Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,932 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 811–840 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 28 of 65

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Photo of Sweet Sage, adoptable Terrier in Greenville, South Carolina

Sweet Sage

Terrier Female2 years

Meet Sage! Sage is an almost 1.5 year old mixed breed pup who is eagerly waiting for her forever home! Whether she’s snuggling up for a nap or followi…

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

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Photo of Brandy, adoptable Terrier in Greenville, South Carolina

Brandy

Terrier Female1 year

Meet Brandy! Brandi — a gentle, soulful two-year-old who’s just starting to discover how wonderful the world can be. At around 60 pounds, she’s the pe…

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

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Photo of Sofie, adoptable Terrier in Landenberg, Pennsylvania

Sofie

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Sofie is a three-year-old Benji-type terrier mix. The “breeder” referred to her as a “teddy bear,” which seems to be more of a look than an actual bre…

CompAnimals Pet Rescue Inc • Landenberg, PA

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Photo of Igor, adoptable Terrier in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Igor

Terrier MaleMedium2 years

Igor is a gentle soul with a heart full of love, he's just a little shy about showing it at first. This bashful boy might hang back when meeting new p…

The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach, INC • North Myrtle Beach, SC

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Photo of Mookie Blalock, adoptable Terrier in Greenville, South Carolina

Mookie Blalock

Terrier Male3 years

Meet Mookie! Mookie Blalock (Mook, Mookie Moo) is the sweetest guy. All he wants to do is snuggle and sleep on your lap (when that's what everyone els…

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

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Photo of Phoenix, adoptable Terrier in Low Moor, Virginia

Phoenix

Terrier MaleMedium2 years

PHOENIX: HE IS A 2 YR OLD 49LBS MALE TERRIER MIX, SHOULD BE IN A HOME WITHOUT SMALL PETS

Alleghany Humane Society • Low Moor, VA

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Photo of Malachi, adoptable Terrier in Low Moor, Virginia

Malachi

Terrier MaleMedium2 years

MALACHI: THIS MUTT MIX BOY WEIGHS 55 LBS AND IS APPROXIMATELY 2 YRS OLD

Alleghany Humane Society • Low Moor, VA

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Photo of Spike, adoptable Terrier in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

Spike

Terrier MaleMedium2 years

Spike is super sweet and loves having fur friends to run around and play with! He loves everyone he meets! He's good with kids and the littlest love b…

2nd Chance 4 Life • Elizabethtown, PA

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Photo of Frankie, adoptable Terrier in Seattle, Washington

Frankie

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Animal Profile: Frankie is a 35-pound, 2-year-old Border Collie, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Terrier mix whose genetics run true. …

Dog Gone Seattle Rescue • Seattle, WA

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Photo of Armani, adoptable Terrier in San Bernardino, California

Armani

Terrier FemaleSmallBaby

Armani, Chanel, Dior, Prada, and Gucci are 5 of TWELVE puppies from Bakersfield. They are super sweet, wiggly pups. Chanel, Armani and Dior are the bi…

Paws 4 A Cause Rescue • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Kiwi, adoptable Terrier in Columbus, Indiana

Kiwi

Terrier Female1 year

Meet Kiwi! She's super sweet and very energetic! She'd make a great running/hiking buddy! With some good play time and enrichment, she's great! She'd …

Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) • Columbus, IN

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Photo of Maude, adoptable Terrier in La Verne, California

Maude

Terrier FemaleSmall2 years

Some dogs survive the unimaginable and somehow come through it still willing to give their whole heart. Maude is one of those dogs. This scrappy littl…

Our Underdog Rescue Squad • La Verne, CA

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Photo of Biscuit, adoptable Terrier in Ashville, Ohio

Biscuit

Terrier Male4 years

Meet Biscuit! Biscuit is a small adorable terrier mix. This very sweet boy is looking for a lap to sit on for hours at a time, and someone to cuddle w…

Danielle's Animal Safe Haven • Ashville, OH

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Photo of Nora, adoptable Terrier in Canton, Connecticut

Nora

Terrier FemaleMedium5 years

Nora is an almost five-year-old, 34 lb, mixed breed dog from Puerto Rico. An unfortunate accident left her without a rear leg. However, this does not …

Dog Star Rescue • Canton, CT

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Photo of Chico, adoptable Terrier in Miami, Florida

Chico

Terrier MaleLargeYoung

Name: Chico Breed: Terrier Mix Age: 1 y/oVaccines: UnknownNeutered: NoChip: NoCoat: Tan & White short coat Get along with dogs? He’s good with other d…

Paws 4 You Rescue • Miami, FL

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Photo of Pilar, adoptable Terrier in oakland, Florida

Pilar

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

Meet Pilar, a stunning mixed breed with a chill vibe and a yogi’s heart. This graceful girl is all about good stretches, great energy, and soaking up …

Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL

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Photo of Rocky, adoptable Terrier in Miami, Florida

Rocky

Terrier MaleLarge1 year

Name: Rocky Breed: Terrier MixAge: 1.5 yearsVaccines: Rabies, Bordetella, DHPPL, Lyme Neutered: YesChip: YesTemperament: TerritorialEnjoys: Squeaky to…

Paws 4 You Rescue • Miami, FL

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Photo of Kite, adoptable Terrier in Ellijay, Georgia

Kite

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

Meet Kite! A bright, high-energy young girl who was sadly abandoned as a baby, Kite has spent the beginning of her life in our care—but a shelter is n…

Homeward Bound Pet Rescue Inc. of Gilmer County • Ellijay, GA

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Photo of Alberta, adoptable Terrier in Ellijay, Georgia

Alberta

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

Alberta is a gentle, loving soul whose resilience shines through in everything she does. After being abandoned alongside her six littermates, she was …

Homeward Bound Pet Rescue Inc. of Gilmer County • Ellijay, GA

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Photo of Cali, adoptable Terrier in Waterloo, Iowa

Cali

Terrier FemaleLarge2 years

This pretty girl came from Texas, she was shot in the leg while caring for her litter of pups. She has fully recovered and is waiting for her new home…

Cedar Valley Pit Bull Rescue • Waterloo, IA

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Photo of Skylar, adoptable Terrier in Euless, Texas

Skylar

Terrier FemaleX-Large6 years

Meet Skylar – Your Future Best Friend! Age: 6 years Breed: Reddish Terrier Mix Spayed & Up-to-Date on Vaccines weight 65 pounds Skylar is a gentle, sw…

Trinity GAP Club • Euless, TX

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Photo of Toto, adoptable Terrier in Livonia, Michigan

Toto

Terrier MaleSmall3 years

Toto Deserves a Chance. Toto was found as a stray on a football field, where a group of kids were kicking him around. The extent of the abuse he endur…

Happy Days Dog and Cat Rescue • Livonia, MI

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Photo of Pikachu, adoptable Terrier in San Francisco, California

Pikachu

Terrier FemaleSmall3 years

Pikachu is looking for her forever home. This little moppet is 3 years old and about 12lbs. And 100% adorable and a true presence! Pikachu is a silly,…

Grateful Dogs Rescue • San Francisco, CA

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Photo of Angel, adoptable Terrier in Savannah, Missouri

Angel

Terrier FemaleMedium5 years

Hi, my name is Angel. I'm a happy and friendly girl! I was picked up by a nice lady that took me home but couldn't keep me. In her short time with me …

M'Shoogy's Famous Emergency Animal Rescue • Savannah, MO

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

Sprite

Terrier MaleLarge1 year

SPRITE NEEDS A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Sprite Best Guess for Breed: Terrier and lab mix Best Guess for Age: 1 year as of May 2026 SEX: Male E…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

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Photo of Widdle, adoptable Terrier in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

Widdle

Terrier MaleSmall1 year

Meet Widdle, one of those sweet boys who just seems to love everyone he meets! He absolutely loves attention and being around his people. If there’s a…

2nd Chance 4 Life • Elizabethtown, PA

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.