Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,932 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 391–420 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 14 of 65

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Photo of Baxter, adoptable Terrier in Steeleville, Illinois

Baxter

Terrier MaleSmall1 year

D2026-179 Meet Baxter! Say hello to Baxter, a little over a year old, 17-pound Chi/Terrier mix who is looking for someone who will show him just how w…

Randolph County Humane Society • Steeleville, IL

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Photo of Porter, adoptable Terrier in Mesa, Arizona

Porter

Terrier MaleBaby

Available for Adoption! Meet Porter! Porter was found as a stray, unfortunately without a microchip. We’re sure someone must have been missing this sw…

Ghost Town Dog Rescue • Mesa, AZ

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Photo of Emily, adoptable Terrier in Pompano Beach, Florida

Emily

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

It's a perfect fit for Emily. She gave everything to her babies - Viva, Echo, Juno and Nova - before it was finally her turn to be safe. Now this gent…

Everglades Angels Dog Rescue • Pompano Beach, FL

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Photo of Jimmy Johns, adoptable Terrier in St. Louis, Missouri

Jimmy Johns

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Jimmy Johns was recently transferred to us from a rescue partner, so we are still learning about his personality. So far, he's a bouncy and friendly l…

Animal Protective Association of Missouri • St. Louis, MO

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Photo of Ludwig, adoptable Terrier in Greenville, South Carolina

Ludwig

Terrier Male0 years

Meet Ludwig! Ludwig is the most lovable little pup! He lives to love and be loved in return. He wants to be wherever we are enjoys following his new h…

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

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Photo of Crumbles, adoptable Terrier in Greenville, South Carolina

Crumbles

Terrier Female0 years

Meet Crumbles! What’s not to love about this precious puppy girl? Her start to life was rough; being thrown from the back of a truck and left to fend …

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

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Photo of Levi, adoptable Terrier in North Fort Myers, Florida

Levi

Terrier MaleMediumYoung

Poor little Levi came to ARC after being dumped by his owner. He was traumatized after being shoved through a gate into a stranger’s yard, and he’s un…

Animal Refuge Center • North Fort Myers, FL

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Photo of Cherry Pie, adoptable Terrier in St. Louis, Missouri

Cherry Pie

Terrier FemaleMedium6 years

Cherry Pie is as sweet as her name, with a loving personality that's sure to brighten your day. She enjoys spending time with people, soaking up affec…

Animal Protective Association of Missouri • St. Louis, MO

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Photo of Bubba & Pal, adoptable Terrier in Apple Valley, California

Bubba & Pal

Terrier MaleSmallBaby

Two wee brothers - about a year young - rescued by driver who saw them about to be snagged by a big dog near the highway. They've now been vaccinated …

Beagles and Buddies • Apple Valley, CA

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Photo of Stella, adoptable Terrier in Washington, District of Columbia

Stella

Terrier FemaleMedium4 years

STELLA NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Stella Best Guess for Breed: Terrier mix Best Guess for Age: 4 years as of August 2026 SEX: Female Approximate W…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

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Photo of Ginny, adoptable Terrier in Mooresville, North Carolina

Ginny

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Ginny is a 2-year-old girl who easily takes to both male and female humans while getting along with other dogs, too. This girl is not just a pretty fa…

Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC

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Photo of Leia, adoptable Terrier in San Diego, California

Leia

Terrier FemaleSmall2 years

LEíA IS LOOKING FOR HER FOREVER HOME Meet Leía, a sweet, friendly little girl who is ready for a fresh start and a family to call her own. Leía was fo…

The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Candy, adoptable Terrier in Lillian, Texas

Candy

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

♥️ Meet Candy! ♥️ Sweet little Candy is part of our C Litter, born to their beautiful mama, Caramel. This little family had a heartbreak…

Texas All Creatures Rescue • Lillian, TX

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Photo of Sancho, adoptable Terrier in Bellevue, Washington

Sancho

Terrier MaleSmall0 years

Meet Sancho! Little Sancho is only 8 months old and has not had the greatest life. He was found as a stray in a rural area and it seems he had been fe…

Saving Great Animals • Bellevue, WA

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Photo of Rocky- in a foster home, adoptable Terrier in South Bend, Indiana

Rocky- in a foster home

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

These active puppies are simply adorable! There are five boys and one girl, and they are all ready to find loving homes where they can grow, learn, an…

Pet Refuge • South Bend, IN

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Photo of Tuck- in a foster home, adoptable Terrier in South Bend, Indiana

Tuck- in a foster home

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

These active puppies are simply adorable! There are five boys and one girl, and they are all ready to find loving homes where they can grow, learn, an…

Pet Refuge • South Bend, IN

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Photo of Zuma-in a foster home, adoptable Terrier in South Bend, Indiana

Zuma-in a foster home

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

These active puppies are simply adorable! There are five boys and one girl, and they are all ready to find loving homes where they can grow, learn, an…

Pet Refuge • South Bend, IN

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Photo of Smiley, adoptable Terrier in Andover, Minnesota

Smiley

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

----------WHERE IS THIS PET LOCATED? The Rescue Crew is a foster-based rescue, which means all of our pets are cared for in homes throughout Minnesota…

The Rescue Crew, Inc • Andover, MN

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Photo of Maizie, adoptable Terrier in San Leon, Texas

Maizie

Terrier FemaleMedium4 years

Are you looking for a full-time companion with an easygoing personality? Maizie has you covered. At 4 years old, she has perfected the art of just bei…

Bay Area Pet Adoptions/SPCA • San Leon, TX

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Photo of Milo, adoptable Terrier in Low Moor, Virginia

Milo

Terrier MaleMedium2 years

Milo: 3 1/2 years old, 45lbs, male, good with dogs and kids and cats. Stop in noon to 4 pm on Tue, Wed, Fri-Sunday.

Alleghany Humane Society • Low Moor, VA

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Photo of Otis, adoptable Terrier in Corona, California

Otis

Terrier MaleSmall1 year

Meet Otis! Otis is a terrier mix about 1 year old and a 16 pound bundle of happiness with an affectionate, playful personality and a whole lot of love…

I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA

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Photo of Dexter, adoptable Terrier in Texarkana, Texas

Dexter

Terrier MaleMedium2 years

Dexter is a super sweet, smart boy that is friendly and outgoing and walks well on a leash and rides well in a car. He loves to be with his people and…

Texarkana Animal League • Texarkana, TX

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Photo of Doc Watson, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Doc Watson

Terrier MaleMedium5 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 Arabella, adoptable Terrier in Berkeley, California

Arabella

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Meet Arabella, a gorgeous girl with a heart as big as her namesake. This gal is a mystery waiting to be discovered; she is sure to be a loyal and lovi…

California Pitbull Rescue • Berkeley, CA

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Photo of Stevie, adoptable Terrier in San Ramon, California

Stevie

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Meet Stevie! Stevie is a very sweet dog who is patiently waiting for a loving forever home! To get more information on Stevie, please visit: https://l…

Love & Second Chances • San Ramon, CA

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Photo of Deluna, adoptable Terrier in Evansville, Indiana

Deluna

Terrier FemaleMedium3 years

Currently located at our Evansville, IN locationMeet, Deluna! Meet Deluna! Deluna is a beautiful 3-year-old brindle mix weighing around 55 lbs. This s…

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

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Photo of Vashti, adoptable Terrier in oakland, Florida

Vashti

Terrier FemaleSmall1 year

At just one year old, Vashti is a gentle Terrier mix with a heart as sweet as can be. This quiet little girl has a calm, loving nature that makes ever…

Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL

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.