Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,932 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 751–780 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 26 of 65

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Photo of Amor, adoptable Terrier in Miami, Florida

Amor

Terrier FemaleLarge2 years

Name: Amor Breed: Terrier MixAge: 2 years oldVaccines: all up to date Any medical conditions: None but does have a hotspot at the moment with no fleas…

Paws 4 You Rescue • Miami, FL

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Photo of Oreo, adoptable Terrier in Lewistown, Pennsylvania

Oreo

Terrier Male3 years

Oreo is ready to go HOME! He would do well as an only dog or with others. He doesn't really pay them no mind. He just wants to be with his person. He …

One Dog at a Time ODAAT • Lewistown, PA

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Photo of Nutterbutter, adoptable Terrier in Corona, California

Nutterbutter

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Nutterbutter is a lovable 6 month old Terrier/Shepherd mix with the sweetest eyes, the softest snuggles, and a personality that melts hearts instantly…

I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA

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Photo of Ziggy L, adoptable Terrier in Pflugerville, Texas

Ziggy L

Terrier MaleLargeYoung

Personality: Affectionate • Protective • Cuddly Ziggy is the definition of a ride-or-die friend — equal parts gentle cuddlebug and loyal guardian. Thi…

Cuz i Matter Animal Rescue • Pflugerville, TX

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Photo of Minerva, adoptable Terrier in Pflugerville, Texas

Minerva

Terrier FemaleMedium4 years

Meet Minerva! Minerva is a female mixed breed (DOB: 2/1/2022) with a gentle, loving nature and the wisdom of a devoted mama. After raising her puppies…

Cuz i Matter Animal Rescue • Pflugerville, TX

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Photo of Lita, adoptable Terrier in Pflugerville, Texas

Lita

Terrier FemaleMedium5 years

Meet Lita! Lita is a young female terrier mix (DOB: 4/1/2021) with a playful spirit and a smart, loving personality. She may be a little shy at first,…

Cuz i Matter Animal Rescue • Pflugerville, TX

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Photo of Comet, adoptable Terrier in Pflugerville, Texas

Comet

Terrier MaleMedium1 year

Hi, my name is Comet. I’m currently living with other small and medium dogs and play very nicely with all of them! I am still getting used to people a…

Cuz i Matter Animal Rescue • Pflugerville, TX

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Photo of Coco L, adoptable Terrier in Pflugerville, Texas

Coco L

Terrier FemaleLargeYoung

Personality: Energetic • Happy • Playful • Social Coco is pure sunshine in a sleek black coat — full of energy, joy, and love for everyone she meets. …

Cuz i Matter Animal Rescue • Pflugerville, TX

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Photo of Blackie, adoptable Terrier in Pflugerville, Texas

Blackie

Terrier MaleMedium1 year

Meet Blackie Blackie is a happy-go-lucky boy with a big personality and an adventurous spirit. He’s always ready for fun — whether that means explorin…

Cuz i Matter Animal Rescue • Pflugerville, TX

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Photo of Zak Flash, adoptable Terrier in Euless, Texas

Zak Flash

Terrier MaleMediumYoung

✨ Meet Zak Flash! ✨ Zak Flash is a 5-month-old bundle of joy weighing in at 25 pounds of pure puppy love With his adorable face and happy personality,…

Trinity GAP Club • Euless, TX

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Photo of Lucy, adoptable Terrier in Rutherfordton, North Carolina

Lucy

Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

Lucy is a spayed female Terrier mix born about January 2025. She’s very lovely, she looks like she knows how to apply eyeliner around her expressive e…

Rutherford County Humane Society • Rutherfordton, NC

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Photo of Klaus, adoptable Terrier in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Klaus

Terrier MaleMedium1 year

Klaus is a 1-year-old, 37 lb terrier/hound mix with a big goofy personality and a love for fun. He is a silly little dude who is always ready to go, w…

Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC

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Photo of Georgia, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Georgia

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

Georgia is a smart, affectionate girl with a big personality and an even bigger heart. As she's settled into foster care, she's become more loving eve…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Buddy, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Buddy

Terrier MaleMedium4 years

Meet Buddy Buddy is a 4-year-old, 50-lb sweetheart who thinks he’s a lap dog — and honestly, we agree. Volunteers say he is super sweet, incredibly fr…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Shane, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Shane

Terrier MaleLarge2 years

Meet Shane This handsome 2-year-old, 72-lb sweetheart has already been through more than he should. Shane came into the shelter with a terribly embedd…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Squeaky, adoptable Terrier in Phoenix, Arizona

Squeaky

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Meet the Dynamic Duo of Squeaky and Jordan! We MUST be adopted together as we really love playing, eating and sleeping together:) These two each have …

Help A Dog Smile • Phoenix, AZ

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

Phil

Terrier MaleMedium3 years

Phil is currently enrolled in the 12-week Puppies 4 Parole program through the Mo Department of Corrections. He will graduate towards the end of Novem…

Needy Paws Rescue • St. Louis, MO

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Photo of Turbo, adoptable Terrier in Sistersville, West Virginia

Turbo

Terrier MaleMedium5 years

Hello my name is Turbo! I came to the Olive Branch from another shelter since they were full and needed help. I am an energetic, playful boy that love…

Olive Branch Animal Rescue & Refuge, Inc. • Sistersville, WV

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Photo of Icee, adoptable Terrier in Corona, California

Icee

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Meet Icee! She is a 8-month-old Terrier mix weighing 28 pounds with the most stunning ice blue eyes that truly make her name a perfect fit. Icee has a…

I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA

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Photo of Rory in Washington DC, adoptable Terrier in Richmond, Virginia

Rory in Washington DC

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

Rory is the sweetest ten month, 35 lb pit-mix puppy. I adopted her from the Humane Rescue Alliance over two months ago. She is energetic, playful, swe…

Ring Dog Rescue • Richmond, VA

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.