Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,932 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 451–480 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 16 of 65

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Photo of Jedidiah (Jed), adoptable Terrier in Dorr, Michigan

Jedidiah (Jed)

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Meet Jedidiah — “Jed” for short. His name means “beloved of the Lord,” and honestly, it fits him perfectly. Because despite the heartbreak he experien…

Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI

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Photo of Lucky, adoptable Terrier in Andover, Minnesota

Lucky

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Meet Lucky! Lucky is an adorable white-and-brown, 13-week-old Great Pyrenees mix, possibly mixed with a cattle dog. He currently weighs 27 pounds and …

The Rescue Crew, Inc • Andover, MN

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Photo of Cliff, adoptable Terrier in Mooresville, North Carolina

Cliff

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

This is Cliff. He’s had a rough start, but clearly is learning the path to comfort and love. Cliff and his siblings were born outside left defend for …

Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC

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Photo of Dougie, adoptable Terrier in Berlin, New Jersey

Dougie

Terrier MaleSmall1 year

Hello Everyone! Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Dougie. (My government name is Douglas😂) I'm 1.5 years old , about 25 pounds of Terrier blen…

All Mutts Matter Rescue • Berlin, NJ

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Photo of Beau, adoptable Terrier in Berlin, New Jersey

Beau

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Available for adoption 🐾 Beau is ready to find his furever family! Beau did great at his first event yesterday 😊 He met lots of people, played, and …

All Mutts Matter Rescue • Berlin, NJ

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Photo of Mesa, adoptable Terrier in Mountainair, New Mexico

Mesa

Terrier FemaleMediumBaby

Meet the ADVENTURE LITTER! These seven little explorers are officially searching for families of their very own! Mama is a small terrier mix, and dad …

Mountainair Animal Control Shelter • Mountainair, NM

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Photo of Cliff, adoptable Terrier in Mountainair, New Mexico

Cliff

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Meet the ADVENTURE LITTER! These seven little explorers are officially searching for families of their very own! Mama is a small terrier mix, and dad …

Mountainair Animal Control Shelter • Mountainair, NM

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Photo of Delta, adoptable Terrier in Mountainair, New Mexico

Delta

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Meet the ADVENTURE LITTER! These seven little explorers are officially searching for families of their very own! Mama is a small terrier mix, and dad …

Mountainair Animal Control Shelter • Mountainair, NM

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Photo of Hannah, adoptable Terrier in Andover, Minnesota

Hannah

Terrier FemaleSmallBaby

About MeMeet Hannah, a gentle puppy with a sweet spirit. She’s still learning to trust, but each day brings a little more confidence—she’s started see…

The Rescue Crew, Inc • Andover, MN

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

Luigi

Terrier MaleBaby

Luigi may not have the brindle markings of some of his siblings, but this little guy definitely stands out! Born in June 2026, he has a gorgeous white…

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

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

Laila

Terrier FemaleBaby

Laila is the only girl in this adorable litter, and she certainly knows how to stand out! Born in June 2026, Laila has a beautiful golden coat, striki…

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

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

Louis

Terrier MaleBaby

Louis is a handsome puppy born in June 2026 with some seriously gorgeous brindle markings and the sweetest little face! His mom was found as a nursing…

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

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

Leo

Terrier MaleBaby

Leo is an adorable little guy born in June 2026 with a beautiful caramel-colored coat, white markings, and a face that looks like he’s always wonderin…

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

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

Logan

Terrier MaleBaby

Just look at those markings! Logan is a handsome brindle boy born in June 2026 with a beautiful coat, white chest and paws, and a face that’s pretty h…

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

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

Mojo

Terrier MaleYoung

Meet Mojo! Mojo is approximately 1½ years old. He is adorable. A little shy at first, but when he warms up he's a love bug. He's good with dogs, fully…

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

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Photo of Harriet, adoptable Terrier in Evansville, Indiana

Harriet

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Currently located at our Owensboro, KY location Meet Harriet! This adorable girl is 4.5 months old and a Terrier mix weighing around 20–25 pounds. She…

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

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Photo of Harrison, adoptable Terrier in Evansville, Indiana

Harrison

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Currently located at our Owensboro, KY location Can 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

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.