Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,930 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,171–1,200 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 40 of 65

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Photo of Reuben, adoptable Terrier in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Reuben

Terrier MaleMedium3 years

Reuben is a 3-year-old Terrier mix with a heart as big as his 53-pound frame! This handsome boy sports the most irresistible smile you’ve ever seen — …

Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC

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Photo of Sheldon, adoptable Terrier in Chino Hills, California

Sheldon

Terrier MaleSmall1 year

Sheldon is a 1-year-old, 8 lb. sweet boy. He came to us from a situation where he and the other 6 dogs were left behind at a home after the family mov…

Pardon... Me Inc. • Chino Hills, CA

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Photo of Radagast, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Radagast

Terrier MaleBaby

Meet Radagast! He was born around 6/13/26 and came to MPR with his 6 siblings. On 9/2, he weighed 16.5 pounds and will likely be on the larger side wh…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Tanner, adoptable Terrier in Farmerville, Louisiana

Tanner

Terrier MaleMedium1 year

Tanner is a friendly man with inside experience. He is good with other dogs and people. He has been known to chase cats but hasn't harmed any.

Union Humane Society • Farmerville, LA

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Photo of Fern, adoptable Terrier in Grafton, Wisconsin

Fern

Terrier FemaleSmall0 years

To sponsor my trip to WI, go to www.tailwaggers911.com for more info! ***I am able to go home to my forever family right from transport!! You get a 5 …

Tail Waggers 911 • Grafton, WI

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Photo of Hershey, adoptable Terrier in Springdale, Pennsylvania

Hershey

Terrier MaleBaby

Hershey is a 10-week-old, 12-pound 31 Flavors mix with an adorable personality to match his name! His mom is a 32-pound mix and dad is unknown, so he …

Paws Across Pittsburgh • Springdale, PA

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Photo of Charlie Brown, adoptable Terrier in St. Augustine, Florida

Charlie Brown

Terrier MaleBaby

Meet Charlie Brown! Charlie Brown is part of our Peanuts-themed litter, named in honor of their mama, Peanut! Peanut is a Chihuahua mix who was found …

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

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Photo of Furgus, adoptable Terrier in Rutherfordton, North Carolina

Furgus

Terrier MaleMediumYoung

If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoo…

Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue • Rutherfordton, NC

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Photo of Lasso, adoptable Terrier in Rutherfordton, North Carolina

Lasso

Terrier MaleMediumYoung

If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoo…

Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue • Rutherfordton, NC

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Photo of JB, adoptable Terrier in Statesville, North Carolina

JB

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Terrier Puppy Ready to Win the Heart of His Forever Family! Meet JB! Abandoned at a local grooming/boarding facility, JB is ready to make the rest of …

Iredell County Animal Services and Control Department • Statesville, NC

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.