Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,932 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 91–120 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 4 of 65

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Photo of Niffty, adoptable Terrier in Santa Clara, California

Niffty

Terrier FemaleSmall0 years

Niffty is a sweet and playful pup. She was hit by a car and survived! What a resilient girl. She has healed nicely and is ready for her forever home! …

Every Pet's Dream • Santa Clara, CA

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Photo of Snow, adoptable Terrier in Dallas, Texas

Snow

Terrier MaleSmallest. up to 7 yrs

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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Photo of Maisie, adoptable Terrier in Dana Point, California

Maisie

Terrier FemaleSmall1 year

MEET MAISIE – LOOKING FOR HER FOREVER HOME! This adorable little girl is just 1 year old, weighs approximately 20 pounds, and is looking for a loving …

Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA

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Photo of Abigail, adoptable Terrier in Springdale, Pennsylvania

Abigail

Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

Abigail is a sweet 6-year-old girl who is ready to discover what it means to be a dog—and she’s doing it one brave step at a time! Abigail’s early lif…

Paws Across Pittsburgh • Springdale, PA

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Photo of Star, adoptable Terrier in St. Augustine, Florida

Star

Terrier Female0 years

Meet Star! This adorable 7 month old mixed breed girl is ready to shine in a loving home of her own. Star is a happy, energetic pup who loves making n…

Ayla's Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue • St. Augustine, FL

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Photo of Pedro, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Pedro

Terrier MaleYoung

Pedro is a little over a year old and weighs 50 lbs. He walks well on the leash and has done well playing with dogs around his size. Pedro is neutered…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Shaggy, adoptable Terrier in Euless, Texas

Shaggy

Terrier MaleMedium4 years

HELP SHAGGY FIND A FOSTER OR FOREVER FAMILY! Sweet little Shaggy recently lost his home, and now he needs someone to give him the fresh start he deser…

Trinity GAP Club • Euless, TX

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Photo of Mama Ginger, adoptable Terrier in Lake Elsinore, California

Mama Ginger

Terrier FemaleSmall0 years

Meet Ginger — It’s Finally Her Turn. Ginger came to Green Dog Foundation from the San Bernardino Shelter when she was full-term pregnant and scheduled…

GreenDog Foundation • Lake Elsinore, CA

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Photo of Itty Bitty, adoptable Terrier in Pasadena, California

Itty Bitty

Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

#A5796145 Meet Itty Bitty, a 1-year-old Terrier mix who is every bit as adorable as her name suggests! With her short, sleek black-and-white coat, she…

United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA

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Photo of Daisy, adoptable Terrier in Berlin, New Jersey

Daisy

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Meet Daisy...10 week, 13.5 lb mixed breed. She is looking for her forever home. Her tail is always wagging and ready to give kisses. You will fall in …

All Mutts Matter Rescue • Berlin, NJ

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Photo of Chloe, adoptable Terrier in Berlin, New Jersey

Chloe

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

http://tinyurl.com/ammradoptapp Online Application: https://www.trackabeast.com/tabbe/form/790/7000790146940/dog/adoption_allmuttsmatter.html Check us…

All Mutts Matter Rescue • Berlin, NJ

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Photo of Penny, adoptable Terrier in Arlington, Virginia

Penny

Terrier FemaleSmallYoung

Meet Penny! This pretty little pup came to Worthy Dog Rescue after her owner was moving and could not take her. Thankfully, we had a foster home open,…

Worthy Dog Rescue • Arlington, VA

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Photo of Benji, adoptable Terrier in Riverside, California

Benji

Terrier MaleSmall0 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Axl Rose, adoptable Terrier in Dallas, Texas

Axl Rose

Terrier FemaleSmallest. up to 7 yrs

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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Photo of Debbie, adoptable Terrier in Washington, District of Columbia

Debbie

Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

DEBBIE NEEDS A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: DEBBIE Best Guess for Breed: TERRIER/SHEP MIX Best Guess for Age: 1 YEAR as of Aug. 2026 SEX: female A…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

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.