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Buckwheat
Meet Buckwheat! This 65 pound, 1 year old Terrier/Hound mix is the cutest boy and has a great personality. He was rescued by one of our vets running o…
Trinity GAP Club • Euless, TX
Terrier Dogs for Adoption
1,932 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 871–900 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 30 of 65
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Dexter
Dexter is a playful, energetic pup who's always up for an adventure! He can be a bit excited in his kennel but is learning that patience pays off. Onc…
Animal Care Sanctuary • East Smithfield, PA
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Jule
Jule is a lively, playful girl with energy to spare! In her kennel, she can be quite bouncy and eager for attention, but once outside, she settles int…
Animal Care Sanctuary • East Smithfield, PA
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Rowen
Rowen may be small, but don't let his size fool you - he's a little powerhouse of personality! At just 1 year old and 38 lbs, Rowen is full of playful…
Animal Care Sanctuary • East Smithfield, PA
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Momma
Meet Momma — originally listed as just 1.5 years old, but once we met her, we realized she’s actually closer to 8. A sweet senior girl stuck in a rura…
Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA
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Queenie
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL
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Quincy
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL
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Quest
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL
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Quan
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL
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Quade
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL
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Lucy
Lucy is a fun-loving terrier mix who came to us with a URI (upper respiratory infection). She is now feeling better and ready to find her new family. …
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL
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Bailey
BAILEY is an adorable short-haired Terrier mix (Jack Russell, Rat or Fox?), weighing in at 20-some lbs. Her coat is a beautiful bright contrast of bri…
SPCA PETS SNAP of Montgomery County • Conroe, TX
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Brunswick
Meet Brunswick, a very good boy who deserves a very good second chance. Brunswick is a handsome 5-year-old Terrier mix who has already known the love …
Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC
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Princess Baby
Meet Princess Babygirl! Age: Young Adult | Good With: Cats, Other Dogs (Off Leash), Older Children | Special Skill: Quick Learner & Natural Guardian S…
Fancy Cats Rescue Team • Herndon, VA
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Lydia
Meet Lydia! This gentle sweetheart is looking for a loving forever home where she can share her cuddles and quiet companionship. Lydia is friendly, th…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
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Sadie
Sweet Sadie has been in foster care for one year today, patiently waiting for it to be her turn, wondering why it never is. She’s a good girl, takes t…
Last Chance Animal Rescue • Holbrook, NY
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Razor
Razor arrived 9/19/2026 and is staying with a foster family until he finds his forever home. His foster family reports he is the best boy ever! that r…
Last Chance Animal Rescue • Holbrook, NY
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Pepper
FOSTER OR ADOPTER NEEDED!! Meet Pepper! This sweet boy is being surrendered because his family simply has too many! He’s a super sweet but a little ti…
Wags and Whiskers Animal Rescue League • Mobile, AL
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Zandra
Meet sweet and loving bonded pair, Zandra (brindle) and Stella (lighter face)! These sisters came to BarkVille Dog Rescue after they were both abandon…
Barkville Dog Rescue • Roswell, GA
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Gilligan
GILLIGAN Estimated Age: 3 years as of August 2026 Best Guess for Breed: Terrier/lab mix Weight: 53lbs Currently available for adoption in the DC area!…
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC
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Ronnie
Meet Ronnie, a sweet boy with a bit of a shy side! At first, he can be a little skittish around new faces, but once he realizes there are treats invol…
Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA
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Grace
ADOPT Grace ❣ Grace reminds us that Saturdays Simple Pleasures are the sweetest: a warm sunny spot to rest, a treasured nap , and a hug ❣ from someone…
One Love Animal Rescue • Mount Laurel, NJ
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America
America is a sweet, fun-loving girl who lives for her morning walks, fetch sessions, and cozy couch snuggles - and has declared a personal vendetta ag…
Everglades Angels Dog Rescue • Pompano Beach, FL
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Lola
Lola is a sweet, medium-energy American Bulldog mix who loves snuggles, walks, playtime, and just hanging out with her people. EADR stepped in to give…
Everglades Angels Dog Rescue • Pompano Beach, FL
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.
