Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,932 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 361–390 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 13 of 65

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Photo of Red, adoptable Terrier in Raleigh, North Carolina

Red

Terrier MaleSmall1 year

Meet Red! We don't know about you, but we're feeling like Red might be your next puppy. Red is one of seven babies in our Taylor Swift-inspired Eras L…

Perfectly Imperfect Pups • Raleigh, NC

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Photo of Buddy, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Buddy

Terrier Male2 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 Rhoda, adoptable Terrier in Germantown, Ohio

Rhoda

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Hi, I'm Rhoda. I am a super happy, spunky 4 month old Terrier mix. I love to play with toys and chew on bones. Taking walks and running around outside…

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

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Photo of Inky, adoptable Terrier in Bellevue, Washington

Inky

Terrier MaleSmall0 years

Meet Inky - the sweetest little pup! He is currently about 6-7 weeks old and ready to start meet and greets. He arrived with his mama Marci and no oth…

Saving Great Animals • Bellevue, WA

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Photo of Letty, adoptable Terrier in San Antonio, Texas

Letty

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Letty went on a Shelter Paws! From the Chaperone: Today we went to Phil Harberguer park (NW Military side) although she enjoyed the trails Letty is a …

San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX

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Photo of Lakota, adoptable Terrier in Unionville, Pennsylvania

Lakota

Terrier FemaleMedium5 years

5 years old. Gentle, calm, very socialized. Great with children, likes to spend time with you and play with toys. Good choice for a family with childr…

Lamancha Animal Rescue • Unionville, PA

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Photo of Shine, adoptable Terrier in Unionville, Pennsylvania

Shine

Terrier MaleMediumest. 1–7 yrs

6 or 7 years old. Gentle, calm, very socialized. Great with children, likes to spend time with you and play with toys. Good choice for a family with c…

Lamancha Animal Rescue • Unionville, PA

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Photo of Lilly, adoptable Terrier in Wetumpka, Alabama

Lilly

Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

ADOPTION APPLICATION: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html . We respond via email to your apps so please add hselco@bellsou…

The Humane Society of Elmore County • Wetumpka, AL

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Photo of Bud, adoptable Terrier in Wetumpka, Alabama

Bud

Terrier MaleMedium1 year

ADOPTION APPLICATION: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html . We respond via email to your apps so please add hselco@bellsou…

The Humane Society of Elmore County • Wetumpka, AL

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Photo of Harley, adoptable Terrier in St. Louis, Missouri

Harley

Terrier FemaleLarge3 years

Harley is a sweet, social dog who loves to be close to her favorite people. She walks well on a leash and likes to lean into the pets she receives. Co…

Animal Protective Association of Missouri • St. Louis, MO

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Photo of Spike, adoptable Terrier in Strongsville, Ohio

Spike

Terrier MaleMedium1 year

Spike (COURTESY POST): If you’re looking for an energetic dog, this is your boy! Spike is also great with other dogs and pretty good with cats, he cha…

Forget Me Not Animal Rescue • Strongsville, OH

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Photo of Ponzi, adoptable Terrier in Lindsay, California

Ponzi

Terrier MaleSmall2 years

Ponzi is the coolest dog at CVRR! His rockstar hair can be deceiving because he is actually very chill and vibes with everyone. Ponzi has great confid…

Central Valley Rescue Railroad • Lindsay, CA

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Photo of Tigris, adoptable Terrier in Sayreville, NJ, New Jersey

Tigris

Terrier FemaleMedium5 years

Tigris is a confident, outgoing 5 year old American Staffordshire Terrier mix, possibly with a touch of Shepherd, weighing 51 lbs. She’s a beautiful b…

Sammy's Hope, Inc • Sayreville, NJ, NJ

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Photo of Apollo, adoptable Terrier in McCormick, South Carolina

Apollo

Terrier MaleLarge0 years

Apollo is a happy, affectionate Terrier mix who loves everyone he meets. He enjoys making new friends and is always ready to soak up pets and attentio…

The Humane Society of McCormick County, Inc. • McCormick, SC

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Photo of Serafina, adoptable Terrier in Kennesaw, Georgia

Serafina

Terrier FemaleSmallYoung

A FUN, SWEET & ACTIVE GIRL: Approx. 1 year old / Approx. 22 lbs. Hi, I'm Serafina! I came to Mostly Mutts from animal control and am enjoying my time …

Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption, Inc. • Kennesaw, GA

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Photo of Woodstock, adoptable Terrier in St. Augustine, Florida

Woodstock

Terrier MaleBaby

Meet Woodstock! Woodstock is one of the adorable Peanuts puppies! Their mama, Peanut, is a Chihuahua mix who was found very pregnant near a Taco Bell …

Ayla's Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue • St. Augustine, FL

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Photo of Linus, adoptable Terrier in St. Augustine, Florida

Linus

Terrier MaleBaby

Meet Linus! Linus is one of our adorable “Peanuts” puppies! Their mama, Peanut, is a Chihuahua mix who was found very pregnant near a Taco Bell in Pal…

Ayla's Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue • St. Augustine, FL

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Photo of Nugget, adoptable Terrier in St. Augustine, Florida

Nugget

Terrier MaleBaby

Meet Nugget! Nugget is one of our adorable candy-themed puppies! His mama is a small mixed breed who was found very pregnant by a kind person who brou…

Ayla's Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue • St. Augustine, FL

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Photo of Milky Way, adoptable Terrier in St. Augustine, Florida

Milky Way

Terrier FemaleBaby

Meet Milky Way! Milky Way is one of our adorable candy bar puppies! Her mama is a small mixed breed who was found very pregnant by a kind person who b…

Ayla's Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue • St. Augustine, FL

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Photo of Tulip, adoptable Terrier in Seattle, Washington

Tulip

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Animal Information: Tulip and her sister are small breed terrier mixes (best guess) who were surrendered to our rescue partners, Animal Advocacy and R…

Dog Gone Seattle Rescue • Seattle, WA

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.