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Piper (AL)
Piper (AL) is the kind of dog who makes you stop in your tracks—not because she’s loud or demanding, but because her quiet sweetness reaches you befor…
Rescue Dogs Rock, Inc • New York, NY
Terrier Dogs for Adoption
1,931 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 121–150 of 1,931 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.
1,931 Terrier dogs available — page 5 of 65
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Nougat
Meet Nougat! This adorable 5-½ month old, 14-pound mixed terrier puppy was perfectly named because he is just as sweet as a piece of nougat candy! Nou…
Paws Across Pittsburgh • Springdale, PA
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Cova
Currently located at our Evansville, IN locationMeet, Cova! Meet Cova! Cova is a mixed-breed girl, born September 2025, weighing about 38 pounds, with…
It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue • Evansville, IN
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Axel
Sweet, goofy Axel is about 6 months old and weighs 38lbs. He does not have many complaints and loves most everything. Azxel is neutered, microchipped,…
Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC
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Jethro
Jethro is a sweet 5-month-old Terrier mix puppy with a gentle, calm nature. He came to rescue from a hoarding situation and is still learning that the…
REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL
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Bart Simpson
Meet Bart Simpson! Don’t let the name fool youthis Bart is much sweeter than mischievous! This adorable, scruffy little guy is a happy, outgoing, curi…
REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL
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Morticia
🐾💕 Meet Morticia! 🐶🎀 Morticia is such a sweetheart! 🥰 At just 9 weeks old and 10 pounds, this adorable mixed-breed girl is already learning so mu…
All Mutts Matter Rescue • Berlin, NJ
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Gomez
🐾💕 Meet Gomez! 🐶💙 Gomez is a 9-week-old,10 pound mixed-breed puppy who is full of fun, energy, and puppy kisses! 🥰 He LOVES to run and play, and …
All Mutts Matter Rescue • Berlin, NJ
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Coda
#A5793293 Coda is a 6-year-old, 28 lb neutered male Terrier who was surrendered when his family moved. This sweet little guy is understandably wonderi…
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
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Monet Croquet
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Bakersfield Animal Care Center • Bakersfield, CA
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Lia
Hey there, I'm Lia! I'm a two year old, spayed female, terrier mix who weighs around 16 pounds currently. I'm a sassy lady who knows what I like in li…
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA • Burlingame, CA
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Cosmo Hope
Cosmo Terrier mix Sex: Male Size: 64 lb Status: Available About Cosmo Cosmo's story isn't one he chose. He was originally adopted from another shelter…
Crossing Paths Animal Rescue • Yardley, PA
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Kibble
Meet Kibble! Kibble is a sweet 2-year-old Terrier mix with a happy personality, a playful spirit, and so much love to give! She came to rescue from Tu…
REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL
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Finn
Birthdate: 12/31/2025Breed: One of a kindWeight: 33 lbs Finn is a handsome boy with the kind of ears that deserve their own fan club. Big, expressive,…
Paws Crossed Animal Rescue Inc. • Elmsford, NY
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Orion
Birthdate: 03/01/2026Breed: One of a kindWeight: Still growing! Meet the constellation puppies: Orion, Carina, Vela, Perseus, Cassiopeia, Lyra, and An…
Paws Crossed Animal Rescue Inc. • Elmsford, NY
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Forrest
Birthdate: 12/31/2025Breed: One of a kindWeight: 36 lbs Forrest is a sweet, handsome pup with the most beautiful tricoloring and a face that’s hard to…
Paws Crossed Animal Rescue Inc. • Elmsford, NY
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Nadia
Meet Nadia: Sweetness, Curiosity, and a Heart Full of Hope! This adorable girl with the endearing head tilt is Nadia, another one of mama Nellie’s 9-w…
Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI
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Naomi
Meet Naomi: Stunning, Sweet, and Ready for Her Next Chapter! Say hello to Naomi, another gorgeous member of mama Nellie’s litter! Like her siblings, 9…
Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI
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Mya
Meet the beautiful and sweet Miss Mya—your new best friend! Mya is a 24-pound, one-year-old mix of pure cuteness. She’s curious, energetic, playful, a…
Paws Across Pittsburgh • Springdale, PA
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Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey • Downey, CA
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Puppy
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
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Delta
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Sweets
Hi, I'm Sweets! My name is fitting for me, because I'm the sweetest pup around. I'm always the first to greet new people, and I'm a super affectionate…
Great River Rescue • Bemidji, MN
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Firework
Hi, I'm Firework. I'm a very curious pup thats up for anything! I would be the perfect adventure buddy. I've done great with other dogs, and would do …
Great River Rescue • Bemidji, MN
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Minni
Hi, I'm Minni! I'm a very sweet and affectionate pup, and also very smart! My foster described me as an escape artist. Come meet me!
Great River Rescue • Bemidji, MN
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Nick Wilde
Meet Nick Wilde, a clever 1-year-old male Terrier mix with a charming, quick-witted personality and a whole lot of heart! Don't let his sly name fool …
Kate's Furreka Rescue • Turlock, CA
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Coretta
We are excited to introduce Coretta (AKA Cora), a 2.5-year-old, 40-pound, spayed female English Bulldog. She is a little wiggle butt with every new pe…
Dog Star Rescue • Canton, CT
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.
