Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,930 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,111–1,140 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 38 of 65

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Photo of Dolly, adoptable Terrier in Arlington, Virginia

Dolly

Terrier FemaleSmall3 years

Introducing Dolly! Oh what a doll. Dolly is tiny at just 11 pounds and we estimate she is around 2-3 years old. Her tail has not stopped wagging in he…

Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue, Inc • Arlington, VA

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Photo of Chip, adoptable Terrier in Lillian, Texas

Chip

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Meet Chip! Little Chip is one of the precious babies from our C Litter, born to their sweet mama, Caramel. Their story began under heartbreaking circu…

Texas All Creatures Rescue • Lillian, TX

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Photo of Cash, adoptable Terrier in Lillian, Texas

Cash

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Meet Cash! Sweet little Cash is part of our C Litter , born to their beautiful mama, Caramel . This little family had a heartbreaking beginning. Caram…

Texas All Creatures Rescue • Lillian, TX

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Photo of Dayla, adoptable Terrier in Silver Spring, Maryland

Dayla

Terrier FemaleMedium5 years

Please note that we are no longer taking applications for Dayla. ***Hi there! I’m Dayla, a 5-year-old brown and white sweetheart clocking in at an eas…

A Home of Their Own Animal Rescue • Silver Spring, MD

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Photo of Elrond, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Elrond

Terrier MaleBaby

Meet Elrond! He was born around 6/13/26 and came to MPR with his 6 siblings. On 9/2, he weighed 17.8 pounds and will likely be on the larger side when…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Galadriel, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Galadriel

Terrier FemaleBaby

Meet Galadriel! She was born around 6/13/26 and came to MPR with her 6 siblings. On 9/2, she weighed 14.5 pounds and will likely be on the larger side…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Scylla, adoptable Terrier in Evansville, Indiana

Scylla

Terrier FemaleMediumBaby

Currently located at our Evansville, IN locationCan you open your heart and home to this adorable rescue dog? Fostering is a rewarding experience that…

It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue • Evansville, IN

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Photo of Simba, adoptable Terrier in Elmsford, New York

Simba

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Birthdate: 02/06/2026 Breed: One of a kindWeight: still growing! Simba is an adorable puppy with a big personality! This playful little guy is full of…

Paws Crossed Animal Rescue Inc. • Elmsford, NY

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Photo of Bo Richard, adoptable Terrier in Mooresville, North Carolina

Bo Richard

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Bo Richard is a sweet boy with the nickname Playfull. He loves to run and play outside. His favorite toy is anything in nature. He will bring you a st…

Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC

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Photo of Beau, adoptable Terrier in Thousand Palms, California

Beau

Terrier MaleSmall3 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA

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Photo of Tank, adoptable Terrier in Waverly, Tennessee

Tank

Terrier MaleSmallBaby

HI! My name is Tank and I will be at the PETSMART BELLEVUE for an adoption event, Saturday September 19th from 1000 to 2:00. I am just as cute as my p…

Humphreys County Humane Society • Waverly, TN

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Photo of Raider, adoptable Terrier in Oakland, California

Raider

Terrier MaleLargeBaby

Click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Buddy (@shelterdogfieldtrips_oas…

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

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Photo of Vivian, adoptable Terrier in Sunnyvale, California

Vivian

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

Personality: affectionate, cuddly ​​​Breed: terrier mix Age: est DOB 2/17/26 ​​Weight: 28lbs ​​Sex: female Rescued from Tehama Co. Sweet and loving Ti…

Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA

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Photo of Daisy, adoptable Terrier in Stockport, Ohio

Daisy

Terrier FemaleSmall2 years

Daisy is 2 years old and weighs 9 pounds. She is perfect in many ways except for barking like crazy when left alone. She has kinky hair about an inch …

Saving Pets One at a Time Inc, the Morgan County Humane Society • Stockport, OH

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.