Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,926 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,561–1,590 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 53 of 65

Photo of A165042, adoptable Terrier in Corona, California

A165042

Terrier FemaleSmall0 years

Eligible for FOSTER to Corona resident only on 8/22/26 if not reclaimed by owner.

Corona Animal Services • Corona, CA

Photo of Stella, adoptable Terrier in Waverly, Tennessee

Stella

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

Stella came to us as a puppy and was later accepted by a rescue in Wisconsin. She was quickly adopted and stayed with her family for several months. S…

Humphreys County Humane Society • Waverly, TN

Photo of Cooper, adoptable Terrier/Mix in Raeford, North Carolina

Cooper

Terrier/Mix Male2 years

Wanted: to meet my furever family. Are you looking to open your home to a new pet? Learn more about this pet and others near you looking to find their…

Hoke County Animal Control & Shelter • Raeford, NC

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

Willow (Eras Litter)

Terrier FemaleSmallBaby

Meet Willow! Life was a willow and it apparently bent itself into the shape of one ridiculously cute scruffy puppy. Willow is one of seven babies in o…

Perfectly Imperfect Pups • Raleigh, NC

Photo of Betty, adoptable Terrier in Raleigh, North Carolina

Betty

Terrier FemaleSmallBaby

Meet Betty! We would very much like to know if Taylor Swift's Betty was this freaking adorable. Our Betty is one of seven puppies in the Eras Litter, …

Perfectly Imperfect Pups • Raleigh, NC

Photo of August, adoptable Terrier in Raleigh, North Carolina

August

Terrier MaleSmallBaby

Meet August! There may be nothing better than August... unless it's August with four stubby little legs and a scruffy terrier face. August is part of …

Perfectly Imperfect Pups • Raleigh, NC

Photo of Daisy, adoptable Terrier in Wetumpka, Alabama

Daisy

Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

ADOPTION APPLICATION: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html . We respond via email to your apps so please add hselco@bellsou…

The Humane Society of Elmore County • Wetumpka, AL

Photo of Asha, adoptable Terrier in Tarboro, North Carolina

Asha

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

Edgecombe County Animal Shelter is open Mon-Fri 1:30-4:30. The adoption fee is $40 for dogs and cats. This is a mandatory spay/neuter shelter. Options…

Edgecombe County Animal Shelter • Tarboro, NC

Photo of Twix, adoptable Terrier in St. Augustine, Florida

Twix

Terrier FemaleBaby

Meet Twix! Twix is part of our adorable candy bar litter! Her mama is a small mixed breed who was found very pregnant by a kind person who brought her…

Ayla's Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue • St. Augustine, FL

Photo of Palmer, adoptable Terrier in Mesa, Arizona

Palmer

Terrier MaleBaby

Available for Adoption: Meet Palmer!! Palmer came to us as a stray. Unfortunately he was not microchipped. He is a fun, happy, bubbly little guy with …

Ghost Town Dog Rescue • Mesa, AZ

Photo of Stella, adoptable Terrier in Dorr, Michigan

Stella

Terrier FemaleMediumBaby

Meet Stella! Stella is a 9-week-old, 6-pound bundle of cuddles! This adorable little girl is a small mixed breed with a big personality packed into he…

Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI

Photo of Nova, adoptable Terrier in Dorr, Michigan

Nova

Terrier FemaleMediumBaby

Meet Nova! Nova is 9 weeks old and a tiny little mixed-breed sweetheart! This adorable girl is the perfect combination ofsweet, gentle, curious, and c…

Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI

Photo of Artie, adoptable Terrier in Berlin, New Jersey

Artie

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Meet Artie ❤️ the runt This adorable 6 week old 2lb terrier mix is searching for his forever home. He will be small-medium sized. Artie will be ready …

All Mutts Matter Rescue • Berlin, NJ

Photo of Vitani, adoptable Terrier in Dorr, Michigan

Vitani

Terrier FemaleMediumBaby

Meet Vitani! Vitani is a precious 9-week-old puppy from our adorable Lion King litter, and she just happens to be the smallest of the six! Don’t let h…

Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI

Photo of Kiara, adoptable Terrier in Dorr, Michigan

Kiara

Terrier FemaleMediumBaby

Hi! My name is Kiara and I'm part of the Lion King litter. I'm about 10 weeks old right now and I'm super cute. I'm still developing my personality bu…

Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI

Photo of Reggie, adoptable Terrier in Brewster, New York

Reggie

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Name: Reggie*Age: approx DOB 6/25/26*Current Weight: 7.5 lbs *Adoption fee: $550 (plus $150 spay/neuter deposit, see below for more information)Meet R…

SNARR Northeast Animal Rescue • Brewster, NY

Photo of The M Litter; Maeve, adoptable Terrier in Omaha, Nebraska

The M Litter; Maeve

Terrier FemaleLargeBaby

Meet Maeve, born 3/06/26, a confident little firecracker with a brilliant mind and a personality far bigger than her tiny puppy body. Maeve is the kin…

Bullies-N-Beyond ResQ Inc • Omaha, NE

Photo of Fizzy, adoptable Terrier in Mundelein, Illinois

Fizzy

Terrier FemaleSmallBaby

Fizzy is full of fizz and fun! She has plenty of energy and loves to play, especially with other dogs who can keep up with her! She’s also a total cud…

REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL

Photo of Whimsey, adoptable Terrier in North Fort Myers, Florida

Whimsey

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

Say hello to Whimsey, this precious girl came to ARC from Lee County Domestic Animal Services, along with two other dogs, due to space limitations. No…

Animal Refuge Center • North Fort Myers, FL

Photo of Olive Oyl, adoptable Terrier in Maryville, Tennessee

Olive Oyl

Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Olive Oyl: Built for Adventure, Fueled by Fun Olive Oyl is a 2-year-old Pointer mix with one speed: full send. Whether she's racing through the yard w…

Maryville Alcoa Animal Rescue Center • Maryville, TN

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.