Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,932 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 301–330 of 1,932 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.

1,932 Terrier dogs available — page 11 of 65

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Photo of Scrabble, adoptable Terrier in Hillside, Illinois

Scrabble

Terrier MaleBaby

The "Fun & Games gamers" of 8 tiny terriers are sweet, sassy and special! They were born in rescue in July and they do well with other dogs, cats, bir…

Magnificent Mutts Rescue • Hillside, IL

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Photo of Yahtze, adoptable Terrier in Hillside, Illinois

Yahtze

Terrier FemaleBaby

The "Fun & Games gamers" of 8 tiny terriers are sweet, sassy and special! They were born in rescue in July and they do well with other dogs, cats, bir…

Magnificent Mutts Rescue • Hillside, IL

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Photo of Luna, adoptable Terrier in San Antonio, Texas

Luna

Terrier FemaleLarge1 year

Luna A811909 went on a Shelter PawsPlease list all of the behaviors your doggo knows! Textbox: Possibly potty trained? no accidents! Where did you adv…

San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX

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Photo of Bingo, adoptable Terrier in Hillside, Illinois

Bingo

Terrier FemaleYoung

There is a rescue that has a momma and Bingo is her name-o! B-I-N-G-O. (Sing it with us)! This beautiful momma arrived with a belly full of babies and…

Magnificent Mutts Rescue • Hillside, IL

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Photo of Moxey, adoptable Terrier in Littleton, Colorado

Moxey

Terrier Male1 year

Meet Moxey, a sweet little fluff ball who is about 1 year old and weighs approximately 25–30 pounds. His paperwork says he is a Cairn Terrier mix, alt…

Paws on the Ground Colorado • Littleton, CO

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Photo of Serpent, adoptable Terrier in Evansville, Indiana

Serpent

Terrier FemaleMediumBaby

Currently located at our Evansville, IN locationCan you open your heart and home to this adorable rescue dog? Fostering is a rewarding experience that…

It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue • Evansville, IN

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Photo of Magnolia (aka Nola), adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Magnolia (aka Nola)

Terrier Female2 years

Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Penelope, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Penelope

Terrier FemaleBaby

Penelope was born on June 25, 2026, and weighed 13 pounds on 8/26. She will likely be big when fully grown. Penelope is spayed, up to date on vaccines…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Helen, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Helen

Terrier FemaleBaby

Helen is a 10 pound puppy, born June 25, 2026. She will likely be big when fully grown. Helen is spayed, up to the date on vaccines, dewormed, mircoch…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Circie, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Circie

Terrier FemaleBaby

Circie weighed about 8 pounds in 8/14 and was born on June 25, 2026. She will likely be big when fully grown. Circie is spayed, up to the date on vacc…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Mae Mae, adoptable Terrier in Mundelein, Illinois

Mae Mae

Terrier FemaleSmall1 year

Meet Mae Mae! If you're looking for a sweet little dog with a BIG personality, Mae Mae is your girl! This adorable 1-year-old Jack Russell mix is smar…

REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL

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Photo of Paella, adoptable Terrier in Rockville, Maryland

Paella

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Name: Paella Sex: Female Estimated Age: 8 months old (as of 9/1) Best Guess for Breed: Terrier Mix Weight: About 32 lbs Good With: Dogs, cats, kids an…

Petey and Furends • Rockville, MD

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Photo of Pearl - Pitty, adoptable Terrier in Seattle, Washington

Pearl - Pitty

Terrier FemaleLarge0 years

Animal Information: Meet Pearl! Pearl is a 6.5 month old TX Terrier mix (best guess) who is ready to begin her next big adventure here in the Pacific …

Dog Gone Seattle Rescue • Seattle, WA

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Photo of Mike Wazowski, adoptable Terrier in Cranston, Rhode Island

Mike Wazowski

Terrier MaleSmall1 year

Age: approx 1 1/2 years old Weight: 9 lbs My adoption fee is $650 which includes transportation charges to the Northeast. If you serious about adoptin…

Small Dog Rescue of New England, Inc • Cranston, RI

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Photo of Tilly, adoptable Terrier in Plainfield, Illinois

Tilly

Terrier FemaleSmall0 years

Meet Tilly! Tilly is a 6-month-old orange and white terrier (born mid-March 2026) who is 8 pounds of pure delight! This charming, bright, and wonderfu…

Starfish Animal Rescue • Plainfield, IL

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Photo of Wilson, adoptable Terrier in Arlington, Virginia

Wilson

Terrier MaleSmallYoung

Meet Wilson! This adorable young pup has been patiently waiting for his chance at a new life. Wilson came into rescue after his elderly owner was not …

Worthy Dog Rescue • Arlington, VA

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Photo of Selkie, adoptable Terrier in Evansville, Indiana

Selkie

Terrier FemaleMediumBaby

Currently located at our Evansville, IN location Meet Selkie! Selkie is an adorable female mixed-breed puppy, born in June 2026, with a beautiful brow…

It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue • Evansville, IN

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Photo of Morgawr, adoptable Terrier in Evansville, Indiana

Morgawr

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Currently located at our Evansville, IN locationCan you open your heart and home to this adorable rescue dog? Fostering is a rewarding experience that…

It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue • Evansville, IN

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Photo of ace, adoptable Terrier in Waverly, Tennessee

ace

Terrier MaleMedium2 years

Ace is a little fellow--only 36 pounds. At 2 years old, he will not get any bigger. He was adopted as a young pup and was recently returned because of…

Humphreys County Humane Society • Waverly, TN

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Photo of Bo Peep, adoptable Terrier in Gilberts, Illinois

Bo Peep

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Bo Peep is a gorgeous, 6-month-old Terrier mix who is every bit as sweet as her name suggests! This smart, happy, and incredibly loving girl is the to…

Project Hope Animal • Gilberts, IL

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Photo of Luca, adoptable Terrier in Herndon, Virginia

Luca

Terrier MaleMedium3 years

Meet Luca! Handsome Luca is a 3-year-old happy, playful boy who is ready to finally find the family who will never leave him behind. His family moved …

Fancy Cats Rescue Team • Herndon, VA

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.