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Terrier Dogs for Adoption
1,930 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,081–1,110 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 37 of 65
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Flipp
You don’t have to be crazy to love Flipp… but it helps! Meet Flipp, a 4-month-old cattle dog mix who’s got one mission in life: to keep up with his pe…
Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI
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Baxter
San Diego County Department of Animal Services - North Shelter • Carlsbad, CA
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Bug
Bug may be the smallest of her siblings, but her heart is huge. At just 12 weeks old, this Pit/Hound/Lab mix is already showing how gentle, sweet, and…
Needy Paws Rescue • St. Louis, MO
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Leche
Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA
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Stepper
They love to play, mainly with balls, they’re high energy, treat motivated, and extremely people and dog friendly! They’re littermates Sweet Tea and S…
Crossing Paths Animal Rescue • Yardley, PA
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Landy Hope
At just 2 years old and 30 pounds, this adorable little lady has no idea she's not a big dog! With her short, stubby legs and larger-than-life persona…
Crossing Paths Animal Rescue • Yardley, PA
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Marcus
Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA
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Snow
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Ash
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Ember
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Cloud
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Sunny
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Frost
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Thunder
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Rain
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Storm
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Bow
All HSDC, Humane Society of Dallas County, adoptable pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines upon adoption. The standard…
Dallas Pets Alive • Dallas, TX
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A1933250
Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA
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Charlie
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Silas
Meet Silas! He is 1 of 6 puppies that came to us from Alabama. We are very uncertain as to their breed composition. They might have terrier, hound or …
Homeward Bound Animal Rescue • Mechanicsburg, PA
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Licorice
Meet Licorice! Licorice is a 6-month-old, 22-pound Terrier mix with a sweet, gentle soul. She may be a little shy and cautious at first, but once she …
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Natalia
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Sanabelle
Meet Sanabelle! She is 1 of 6 puppies that came to us from Alabama. We are very uncertain as to their breed composition. They might have terrier, houn…
Homeward Bound Animal Rescue • Mechanicsburg, PA
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Penny
Penny is a very sweet puppy. She is estimated to be born end of Feb (2026) and is a petite little girl. We have no idea what her breed is but she is o…
Kat & Kritters Foundation • Hinckley, IL
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Ghirardelli
Ghirardelli's adoption fee is sponsored! Applicant will pay $0 but go through the same process** Meet Ghirardelli! If you’re looking for something dec…
Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC
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.
