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Terrier Dogs for Adoption
1,932 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 541–570 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 19 of 65
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Chrissy
Chrissy is one of those rare dogs who just quietly makes your life better. She’s incredibly sweet, calm, and easygoing, the kind of companion who’s ha…
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Toby
Hi there! My name is Toby ?? but I also go by Tobberton, Tobias, T-Swizzle. But You can just call me Toby since that’s what I respond to. My life… is …
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Rita
Rita is a shy girlie but warms up quick. Even tempered, wants to listen, and is low energy. She wants nothing more than to cuddle with you, and can se…
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Flower
Flower is a 4-year-old terrier mix, who is a ball of energy. She loves to play with toys and other dogs. She is a very sweet girl, who is very smart. …
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Luna
Meet Luna! Say hello to Luna, a sweet, smart and absolutely drop dead adorable four-year-old Terrier who was rescued just in the nick of time from a h…
Fancy Cats Rescue Team • Herndon, VA
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Polly
From Polly’s Foster - Polly has settled in beautifully and has been an absolute sweetheart! She loves belly rubs and is happiest when she’s curled up …
Tails of the Unwanted • Greensboro, NC
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Chili
Chili is just a sweet little guy. He walks great on a leash and loves a good lap. He has plenty of play energy, always leaping across the yard like a …
Central Valley Rescue Railroad • Lindsay, CA
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Rory
Meet Rory, a 6-month-old brindle Terrier mix weighing 24 pounds! This sweet and playful pup loves giving kisses, enjoys cuddle time with her favorite …
Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC
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Chex
Chex is a funny little pup. He smiles with his front teeth and he can be more cautious when it comes to new experiences. He's quite the jumper, the am…
Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC
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Higgins
Higgins is currently in foster with dogs of all sizes and does great. He also is house- and crat- trained in his foster home! He loves playing with to…
Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC
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Ringo - Adopt Me
Meet Ringo! Ringo is a young, 20-pound pup who was rescued after he and his brother, Benji, spent time surviving together in the high desert before wa…
The Little Red Dog, Inc • Lake Forest, CA
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Benji - Adopt Me
Meet Benji! Benji is a young, 20-pound pup who, along with his brother Ringo, survived by scavenging in the high desert until they found safety after …
The Little Red Dog, Inc • Lake Forest, CA
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Diamond
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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Jace
This is Jace. He is a Terrier mix who is both potty trained and crate trained. Additionally, he gets along with dogs and kids. He got off to a rough s…
Needy Paws Rescue • St. Louis, MO
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Juno (NY-Lia)
Interested in this dog? Your new pet is fostered in Rochester, NY - Contact Lia at 201-954-3489 or, you can email her at lia@eastcoastadoptions.com. Y…
East Coast Adoption Agency • SHERBURNE, NY
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Maddie
Meet Maddie! At 7 months old, Maddie is as cute as they come! This beautiful black-and-white girl has the softest coat and an even sweeter personality…
Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI
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Carrot
With a face this sweet, Carrot knows exactly how to steal the spotlight. This 9-pound tan and white Terrier mix is a friendly, happy pup who loves att…
Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC
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Demi
Meet Demi, Demi is a darling terrier mix with a big puppy heart and an even bigger love for snuggles. She’s playful, curious, and always ready to make…
Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC
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Trixie in TX
Age: approx 2 years old Weight: 22 lbs My adoption fee is $ 525 which includes transportation charges to the Northeast. If you serious about adopting,…
Small Dog Rescue of New England, Inc • Cranston, RI
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Carmi.
Are you looking to adopt or foster a young adult medium breed who is social and friendly towards all humans and dogs? Excellent! Keep reading about th…
Animal Rescuers Without Borders • San Diego, CA
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Crypto
Meet Crypto Crypto may take a little time to decide you’re his person—but once he feels safe, you’ll get to see the sweet, gentle boy hiding behind th…
Our Underdog Rescue Squad • La Verne, CA
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Hannah
Hannah was rescued from Atascosa Animal Control, where she was on the euthanasia list and clear that she has had a very hard life. She came in unsure …
A Doggie 4 You • Pipe Creek, TX
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Terrier dogs by state
Other breeds
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.
