Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,924 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 1,924 below.

About adopting a Terrier

When a shelter lists a dog as "Terrier" without a more specific name, it usually means a small to medium dog with a wiry or smooth coat and the alert, busy manner that terriers share. The label covers dozens of breeds and crosses, from tiny ratting dogs to stocky bull types, so it is a starting point rather than a description.

What most terriers have in common is drive. They were bred to chase, dig, and hold their ground, and a young one brings that intensity to fetch, squirrels, and any toy that squeaks. Training works best when it feels like a game, and recall around small animals is a lifelong project for many. Puppies can be stubborn, and adults often know exactly what they want.

Household fit depends on which terrier traits the individual dog inherited. Some are cuddly lap dogs with occasional bursts of mischief, others need serious daily activity. Cats and small pets are a real question to raise. Ask the shelter or rescue what they have seen of the dog's prey drive, how it handles other dogs, and what training it has already had.

1,924 Terrier dogs available — page 1 of 65

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Photo of Nadia, adoptable Terrier in Godfrey, Illinois

Nadia

Terrier FemaleLarge2 years

Nadia is a 2 year old Terrier mix female. She was rescued with her 2 tiny babies from animal control. Nadia loves people, enjoys playing and car rides…

Hope Animal Rescues • Godfrey, IL

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Photo of Tikina, adoptable Terrier in San Diego, California

Tikina

Terrier FemaleMedium6 years

Tikina Female Terrier mix 6 years 30lbs Small medium. Tikina is not good with other dogs or animals. She does not do well with children. Tikina has so…

Baja Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Rocky, adoptable Terrier in Mooresville, North Carolina

Rocky

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Rocky is a happy little guy who’s always ready for some fun! He loves playing “catch me if you can” with his foster siblings and has plenty of playful…

Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC

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Photo of Remi, adoptable Terrier in Mooresville, North Carolina

Remi

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Meet Remi Remi is a sweet little guy with a gentle side. He can be a bit shy when he first meets you, but once he starts feeling comfortable, his play…

Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC

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Photo of Pearl, adoptable Terrier in Berlin, New Jersey

Pearl

Terrier FemaleSmall0 years

🐾 Meet beautiful Pearl! 🐾 Pearl is a precious 6-pound 3 month old Terrier mix who is not expected to get much bigger. This little girl had a very ro…

All Mutts Matter Rescue • Berlin, NJ

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Photo of Jake, adoptable Terrier in Westwood, New Jersey

Jake

Terrier MaleMedium1 year

Meet Jake! Jake is an adorable 1-year-old, 50 lb terrier mix who was found as a stray and is now ready to leave his past behind and start the next cha…

Peace 4 Paws Inc. • Westwood, NJ

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Photo of Cosmo, adoptable Terrier in Omaha, Nebraska

Cosmo

Terrier MaleSmall0 years

Applications for Cosmo must be sent to www. HavenAnimalRescueNebraska.org to be considered. Meet our adorable 11.8 pound Cosmo! This sweet boy is arou…

Haven Animal Rescue Nebraska • Omaha, NE

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Photo of Nero, adoptable Terrier in Greenville, South Carolina

Nero

Terrier Male0 years

Meet Nero! Nero is a spunky little guy who loves attention and affection. He’s super social and warmed up so quickly to us. He really is just content …

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

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Photo of Lindy, adoptable Terrier in Greenville, South Carolina

Lindy

Terrier Female0 years

Meet Lindy! Hi! I’m Lindy! I was found alone tied to a bridge but look at me now! Happy, healthy, and ready for my forever home!! I love treats and my…

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

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Photo of Wyatt, adoptable Terrier in Greenville, South Carolina

Wyatt

Terrier Male1 year

Meet Wyatt! Wyatt is a sweet, goofy guy who believes personal space is completely overrated. If he likes you, there’s a good chance he’ll be standing …

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

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Photo of Nyla, adoptable Terrier in Lake Wylie, South Carolina

Nyla

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Nyla is 2 years old, 44 lb She and her roommate ended up at a small shelter when their owner died. She is just wonderful. she loves all people and all…

Jesse's Place Rescue INC • Lake Wylie, SC

Adopting a Terrier — FAQ

What breeds fall under the "Terrier" label at a shelter?

The label can cover Jack Russell, rat, cairn, Yorkshire, Boston, and bull-type terriers along with countless crosses. Shelters use it when the dog looks terrier-like but no single breed stands out. Ask staff which type they suspect, since a Yorkie mix and a bull terrier mix are very different dogs.

Are Terriers good with cats?

Many terriers have a strong chase instinct, so cats and small pets can be a challenge. Some individuals live peacefully with cats, especially when raised together, but the label alone should make you cautious. Ask the shelter whether the dog has been cat-tested and how it reacted.

Are Terriers hard to train?

Terriers are not hard to train so much as easily bored and quick to decide their own idea is better. Short, fun sessions with real rewards keep them engaged. Recall around wildlife is the toughest skill, and a long line is a sensible tool during the learning phase.

How do I adopt a Terrier?

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 Terrier dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?

Many Terrier 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 Terrier?

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 Terrier 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 Terrier instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Terrier 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 Terrier?

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.