Rusty
Meet Rusty! 1.5 year, 8-9 pound old terrier mix. Love to cuddle, will be your best friend and Velcro dog. Gets along great with dogs, is unbothered by…
PA Pit Stop • Shillington, PA
Terrier Dogs for Adoption
1,924 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,891–1,920 of 1,924 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.
1,924 Terrier dogs available — page 64 of 65
Photos coming soon
Aku Aku (Maxey)
Meet Aku Aku! This young pup is full of puppy charm, curiosity, and an endless supply of personality! He’s still discovering the world, which means th…
Animal Care Sanctuary • East Smithfield, PA
Noodle
Meet Noodle, a sweet, gentle Terrier with the perfect balance of playful energy and easygoing charm. He settled into foster life quickly and has prove…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Emmie
This little nugget is Emmie! She is a 1 year old terrier mix and weighs only 28 pounds. She’s a pint sized cutie with a big personality! Emmie is a sw…
Rescue Ridge • Spring Lake, NJ
Blake
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
Sonnet
The is adorable 6-month-old terrier mix is ready to find her home! Sonnet (30 lbs) is just as sweet, with a playful spirit and a love for cozy lap tim…
Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC
Taurus
Birthdate: 05/12/2026Breed: One of a kindWeight: Still growing! Meet the Zodiac Puppies! The stars have aligned to bring you eight adorable puppies, e…
Paws Crossed Animal Rescue Inc. • Elmsford, NY
Marcie
If you're looking for a fun-loving companion with a heart of gold, Marcie is ready to make a splash in your life! This adorable 3-year-old mixed breed…
Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL
Scottie
Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) • Columbus, IN
Gwen
Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) • Columbus, IN
Max
Meet Max! This cute fella is ready to be your playmate! At 1 year old and 55lbs this neutered male Pit/Boxer mix fella is all play and he wants someon…
Alleghany Humane Society • Low Moor, VA
Sage
Meet Sage, a beautiful one-year-old mixed breed with soulful brown eyes, a gentle heart, and so much love waiting to be shared. This sweet girl may be…
Dog Star Rescue • Canton, CT
Libra
Birthdate: 05/12/26Breed: One of a kindWeight: Still growing! Meet the Zodiac Puppies! The stars have aligned to bring you eight adorable puppies, eac…
Paws Crossed Animal Rescue Inc. • Elmsford, NY
Virgo
Birthdate: 05/12/26Breed: One of a kindWeight: Still growing! Meet the Zodiac Puppies! The stars have aligned to bring you eight adorable puppies, eac…
Paws Crossed Animal Rescue Inc. • Elmsford, NY
Horsing Around : Chant
I’m a bouncy, happy-go-lucky pup who loves squeaky toys, sprinting in the grass, and giving puppy kisses. My favorite time of day is anytime you're ar…
Stray Haven Inc • Aurora, IN
Horsing Around : Fonso
I’m a bouncy, happy-go-lucky pup who loves squeaky toys, sprinting in the grass, and giving puppy kisses. My favorite time of day is anytime you're ar…
Stray Haven Inc • Aurora, IN
Olivia
Meet Olivia! This sweet little girl would love nothing more than a person of her own. She loves attention even though she is a little shy at first wit…
Recate Fenix aka Rescue Fenix • San Diego, CA
Millie
Meet Millie, the wonder pup! This young lady is an absolute ray of sunshine, bringing joy and laughter wherever she roams. Millie is an affectionate a…
Bloomingdale Regional Animal Shelter Socety, Inc. • Bloomingdale, NJ
Dot
Sweet girl, pretty laid back. May do well as the only dog, non reactive when around cats.
Stover Animal Rescue, Inc. • Stover, MO
Levi IV (New Digs)
Meet Levi! He is a 3 year old, 40lb, mix of hound/beagle and maybe a little dachshund with a big heart for the people he knows. We originally adopted …
Dallas Pets Alive • Dallas, TX
Tux III (New Digs)
Meet the sweetest boy, Tux. He is a one year old medium sized Black lab and pit mix with so much love and affection to give. Him and his brother were …
Dallas Pets Alive • Dallas, TX
Red (New Digs)
Meet the sweetest boy, Red. He is a one year old medium sized red lab and pit mix with so much love and affection to give. Him and his brother were du…
Dallas Pets Alive • Dallas, TX
Troy
TROY NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Come meet Troy and other great adoptable dogs this Sunday (8/23) from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Silver Spring (12020 Ch…
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC
Ace
Hi! I’m Ace. I’m a super cute and friendly dog looking for a forever home. I’m told I am a very good boy. My history is uncertain , but it is Estimate…
Starfish Animal Rescue • Plainfield, IL
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.
