Billy
My name is Billy. I am a neutered male, tan Terrier mix
Animal Welfare League of Illinois - Chicago Ridge • Chicago Ridge, IL
Terrier Dogs for Adoption
1,927 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,321–1,350 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 45 of 65
Cricket
My name is Cricket. I am a neutered male, black and brown Terrier mix
Animal Welfare League of Illinois - Chicago Ridge • Chicago Ridge, IL
Barney
My name is Barney. I am a neutered male, white and black Terrier mix
Animal Welfare League of Illinois - Chicago Ridge • Chicago Ridge, IL
Senior Terrier
San Bernardino County Animal Care - Devore • Devore, CA
Senior Terrier mix
San Bernardino County Animal Care - Devore • Devore, CA
Hershey
Meet Hershey! Hershey is one of our adorable candy bar puppies! His mama is a small mixed breed who was found very pregnant by a kind person who knew …
Ayla's Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue • St. Augustine, FL
Nala
Hi I'm Nala, I'm part of the Lion King litter. I'm a big cuddler - being next to you, on top of you, breathing your air. I'm brave! I love to explore …
Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI
Gretchen
This dog is available to meet by appointment only. Gretchen is a sweet, sensitive 2-year-old terrier mix who is discovering just how wonderful life ca…
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
Sno-Caps Candy Litter (Trixie mom)
This whole family was rescued from the shelter
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
Colin
Meet Colin, a precious little terrier boy who was born on June 23 to his mama Lola and possibly daddy Jake. Colin may be tiny, but he already has a bi…
Lil Rascals Dog Rescue • Osteen, FL
Socker Bopper
This adorable medium dog is ready for a forever home! They are shy and warm up quickly. Nothing is more fun to this dog than sniffing! Take this littl…
Denver Animal Shelter • Denver, CO
Jonas
Meet Jonas, the black and tan terrier mix puppy. Jonas arrived to the Shelter as a stray so we don't know much about his life before now. He arrived w…
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA
Gracie May
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
Beanie
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
Trouble
The "Fun & Games gamers" of 8 tiny terriers are sweet, sassy and special! They were born in rescue in July and they do well with other dogs, cats, bir…
Magnificent Mutts Rescue • Hillside, IL
Alfie
animalrescueneworleans.org • New Orleans, LA
Apollo
Apollo is a talkative little guy with a big heart. He is vocal when nervous and loves to cuddle once he meets you. He is quick to climb into your lap …
Denver Animal Shelter • Denver, CO
Franz
Franz takes a little time to trust — he's on the timid side at first, but give him a chance to warm up and you'll meet an affectionate, goofy goofball…
Operation Pets Alive • The Woodlands, TX
Archie
Randolph County Humane Society • Elkins, WV
At Risk
Button
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
Tiffany
Tiffany is a 13-pound, one-and-a-half-year-old Terrier mix who has made incredible progress in the few short weeks she has been in foster. This beauti…
Evergreen Animal Protective League • Evergreen, CO
Robert
Robert came in with his litter from a property where mama was living off table scraps, she was left behind by a previous tenant. Mama did a great job …
Okie Pet Rescue • Claremore, OK
Quincy
Quincy is an absolute doll! She came in with her litter of 5 and went from living under a porch eating scraps to the lap of luxury. Quincy is crate tr…
Okie Pet Rescue • Claremore, OK
Gator
Currently located at our Chrisney, IN locationMeet, Gator! Meet Gator! Gator is a 10-month-old mixed breed weighing around 45 pounds, and just look at…
It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue • Evansville, IN
Topo
Meet the ADVENTURE LITTER! These seven little explorers are officially searching for families of their very own! Mama is a small terrier mix, and dad …
Mountainair Animal Control Shelter • Mountainair, NM
Canyon
Meet the ADVENTURE LITTER! These seven little explorers are officially searching for families of their very own! Mama is a small terrier mix, and dad …
Mountainair Animal Control Shelter • Mountainair, NM
Valley
Meet the ADVENTURE LITTER! These seven little explorers are officially searching for families of their very own! Mama is a small terrier mix, and dad …
Mountainair Animal Control Shelter • Mountainair, NM
Terrier dogs by state
Other breeds
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.
