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Gigi
Meet Gigi! Gigi is a 4-month-old Terrier mix who is as sweet as they come! This little girl is surprisingly calm and gentle for a puppy, making her an…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
Terrier Dogs for Adoption
1,931 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 151–180 of 1,931 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.
1,931 Terrier dogs available — page 6 of 65
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Monkey
Meet Monkey! Monkey is a 3–3½-month-old Terrier mix weighing around 7–8 pounds, and he’s one seriously sweet little guy! Monkey and his brother, Buste…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
At Risk
Buster
Meet Buster! Buster is an adorable 3–3½-month-old little mystery mix who may have some Terrier, Pug, Spaniel… and who knows what else! Whatever he is,…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
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Crunchy
MEET CRUNCHY — A LITTLE SURVIVOR Crunchy’s life had a very difficult beginning. When he was less than 2 months old, he was attacked by a much bigger d…
Trinity GAP Club • Euless, TX
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Tito
Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA
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Tuco
Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA
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Sully
Meet Sully! He is 1 of 6 puppies that came to us from Alabama. We are very uncertain as to their breed composition. They might have terrier, hound or …
Homeward Bound Animal Rescue • Mechanicsburg, PA
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Shiloh
Meet Shiloh! He is 1 of 6 puppies that came to us from Alabama. We are very uncertain as to their breed composition. They might have terrier, hound or…
Homeward Bound Animal Rescue • Mechanicsburg, PA
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Sawyer
Meet Sawyer! He is 1 of 6 puppies that came to us from Alabama. We are very uncertain as to their breed composition. They might have terrier, hound or…
Homeward Bound Animal Rescue • Mechanicsburg, PA
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Sylvia
Meet Sylvia! She is 1 of 6 puppies that came to us from Alabama. We are very uncertain as to their breed composition. They might have terrier, hound o…
Homeward Bound Animal Rescue • Mechanicsburg, PA
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Atlas
ATLAS! Looking for a fun-loving, adventurous companion with serious training credentials? Meet Atlas! At 11 months old, this goofy, energetic pup has …
Maybel's Legacy • Dorr, MI
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Arnold-Fozzy
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
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Elton
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Shammy
If you are interested in adopting this dog, please complete an online application at www.cvrr.us Due to high demand we anticipate multiple application…
Central Valley Rescue Railroad • Lindsay, CA
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Norman
Meet Norman: Your Future Shadow, Professional Snuggler, and Certified Foodie! Are you looking for a loyal sidekick who will follow you everywhere, lov…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Bernie
Here we have an adorable Terrier mix named Bernie! He’s between 2 and 4 years old, weighs about 12 pounds, and, of course, each of those pounds is fil…
Crossing Paths Animal Rescue • Yardley, PA
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Harry
Meet Harry! He is a good traveler. Settles and doesn't make a peep. He isn't a fan of his crate but has learned to go in and doesn't fuss. He is start…
Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC
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Billy Ray
Billy Ray is finally learning that people are good. This handsome guy LOVES other dogs and his people. Billy Ray came from a home where he lived in a …
Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc • 133 Hilltop Rd Sprakers NY 12166, NY
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Anna
Anna is a sweet young lady who has already had a rough go of things. She was abandoned in an apartment that provided no safe clean space for a dog to …
Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc • 133 Hilltop Rd Sprakers NY 12166, NY
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Bakersfield Animal Care Center • Bakersfield, CA
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Bakersfield Animal Care Center • Bakersfield, CA
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.
