete one private lesson with GDU, either in person or virtually, and attend a pre-approved positive reinforcement training class in their area. At the time you are seeing this post, this dog is still available for adoption. But please know that we may be working on multiple applications already, and any one of them could be approved at any time. Please READ THIS ENTIRE DESCRIPTION and complete an adoption application, if you are interested in any of our animals. Application at www.greendogsunleashed.org If you send an inquiry to ask if the dog is still available, or just tell us you are interested, your inquiry will not be answered. FILL OUT AN APPLICATION. We can do NOTHING without that. No, we cannot tell you if he would be a match for your family without seeing an application. PLEASE KEEP READING for info. */*/* PLEASE NOTE: The first communication you will receive after completing an application will be an email response, which will have instructions on how to proceed. Please check your inbox AND spam folders for the next 48 hours, for this email. We will not begin processing an application without the information requested in that email. */*/* We are happy to consider applicants from out of state on most dogs. Please read the description to see if this dog is an exception. If the applicant is approved to adopt, they MUST be willing to come to our location in Troy, VA, for a meet and greet. If all parties agree that the pup and family are a good fit, they would take the pup home at that time. For more information about our mission and for an APPLICATION for adoption, please go to www.greendogsunleashed.com. GDU does ask a minimum adoption fee of $400.00. This does not even come close to covering all expenses created by animals while in rescue. We are funded solely by the angels and volunteers willing to donate time and finances. This minimum fee includes DAPP, rabies if age appropriate,, heartworm test and preventative, if age appropriate, and flea and tick treatment, as well as neutering or spaying, if the animal is medically sound to undergo surgery. In an attempt to avoid tummy upset from a sudden change of food, the foster family may include a small, transitional bag of the food the dog/puppy has been eating. And if the dog/puppy has grown attached to a special item (like a toy or blanket), they may send that along, as well. */*/* Young puppies will receive age-appropriate vaccines, and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. Adopters may be required to provide additional puppy boosters and at 16 weeks of age, a rabies vaccine. Future annual vaccines, testing and monthly heartworm preventative are REQUIRED, and will be the financial responsibility of the adopter. *****Due to the sheer number of animals and applications in our program, coupled with a limited number of volunteers, applicants MUST have patience as we process applications.   If you do not hear back from us, the animal may have been adopted.   We strive to let people know but sadly cannot offer reasons for denial beyond that.  Any harassment of our volunteers will go unanswered and we will simply block you.   Our volunteers spend their time working hard to ensure the very best for each animal.   Please remember the animal, not the applicant, is our client.*****  ##2667169##

Please contact Meredith (Meredithclouse0@gmail.com) for more information about this pet.Diego is a big teddy bear who is extremely happy and outgoing with people and other dogs. He forgets how large he is and tries to climb in his foster mom’s lap. He thrives on attention and would make someone a great companion. Diego is guessed to be around 4 years old. He rides well in vehicles, walks well on a leash and is super affectionate.  He is the best boy ever!!! Please send your phone number if you would like to hear more about Diego!March 19, 2026, 12:17 am

Chester came to us as a parkour dog from California who had been returned twice in the first 9 months of his life. He’s been with us since November 2023. Because he was one of our more wild teenagers, he was not available for adoption right away. We spent some time taming the maniac and supporting him through his rebellious teenage stage in hopes his next adoption will stick! He has calmed down significantly now, but he does still have bursts of energy and zips around like a rocket. He has learned to find comfort in his crate, and settles there happily. He loves other dogs and can romp around with just about anyone with high energy. He’s on an all fish diet. He is absolutely cuddly. This boy would love a home with cats, but sorry to say he will not be allowed because he is TOO interested in cats and doesn’t understand the boundaries. We were certain he was a chocolate lab mix because of his deliciously chocolate fur, but his DNA says he is a pit, german shepherd, malinois mix. The parkour behaviors made sense after we learned his breeds. He can be nervous meeting new people, but has done well in public spaces, and is building his confidence when he is out of his comfort zone. Loves: wading in his pool all summer having a conjoined best dog friend Chews (no-hide, kong, benebone, pupsicle) a secure crate (doesn't like average wire) bedtime snuggles parkour Hates: cats who swat him eating birds being outside alone domineering men *will nip the butt of a loud man yelling

Never has a dog come to us with a name that fits quite this well. Meet Dash! This boy is all gas, no brakes. High energy, high drive, and always ready for action! If it moves, he’s ready to chase, so while he’s with us we’ll be putting a strong focus on building a solid recall. Dash is a young 10-month-old Shepherd mix, and our best guess is that his other half is Malinois. He’s neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and always ready for his next big adventure. Dash does great with other dogs and absolutely loves people, but he may be a little too much dog for very young kids. And cats? Definitely not his thing. Or maybe they are, but we can assure you the cats won't find him fun. Inside the house Dash is crate trained and does know how to settle while out. We are working on basic manners as he's still very much a puppy! If you’re looking for a super active adventure partner, hiking buddy, sport prospect, or an eager dog to work with, Dash may be exactly what you’ve been searching for!

Meet Owen, the full package deal wrapped into one cute pup with some lethal puppy eyes! Owen is sweet, energetic, goofy, smart and a social butterfly that loves any creature or human he meets! Owen loves meeting new people and is very affectionate, including small children! He has also lived and done well with another dog before and has also done well living with cats! He is a smart boy who loves learning new tricks (with some treat motivation). He is crate and housebroken, making his adjustment into a new home an even smoother transition. He is the perfect adventure buddy and loves to explore and go on hikes, car rides or long walks around the neighborhood, but his favorite thing to do is be with his people! If you're interested in meeting Owen, stop by the RHSPCA today!

Meet Danny, This 2-year-old German Shepherd mix is so excited for his next big adventure! He's 62 pounds of pure fun and loyalty! He is looking for an active family who can match his playful spirit. Danny is a friendly and loving pup who wants to explore the world with his family. Whether that's hitting the trails or playing in the yard, If you're up for some fun and want a devoted companion by your side, come meet Danny! Danny is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on his vaccinations. You can meet him daily at the CASPCA between the hours of 12-6pm. For more information, email adoptions@caspca.org

Meet Gunner! 🐾 Gunner is the kind of dog who quietly steals your heart. At first, you might notice his shy, gentle nature—he’s not the type to rush up for attention right away. But give him a little time, a little patience, and you’ll start to see who he really is: a sweet, curious, and deeply loyal companion who just needs a moment to feel safe. Gunner has already taken an important step in his journey by completing a training program, and he’s done wonderfully. He’s learned a lot and continues to grow every day. To help him truly thrive, he’ll need a home committed to continuing his training using positive reinforcement—building his confidence while strengthening the bond he so naturally forms with his people. He’s not your typical bold, outgoing German Shepherd. Because of his background, Gunner is more sensitive and reserved, and he experiences the world in a thoughtful, observant way. He does best with people who understand that trust takes time—and that the reward is something really special. In his foster home, Gunner has shown just how lovely he is. He moves through the world calmly, taking in new people and surroundings without fear, just quiet awareness. He does well with other dogs and would enjoy a canine companion, or simply a human who understands his gentle spirit. Gunner could also do well with dog-savvy kids who know how to respect boundaries and interact kindly with a more sensitive pup. With proper management and slow introductions, he has the potential to live with cats, too. A securely fenced yard will be important for Gunner, giving him a safe space to relax, explore, and just be himself. Gunner may not be the dog who demands attention—but he’s the one who will form a deep, meaningful bond with his person. If you’re willing to meet him where he is, he’ll meet you with quiet loyalty and a heart full of love. 💙🐶

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