Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,927 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,291–1,320 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 44 of 65

Photo of Faye, adoptable Terrier in Grafton, Wisconsin

Faye

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

Photo of Toffee, adoptable Terrier in Berlin, New Jersey

Toffee

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Toffee is a 3 pound 7 week old terrier mix looking for her forever family. She is a petite, pretty, very happy and playful girl 🧡 Toffee has had her …

All Mutts Matter Rescue • Berlin, NJ

Photo of Baby Daisy, adoptable Terrier in Denver, Colorado

Baby Daisy

Terrier FemaleSmall5 years

Baby Daisy is a super sweet doggie! She can be a little shy at first, but once she warms up, she is absolutely lovely. Due to her shy nature, she woul…

Denver Animal Shelter • Denver, CO

Photo of Daisy, adoptable Terrier in Santa Cruz, California

Daisy

Terrier FemaleSmall0 years

This sweet little chihuahua puppy is as friendly as they come and full of playful energy. Daisy was found as a stray alongside another small dog, and …

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA

Photo of Sweet Tea, adoptable Terrier in Yardley, Pennsylvania

Sweet Tea

Terrier MaleSmall0 years

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

Photo of Iris, adoptable Terrier in Seattle, Washington

Iris

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Animal Information: Iris and her sister Tulip small breed terrier mixes (best Guess) who were surrendered to our rescue partners, Animal Advocacy and …

Dog Gone Seattle Rescue • Seattle, WA

Photo of Monty, adoptable Terrier in Anniston, Alabama

Monty

Terrier MaleMediumYoung

Monty is ready to embrace life and everyone in it! He loves making new friends, whether people or other pups. With energy to burn, he'd love a yard an…

Calhoun County Humane Society, Inc. • Anniston, AL

Photo of Dodger, adoptable Terrier in Utica, New York

Dodger

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

Meet Dodger — the floppyeared heartbreaker with a story that deserves a beautiful next chapter. Dodger is a young, energetic pup, around 2 years old, …

Traveling Tails & Ragamuffin Rescue • Utica, NY

Photo of Lola Bunny, adoptable Terrier in San Francisco, California

Lola Bunny

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Meet sweet Lola Bunny, a young pup with a heart full of potential! She may be a little shy and timid when meeting new people or exploring new places, …

Grateful Dogs Rescue • San Francisco, CA

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

Rosie

Terrier FemaleMedium5 years

Meet Rosie! Pretty name, pretty girl, pretty hard to resist! Rosie is a 5-year-old Terrier mix weighing 42 lbs with a gorgeous brindle coat. At 5 year…

Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC

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.