Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,927 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,261–1,290 of 1,927 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.

1,927 Terrier dogs available — page 43 of 65

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Photo of Frannie, adoptable Terrier in NEWPORT NH, New Hampshire

Frannie

Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

Please welcome Frannie to WWR! Flying in at a whopping 37lbs of cuteness, this 1 yr old dog friendly gal is looking for a forever. Frannie has a daint…

Wags and Wiggles Rescue • NEWPORT NH, NH

Updated recently
Photo of Bonnie, adoptable Terrier in Riverside, California

Bonnie

Terrier FemaleSmall2 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

Photo of Arthur, adoptable Terrier in Santa Cruz, California

Arthur

Terrier MaleSmall0 years

Meet Arthur, the 4 month old puppy. Arthur arrived to the Shelter with his three siblings. They had been an accidental litter. Their mom, who is a Hus…

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA

Photo of Danny, adoptable Terrier in Amherst, Massachusetts

Danny

Terrier MaleMedium2 years

Meet Danny! A gentle two-year-old Terrier mix currently in Guilford, CT, whose essence is a quiet spark of hope wrapped in a handsome white coat with …

Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA

Photo of Flor, adoptable Terrier in Grafton, Wisconsin

Flor

Terrier FemaleSmall1 year

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

Photo of Dot, adoptable Terrier in Grafton, Wisconsin

Dot

Terrier FemaleSmall1 year

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

Photo of Stoney, adoptable Terrier in Greenville, South Carolina

Stoney

Terrier Female0 years

Meet Stoney! Stoney is the life of the party! She can be found romping with her friends, chasing rogue leaves, and curiously following around her fost…

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

Photo of Peyton, adoptable Terrier in Greenville, South Carolina

Peyton

Terrier Male0 years

Meet Peyton! Peyton is full of personality! He loves attention, exploring outside, and playing with everyone. He’s a confident, happy puppy who also e…

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

Photo of Holland, adoptable Terrier in Canton, Connecticut

Holland

Terrier FemaleMediumBaby

This girl may be small, but she is ready to make a big impression! Holland is a beautiful 6-month-old little lady currently weighing around 15.5 lbs. …

Dog Star Rescue • Canton, CT

Photo of Argos, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Argos

Terrier MaleBaby

Argos is a 9 pounds puppy, born June 25, 2026. He will likely be big when fully grown. Argos is neutered, up to the date on vaccines, dewormed, mircoc…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

Photo of Stanley, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Stanley

Terrier MaleBaby

Stanley is an 8-month-old, 35-lb pup who was adopted from Mountain Pet Rescue as a little puppy and recently was surrendered because his people were m…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

Photo of Cayenne, adoptable Terrier in Mundelein, Illinois

Cayenne

Terrier FemaleSmallBaby

Cayenne is an absolutely adorable girl with a sweet, quiet personality and a whole lot of love to give. She may take a little time to show you her tru…

REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL

Photo of Ivy (Eras Litter), adoptable Terrier in Raleigh, North Carolina

Ivy (Eras Litter)

Terrier FemaleSmallBaby

Meet Ivy! We have a feeling this little girl is going to grow on you. Ivy is one of seven tiny stars from our Taylor Swift-inspired Eras Litter, born …

Perfectly Imperfect Pups • Raleigh, NC

Photo of Deliah, adoptable Terrier in Germantown, Ohio

Deliah

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Hi I am Delia! I am a super sweet terrier mix that loves being around people. I love playing with toys but also love cuddling with my people on the co…

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

Photo of Titus, adoptable Terrier in Oakland, California

Titus

Terrier MaleSmall4 years

Meet Titus! This handsome little terrier mix is 4 years old and weighs about 14 pounds, but he has plenty of personality packed into that small body. …

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

Photo of Rocko, adoptable Terrier in Oakland, California

Rocko

Terrier MaleMedium2 years

This dog is available to meet by appointment only. Rocko is a 2-year-old Terrier mix, weighing 26 pounds. He is a fearful, sensitive dog who will need…

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

Photo of Chickpea, adoptable Terrier in Santa Cruz, California

Chickpea

Terrier FemaleSmall0 years

Meet Chickpea, the tan chihuahua / terrier mix. Chickpea came into the Shelter with their two siblings Ellie and Bear. They went to a foster home for …

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA

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.