Maccaroni
Chula Vista Animal Care Facility • Chula Vista, CA
Terrier Dogs for Adoption
1,926 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,501–1,530 of 1,926 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.
1,926 Terrier dogs available — page 51 of 65
Rusty
Rusty loves to play* Rusty is doing well sharing a kennel with a male terrier mix • While we strive to provide accurate information about the observat…
Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA
Sebastian
Sebastian loves to play* Sebastian is doing well sharing a kennel with a male terrier mix • While we strive to provide accurate information about the …
Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA
Hanalei
Long Beach Animal Care Services • Long Beach, CA
Photos coming soon
Miley
Miley is a sweet, fun, inquisitive little lady who is about 4 months old and going on 20 lbs. She is currently in foster with kids, cats and another d…
Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc • 133 Hilltop Rd Sprakers NY 12166, NY
Savannah's Litter: Dolly
Name: Dolly Sex: Female Estimated Age: 6 weeks old (as of 8/30) Best Guess for Breed: Terrier Mix Weight: About 5 lbs (as of 8/30) Good With: Dogs, ca…
Petey and Furends • Rockville, MD
Andy
Andy is a petite-sized cutie (even smaller in person than he looks in his photos) who is very lovable and affectionate, friendly, sweet, charming, eag…
Lamancha Animal Rescue • Unionville, PA
Henry
Hi! My name is Henry and I am looking for a forever home. I was picked up as a stray by Animal Control and taken to the local shelter where, after my …
Burlington County Animal Alliance • Willingboro, NJ
Baylee
Meet Baylee — Your Sweetest Valentine! Baylee is a 1-year-old, 42-pound heart-stealer who’s ready to be someone’s forever love! This gentle girl has a…
Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA
Little Bit
Meet Little Bit! This 3-year-old, 17 lb Pug mix has an adorable underbite and one of the sweetest, gentlest hearts you'll ever meet. Little Bit takes …
Starfish Animal Rescue • Plainfield, IL
Ferngully
The magical forest of Ferngully is brought to life by the magic of animation and cinema. A cherished home for fairies to live and thrive. Our two-mont…
Dog Star Rescue • Canton, CT
Milo
Hello! I’m Milo, and I’ve been conducting some very important research. After careful testing, I’ve discovered that laps are the coziest places on Ear…
Bay Area Pet Adoptions/SPCA • San Leon, TX
Alan
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
Lil Jon
Meet Lil Jon – Saved Just in Time, Now Waiting for Love Lil Jon was just a scared puppy, alone and confused in Contra Costa Animal Services… and only …
Melita's Dream Animal Rescue • Woodland Hills, CA
A171334
Bakersfield Animal Care Center • Bakersfield, CA
Ziggy
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
Celine
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey • Downey, CA
Camila
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey • Downey, CA
Tabitha
UPDATE! Meet Tabitha! This sweet girl and her sister were saved from a not so good situation after their owner went to jail. She is a terrier mix. She…
Wags and Whiskers Animal Rescue League • Mobile, AL
A553851
Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA
Zeke
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
Mimi
Two friends, one very special pair. Momo and Mimi may be at different stages of life and have very different personalities, but they complement each o…
Dumb Friends League • Denver, CO
Momo
Two friends, one very special pair. Momo and Mimi may be at different stages of life and have very different personalities, but they complement each o…
Dumb Friends League • Denver, CO
Luna
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
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.
