Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,926 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,591–1,620 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 54 of 65

Photo of Ollie, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Ollie

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Olly, Olly… Oxen Free! …because Ollie is ready to come out and find his forever family! At just 6 months old and 32 pounds, Ollie is all smiles, waggi…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

Photo of Tayla, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Tayla

Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

Meet Tayla — beauty, sweetness, and quiet grace Tayla is a 1-year-old, 43 lb beauty with the softest eyes and the gentlest soul. While so many dogs ba…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

Photo of Grape, adoptable Terrier in Liverpool, New York

Grape

Terrier MaleMediumYoung

Meet Grape -- Your New Best Friend! Looking for a loyal, loving companion? Meet Grape, a handsome, young mixed breed boy weighing just around 30 pound…

Humane Association of CNY • Liverpool, NY

Photo of The M Litter: Marley, adoptable Terrier in Omaha, Nebraska

The M Litter: Marley

Terrier MaleLargeBaby

Meet Marley, born 03/06/2026, also known as Marley Boy, Marley Bone, and occasionally “Sir, Are Those Ears Just for Decoration?” Marley is one of thos…

Bullies-N-Beyond ResQ Inc • Omaha, NE

Photo of Jeremy, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Jeremy

Terrier MaleMediumYoung

Meet Jeremy This handsome, happy boy is ready to hop right into your heart this spring! Jeremy is about 1 year old, full of life, and bursting with jo…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

Photo of Bruno, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Bruno

Terrier MaleMedium1 year

Meet Bruno Bruno is a 1-year-old, 53-lb sweetheart who gets along GREAT with other dogs! He is currently in a foster home with two other dogs and LOVE…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

Photo of Sissy, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Sissy

Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

This sweet 1-year-old, 37-pound mix is full of love, resilience, and playful energy. Sissy is house trained with regular outings and keeps her crate c…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

Photo of Gally, adoptable Terrier in Phoenix, Arizona

Gally

Terrier MaleSmallBaby

Hi! My name is Gally from the Maze Runner Litter! I was brought to ATR 7/30/26 while my mom is on Mutternity Leave. Now, we have a safe and loving pla…

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue • Phoenix, AZ

Photo of Minho, adoptable Terrier in Phoenix, Arizona

Minho

Terrier MaleSmallBaby

Hi! My name is Minho from the Maze Runner Litter! I was brought to ATR 7/30/26 while my mom is on Mutternity Leave. Now, we have a safe and loving pla…

Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue • Phoenix, AZ

Photo of Coco, adoptable Terrier in Willingboro, New Jersey

Coco

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Meet the cutest little girl, Coco! Coco came to us from a shelter and is now thriving in her foster home. She is approximately 12 pounds and almost 3 …

Burlington County Animal Alliance • Willingboro, NJ

Photo of Sodoku, adoptable Terrier in Hillside, Illinois

Sodoku

Terrier FemaleBaby

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

Photo of Nicolas, adoptable Terrier in Dorr, Michigan

Nicolas

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Meet Nicolas: A Gentle Soul Searching for Safety and PatienceThis handsome tri-color boy is Nicolas, the fourth pup from mama Nellie’s litter. Life un…

Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI

Photo of Nelson, adoptable Terrier in Dorr, Michigan

Nelson

Terrier MaleMediumBaby

Meet Nelson: A Brave Boy Ready for His Next Adventure! This handsome little guy is Nelson, one of mama Nellie’s 9-week-old pups! Born under an abandon…

Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI

Photo of Hendrix, adoptable Terrier in Mooresville, North Carolina

Hendrix

Terrier MaleSmall2 years

Meet Hendrix! Hendrix is a sweet 2-year-old Terrier who is learning how to just be a dog! So many things were new to him when he arrived in foster car…

Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC

Photo of Miles, adoptable Terrier in Mooresville, North Carolina

Miles

Terrier MaleSmallBaby

Miles is just as sweet as he is cute! He loves to cozy up and give kisses, and is always keeping an eye on what’s going on around him. He loves to pla…

Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC

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.