Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,930 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,021–1,050 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 35 of 65

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

Updated recently
Photo of Neelix, adoptable Terrier in Crescent, Oklahoma

Neelix

Terrier MaleMedium3 years

This boy is a boy that is curious but holds back till he is sure things are good. He is a shy boy that needs a quiet home and time to learn to trust h…

Misfits, Mutts and Meows, Inc. • Crescent, OK

Updated recently
Photo of Cleo, adoptable Terrier in Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Cleo

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Cleo a precious 5-month-old, 30-pound mixed-breed puppy girl who is ready to bring love, laughter, and plenty of puppy fun into her forever home! Cleo…

One Love Animal Rescue • Mount Laurel, NJ

Updated recently
Photo of Valley Girl, adoptable Terrier in Nashville, Tennessee

Valley Girl

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Meet Valley Girl Valley Girl is, hands down, one of the sweetest dogs around. Once she loves you, she’s yours. She’ll happily attach at the hip, lean …

Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue • Nashville, TN

Updated recently
Photo of Raft, adoptable Terrier in Little Elm, Texas

Raft

Terrier MaleSmallBaby

Meet Raft, a 7–8-week-old mixed-breed puppy with a sweet little heart and a lot of life ahead of him. Raft came from a difficult situation, and while …

Town of Little Elm-Animal Services • Little Elm, TX

Updated recently
Photo of Willie, adoptable Terrier in Chula Vista, California

Willie

Terrier MaleMedium3 years

I’m a pretty laid-back pup who likes to keep things calm and relaxed. I enjoy going for walks, taking in all the smells, and spending time with my peo…

Chula Vista Animal Care Facility • Chula Vista, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Shelly (F), adoptable Terrier in Nashville, Tennessee

Shelly (F)

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Shelly is a sweet little princess with a gentle heart and a playful spirit. She has the cutest prance as she trots around the yard, making every step …

Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue • Nashville, TN

Updated recently
Photo of Pickles, adoptable Terrier in Springdale, Pennsylvania

Pickles

Terrier FemaleBaby

Meet Pickles! 10 weeks old • 10 lbs If you’re looking for a puppy with a little bit of everything, Pickles is your girl! She’s a complete 31-flavor mi…

Paws Across Pittsburgh • Springdale, PA

Updated recently
Photo of Jack, adoptable Terrier in Mooresville, North Carolina

Jack

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Applications can be filled out at www.piedmontanimalrescue.com/adopt! Petfinder and Adopt-A-Pet does NOT send us Applications. Meet Jack! If you’re lo…

Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC

Updated recently
Photo of Olive, adoptable Terrier in San Leon, Texas

Olive

Terrier FemaleBaby

Introducing Olive, like Olive Oyl from the Popeye cartoon. In fact, her brother in none other! Olive has had a bit of training excelling at the sit co…

Bay Area Pet Adoptions/SPCA • San Leon, TX

Updated recently
Photo of Popeye, adoptable Terrier in San Leon, Texas

Popeye

Terrier MaleMediumYoung

Hello there, I'm Popeye! I'm a puppy full of energy and always ready for a new adventure. I love playing with my toys, chasing my tail, and learning n…

Bay Area Pet Adoptions/SPCA • San Leon, TX

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.