Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,932 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 511–540 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 18 of 65

Updated recently
Photo of Finita, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Finita

Terrier FemaleBaby

Finita is a wild child! She is full of energy, life, craziness and spunk! She is quite athletic and can jump over short fences, so she would love a ta…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

Updated recently
Photo of Franklin, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Franklin

Terrier MaleBaby

Franklin is a great puppy, he's learning how to fetch, getting the hang of doggie boundaries, loves to cuddle, is quick to comprehend potty training, …

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

Updated recently
Photo of Bruno, adoptable Terrier in Cary, North Carolina

Bruno

Terrier MaleLarge6 years

Meet Bruno! At 6 years old, Bruno has the perfect balance of playful energy and laidback companionship. He's been waiting far too long for his forever…

Best Friend Pet Adoption • Cary, NC

Updated recently
Photo of Sunshine, adoptable Terrier in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Sunshine

Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

This gal definitely is the epitome of her name - SUNSHINE! She is a happy go lucky gal that loves everyone and everything. She is great with other dog…

PAWS UP PET RESCUE INC • Sheboygan, WI

Updated recently
Photo of Millie, adoptable Terrier in Thousand Palms, California

Millie

Terrier FemaleSmallBaby

Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Oscar, adoptable Terrier in Unionville, Pennsylvania

Oscar

Terrier MaleMedium1 year

INTRODUCING OSCAR - The handsome goofball you’re about to fall in love with! If Oscar were human, his very first word would be ball — because this lit…

Lamancha Animal Rescue • Unionville, PA

Updated recently
Photo of Ruby, adoptable Terrier in Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Ruby

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

ADOPT Ruby — 4-Month-Old Terrier Mix Ruby is one half peppy puppy, one half lazy bones — with no setting in between. Setting one: toys must be chased,…

One Love Animal Rescue • Mount Laurel, NJ

At Risk
Photo of Goldfish, adoptable Terrier in Robbinsdale, Minnesota

Goldfish

Terrier MaleSmall0 years

Goldfish found himself in a high kill shelter in West Texas. When he was dumped, he needed to have surgery on his hip. That was completed and he has f…

Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue • Robbinsdale, MN

Updated recently
Photo of Ella, adoptable Terrier in Plainfield, Illinois

Ella

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Ella may have the big dog look, but she’s all heart in her petite frame! At just seven months old, this adorable terrier mix is ready to steal your he…

Starfish Animal Rescue • Plainfield, IL

Updated recently
Photo of Otis, adoptable Terrier in Washington, District of Columbia

Otis

Terrier MaleSmall1 year

OTIS NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Otis Best Guess for Breed: Terrier and sheltie mix Best Guess for Age: 1 year as of July 2026 SEX: Male Approximat…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

Updated recently
Photo of Chico, adoptable Terrier in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Chico

Terrier MaleMedium5 years

Meet Chico! A handsome hunk with a heart of gold! This 5.5-year-old Terrier mix is ready to trade shelter life for a comfy couch, fun adventures, and …

Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC

Updated recently
Photo of Sally, adoptable Terrier in Rutherfordton, North Carolina

Sally

Terrier FemaleLarge5 years

This is a courtesy post. This animal is not at Heart of the Foothills. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills about this animal. Contact informa…

Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue • Rutherfordton, NC

Updated recently
Photo of Princess, adoptable Terrier in Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Princess

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Meet Princess! Princess is a beautiful 2-year-old silver Terrier mix with a name she is already living up to! This sweet girl has been an absolute del…

One Love Animal Rescue • Mount Laurel, NJ

Updated recently
Photo of Alvin, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Alvin

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Meet Alvin! Alvin! … Alviiiin! This adorable little guy may share a name with the famous chipmunk, but the only “trouble” Alvin gets into is stealing …

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

Updated recently
Photo of Simon, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Simon

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Meet Simon! If Alvin is the life of the party, Simon is the sweet, gentle soul who wins you over with one look from those soulful eyes. Named after th…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

Updated recently
Photo of Theodore, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Theodore

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Meet Theodore! Everyone remembers Theodore as the sweetest chipmunk of the bunch… and this adorable blond boy couldn’t be a more perfect match. At jus…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

Updated recently
Photo of Spot, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Spot

Terrier MaleSmallYoung

Meet Spot! If you’re looking for a best friend who can fit perfectly into your lap and your life, Spot is ready to apply for the job! At just 22 pound…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

Updated recently
Photo of Dis Zo, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Dis Zo

Terrier MaleMedium2 years

Meet Dis Zo! If happiness had four legs and a wagging tail, it would be Dis Zo! This handsome 2-year-old, 42-pound sweetheart lights up the moment he …

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

Updated recently
Photo of Tajin, adoptable Terrier in San Antonio, Texas

Tajin

Terrier FemaleMedium3 years

Tajin is the perfect mix of playful, athletic, and snuggly. While the shelter was a little overwhelming for her, she absolutely flourished in her fost…

San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX

Updated recently
Photo of Sally, adoptable Terrier in Bellevue, Washington

Sally

Terrier FemaleSmall2 years

Meet Sally! Sweet Sally came to us after being rescued from a hoarding home. She lived outside there all of her life with a lot of other dogs. She has…

Saving Great Animals • Bellevue, WA

Updated recently
Photo of Dallas, adoptable Terrier in San Antonio, Texas

Dallas

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

“Hi, I'm Dallas, a sweet, lovable boy looking for my forever home! I'm fully potty trained and well behaved, making me an easy companion to have aroun…

San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX

Updated recently
Photo of Lala, adoptable Terrier in San Antonio, Texas

Lala

Terrier FemaleMedium3 years

Meet Lala! ?? She's a sweet, playful girl who gets along great with both dogs and cats. She can be a little shy at first, but once she warms up to new…

San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX

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.