Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,930 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 991–1,020 of 1,930 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.

1,930 Terrier dogs available — page 34 of 65

Updated recently
Photo of Pacey, adoptable Terrier in Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Pacey

Terrier Female3 years

Pacey is a terrier mix who's been with us since she was just 8 weeks old. She's friendly, active and ready to finally find the loving him she's been w…

Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL

Updated recently
Photo of Fiona, adoptable Terrier in Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Fiona

Terrier Female3 years

Fiona is a shy dog but once she comes out of her shell she will be your forever best friend. She loves to play and give kisses. Plays well with other …

Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL

Updated recently
Photo of Floppy, adoptable Terrier in Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Floppy

Terrier Male3 years

Floppy is a 2 1/2 year old pup that is the only one of the litter not to get a forever home. He is full of personality and super sweet. Gets along wit…

Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL

Updated recently
Photo of Royce, adoptable Terrier in Shreveport, Louisiana

Royce

Terrier Male5 years

Check out Royce! Isn't he handsome? Royce is estimated to be 5 years old and weighs in at 72 pounds. He is very tall (like a short Great Dane), sleek …

Saved By Grace Animal Rescue • Shreveport, LA

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

Cotton

Terrier MaleMedium4 years

Meet Cotton! Sweet Cotton was rescued in South Korea. He did not have a great start in life and as a result is a very timid and shy boy. He needs time…

Saving Great Animals • Bellevue, WA

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

Charlie

Terrier MaleMedium1 year

I am very sweet and love my humans!. Please contact us to submit an application directly at Kzyrnr17@yahoo.com or info@dogdiggityrescue.com I need a f…

L&S Dog Diggity Rescue • San Antonio, TX

Updated recently
Photo of Raven, adoptable Terrier in Pompano Beach, Florida

Raven

Terrier FemaleLarge4 years

Raven is a smart, food-motivated pit mix who loves life at full volume - hose chasing, intracoastal splashing, long walks, and snuggling hard at the e…

Everglades Angels Dog Rescue • Pompano Beach, FL

Updated recently
Photo of Bennie, adoptable Terrier in Yreka, California

Bennie

Terrier MaleMedium4 years

Benny – The Gentle Shy Guy with a Big Heart Benny might seem a little reserved when you first meet him, but give him just a moment and you’ll see his …

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Hackett, adoptable Terrier in Pipe Creek, Texas

Hackett

Terrier MaleMedium5 years

Hacket would love to finally have a family of his own. This poor boy came to us with some litter mates that all had valley fever. This is a condition …

A Doggie 4 You • Pipe Creek, TX

Updated recently
Photo of Claus, adoptable Terrier in Westminster, Maryland

Claus

Terrier MaleLarge6 years

This big, sturdy guy, who looks like he should own the world, is actually exceptionally sweet and shy. He has a very Golden retriever personality. Cla…

Reach Out Rescue & Resources • Westminster, MD

Updated recently
Photo of Toby, adoptable Terrier in Santa Clarita, California

Toby

Terrier MaleSmall5 years

Toby is a fun beautiful boy! He loves to run and play! He's a great size for family outings! He's about 3.5 years old. What a nice boy he is :) He's g…

Rescues On The Runway • Santa Clarita, CA

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

Mabel

Terrier FemaleLarge6 years

Please contact us to submit an application directly at Kzyrnr17@yahoo.com or info@dogdiggityrescue.com Family please in 4 mos in OR! Mabel is a female…

L&S Dog Diggity Rescue • San Antonio, TX

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

Cora

Terrier FemaleMediumest. 2–7 yrs

Ask about Sizzling Summer Adoption fee specials! Please contact us to submit an application directly at Kzyrnr17@yahoo.com or info@dogdiggityrescue.co…

L&S Dog Diggity Rescue • San Antonio, TX

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

Tex

Terrier MaleLarge6 years

I WANT HOME NOW! Please contact us to submit an application directly at Kzyrnr17@yahoo.com or info@dogdiggityrescue.com Tex likes to play with other d…

L&S Dog Diggity Rescue • San Antonio, TX

Updated recently
Photo of Koda, adoptable Terrier in Amarillo, Texas

Koda

Terrier MaleMedium4 years

Koda is a tan & white Terrier mix. Koda is 4 years old (DOB:5/5/21). He is quite active and playful, good with adults and children. This is a cutie, e…

Amarillo SPCA • Amarillo, TX

Updated recently
Photo of Lyle, adoptable Terrier in Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Lyle

Terrier Male3 years

This terrier mix is a little shy at first but once he gets to know you he is yours for life! He is loyal, loving and full of personality. He is lookin…

Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue • Royal Palm Beach, FL

Updated recently
Photo of Shocka, adoptable Terrier in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

Shocka

Terrier FemaleMedium6 years

Meet Shocka, the sunshine-seeking cuddle queen! This goofy, loving, and playful pup is the ultimate ride-or-die once she decides you’re her person—at …

No Dog Left Behind • Brooklyn Center, MN

Updated recently
Photo of Huey, adoptable Terrier in Pipe Creek, Texas

Huey

Terrier MaleSmall6 years

Meet Huey — Your Quiet Little Hero in Waiting Huey is a 4½-year-old terrier/chihuahua mix with the softest heart and the gentlest soul. This shy littl…

A Doggie 4 You • Pipe Creek, TX

Updated recently
Photo of Alvin, adoptable Terrier in Columbus, Indiana

Alvin

Terrier MaleMediumest. 1–7 yrs

Meet Alvin! This adorable boy is sweet, playful and happy. He loves to entertain himself with toys but is even happier to have a canine companion. He’…

Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) • Columbus, IN

At Risk
Photo of Archibald, adoptable Terrier in Columbus, Indiana

Archibald

Terrier MaleMedium6 years

Meet Archibald Archie is a 2ish mixed breed boy who is living his best life. This does not mean his life or current situation is perfect but from wher…

Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) • Columbus, IN

Updated recently
Photo of Harper, adoptable Terrier in Pipe Creek, Texas

Harper

Terrier MaleMedium5 years

Harper would love to finally have a family of his own. This poor boy came to us with some litter mates that all had valley fever. This is a condition …

A Doggie 4 You • Pipe Creek, TX

Updated recently
Photo of Spice, adoptable Terrier in Pipe Creek, Texas

Spice

Terrier FemaleMedium5 years

Meet Spice – The Perfect Dash of Sass & Sweetness! ️ Spice is a 5-year-old terrier mix who proves that the best things in life come with a little kick…

A Doggie 4 You • Pipe Creek, TX

Updated recently
Photo of Cece, adoptable Terrier in Greenville, South Carolina

Cece

Terrier FemaleMedium6 years

Ready for endless cuddles and playtime? Meet Cece, our incredibly sweet and playful beauty born approximately May of 2020! With her magnificent eyes a…

Pet Tender Angels • Greenville, SC

Updated recently
Photo of Kirby, adoptable Terrier in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Kirby

Terrier MaleSmall6 years

Kirby is considered a special needs dog, but that sure doesn't stop him from being a very loving dog! Kirby has a big big personality and that's one o…

Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA

Updated recently
Photo of Freebie Ouderkirk, adoptable Terrier in Cuba, New York

Freebie Ouderkirk

Terrier FemaleMedium7 years

Update 4/2026 We have made the decision to add Freebie to our group of Joyful sanctuary pets because she is still terrified of humans and flinches at …

Joyful Rescues, Inc. • Cuba, NY

Updated recently
Photo of Shadow, adoptable Terrier in Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Shadow

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

~Shadow is an active, yet cuddly pup. She's about 6 years old and is 44 lbs of love! Shadow is well behaved in the house, house broken and a joy to ha…

Almost Home Dog Rescue • Doylestown, 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.