Ziva (Olympia)
Very sweet and smart girl; absolutely LOVES to play and get lots of love. Loves to rough house with other dogs, seems to be potty trained and knows si…
Maumelle Animal Services • Maumelle, AR
Terrier Dogs for Adoption
1,923 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,741–1,770 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 59 of 65
Bear
🐾Meet Bear 🐾 Bear’s journey hasn’t been an easy one, but you’d never know it by meeting him. Bear came into our care with a serious injury that requ…
Hancock County Animal Shelter • New Cumberland, WV
Brownie
🤎🐾 Meet Brownie — a heart worth earning. 🐾🤎 First impressions don’t always tell the whole story, and Brownie is the perfect example. She can seem …
Hancock County Animal Shelter • New Cumberland, WV
Minnie
Minnie is an adorable little pup who already seems to have life all figured out. She is a sweet little girl who instantly falls in love with everyone …
Humane Society of Adams County • West Union, OH
Beauty
At just 10 months old, Beauty is a Terrier mix who truly lives up to her name—inside and out! This big softy is the ultimate people-pleaser and is off…
Humane Society of Adams County • West Union, OH
Maryse (Mx10)
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Monk (Mx10)
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Mono (Mx10)
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Moran(Mx10)
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Menace (Mx10)
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Morris (Mx10)
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Matilda (Mx10)
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Maureen (Mx10)
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Maddie (Mx10)
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Moxley (Mx10)
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Twinkle
Entry: Stray Twinkle is a little star! At just 4 months old, this sweet young pup is all tail wags and charm, ready to dazzle a family. She enjoys get…
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Sparrow
Entry: Stray 8/20 Sparrow- is a sweet, sociable girl that was ready to play! She and M&M had a nice romp then she dialed down nicely for Shyla who has…
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Nick Cannon
Entry: Stray 9/1 🖤🤍MEET NICK CANNON, a 2 year old 34lb heart worm positive terrier mix. He’s a nice small to medium guy with the cutest curly sue ta…
Darlington County Humane Society • Hartsville, SC
Molly
If you’re looking for a loyal companion that thrives on love an adventure, look no further then Molly. Molly is a gorgeous 2 1/2+ year old short haire…
Dog Star Rescue • Bloomfield, CT
Mocha Frappe
Meet Mocha Frappe a sweet and spirited terrier mix with a name as fun as her personality. This black and white beauty has a short coat a medium build …
Dog Star Rescue • Bloomfield, CT
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 • Bloomfield, CT
Chonks
Our boy Chonks will keep you in stitches. He is hilarious and built like a stocky bowling ball and has the gumby playstyle where he constantly wiggles…
Dog Star Rescue • Bloomfield, 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.
