Carl (in Foster)
Louisiana SPCA • New Orleans, LA
Terrier Dogs for Adoption
1,923 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,711–1,740 of 1,923 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.
1,923 Terrier dogs available — page 58 of 65
Leah
Capital Area Animal Welfare Society • Baton Rouge, LA
Ivy
Personality: playful, affectionate Breed: terrier mix Age: est DOB 3/31/26 Weight: Sex: female Very friendly Settles quickly in her crate Loves…
Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA
Orchid
Orchid is such an amazing Babygirl! She's never met a stranger everyone is her friend. She instantly melts into your arms wanting a belly rub. She lea…
Last Chance Animal Rescue • Holbrook, NY
Harper
Est DOB: 02/26/26 Current weight: 18lbs Harper is a sweet pup who loves people. She is in a foster home with other dogs and does well with all of them…
Almost Home Pet Rescue • Katy, TX
Pen Vc 13 Lowell
Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement • Lawrenceville, GA
Sugar
Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement • Lawrenceville, GA
C Barney
Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement • Lawrenceville, GA
Zuri
Meet Zuri, the sweetest little soul with the biggest heart. This “melty” girl will happily melt right into your arms the moment you pick her up, and a…
Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) • Columbus, IN
Onyx
ADOPT Onyx and enjoy your summer with a little extra fun fun fun!. This stunning one-year-old brindle beauty has mesmerizing gray eyes and a personali…
One Love Animal Rescue • Mount Laurel, NJ
Tinkerbell
TINKERBELL NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Tinkerbell and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (09/06) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Alexandria…
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC
Hope
Hope's story began on a freezing winter night in Kentucky. During an ice storm, she was left tied to a gas pump and abandoned in the cold. Thankfully,…
Starfish Animal Rescue • Plainfield, IL
Trixie
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
Scruffy
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Wallaby
Notes from my adventure buddies and foster friends:`Timid at first. Then very hyperactive, still timid towards strangers. Loves chasing balls. Good in…
Orange County Animal Services • Chapel Hill, NC
Foxy Brown
Humane Society of Imperial Valley • El Centro, CA
Gillian
Please go to our website for all specific information about this dog. Our info doesn't transfer over to the adoption sites. This dog came to us via an…
Collar of Hope • Olalla, WA
Nanook
Meet Nanook, the girl with a wild spirit and tender heart! At 5 years old and 40 pounds, Nanook is a striking girl with bright eyes and a personality …
Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society (CLASS) • Canyon Lake, TX
Lily
Meet Lily, the pup with little legs ready for adventure! At just 20 pounds and 1 year old, Lily is the perfect sized Dachshund mix and an absolute joy…
Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society (CLASS) • Canyon Lake, TX
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.
