Terrier Dogs for Adoption

1,931 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 181–210 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 7 of 65

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Photo of Draco, adoptable Terrier in Muskegon, Michigan

Draco

Terrier MaleSmallYoung

MEET DRACO! Draco is just 1½ years old, and this sweet, energetic boy is ready to find a family to call his own! ❤️Draco is a total sweetheart who lov…

Noah Project • Muskegon, MI

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Photo of Charlotte of Wales, adoptable Terrier in Evansville, Indiana

Charlotte of Wales

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

Currently located at our Owensboro, KY location Can you open your heart and home to this adorable rescue dog? Fostering is a rewarding experience that…

It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue • Evansville, IN

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Photo of Hector, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Hector

Terrier MaleMediumYoung

We’re still getting to know this sweet pup and will share more soon! For now, Hector is looking for someone willing to give them a chance and help the…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Paula, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Paula

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

We’re still getting to know this sweet pup and will share more soon! For now, Paula is looking for someone willing to give them a chance and help them…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Hope, adoptable Terrier in PIPE CREEK, Texas

Hope

Terrier FemaleMedium3 years

This dog is in a foster home in San Antonio, TX. Prospective adopters must be able to travel to San Antonio to complete the adoption process. Please a…

San Antonio Great Dane Rescue • PIPE CREEK, TX

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Photo of Mickey, adoptable Terrier in Plainfield, Illinois

Mickey

Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Meet Mickey! Mickey is a 13-week-old terrier mix boy (born mid-June 2026) with a sweet and playful spirit that's just beginning to shine. He spent his…

Starfish Animal Rescue • Plainfield, IL

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Photo of Virginia, adoptable Terrier in Plainfield, Illinois

Virginia

Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

Meet Virginia! Virginia made the journey from Kentucky and landed foster home where she is getting to learn the ropes and has lots of people and anima…

Starfish Animal Rescue • Plainfield, IL

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Photo of Carlsbad Caverns, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Carlsbad Caverns

Terrier MaleBaby

Meet Carlsbad Caverns! He was born around 6/13/26 and came to MPR with his 6 siblings. On 9/2, he weighed 15.2 pounds and will likely be on the larger…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Joshua Tree, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Joshua Tree

Terrier MaleBaby

Meet Joshua Tree! He was born around 6/13/26 and came to MPR with his 6 siblings. On 9/2, he weighed 15 pounds and will likely be on the larger side w…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Mesa Verde, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Mesa Verde

Terrier FemaleBaby

Meet Mesa Verde! She was born around 6/13/26 and came to MPR with her 6 siblings. On 9/2, she weighed 12.3 pounds and will likely be on the larger sid…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Gandalf, adoptable Terrier in Candler, North Carolina

Gandalf

Terrier MaleBaby

Meet Gandalf! He was born around 6/13/26 and came to MPR with his 6 siblings. On 9/2, he weighed 15.8 pounds and will likely be on the larger side whe…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

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Photo of Bella, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Bella

Terrier FemaleMedium1 year

Meet Bella, a sweet 1-year-old girl whose name couldn’t be more fitting. “Bella” means beautiful—and this girl is every bit as beautiful on the inside…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Phoebe, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Phoebe

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

PHOEBE — Because when it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year… She’ll be there for you. If you’ve ever watched Friends, you …

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Creed, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Creed

Terrier MaleLarge2 years

Someone cropped his ears. Someone cropped his tail. We don’t know what Creed’s life looked like before the shelter—but they couldn’t take away his swe…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Eric, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Eric

Terrier MaleMedium5 years

Our Eric may not sail the seas like the prince from The Little Mermaid, but this 5-year-old, 41-pound handsome fellow has plenty of charm of his own. …

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Nyla, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Nyla

Terrier FemaleMedium4 years

Nyla is 4 years old, 47 lbs, and absolutely one of a kind. She has the coolest scruffy shepherd-mix look, but it’s those stunning golden-brown eyes th…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Vivi, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Vivi

Terrier FemaleMediumYoung

With her adorable speckled little feet, bright eyes, and constantly wagging tail, Vivi is impossible not to smile at. She’s sweet, friendly, and eager…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Rosie, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Rosie

Terrier FemaleLarge6 years

Rosie is 47 pounds of confidence, personality, and one seriously contagious smile! This 6-year-old girl knows who she is and isn’t afraid to show it. …

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Ramsey, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Ramsey

Terrier MaleMediumYoung

This 10-month-old, 32 lb butterball is basically a little cuddle bug wrapped in a shiny black coat. Ramsey is sweet, affectionate, precious, and ridic…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Macey, adoptable Terrier in Abbeville, Louisiana

Macey

Terrier FemaleLarge1 year

At just 1 year old and 46 lbs, Macey is a beautiful young girl who’s still trying to figure out why she’s in a shelter. Everything is new and a little…

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area • Abbeville, LA

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Photo of Lennox, adoptable Terrier in PIPE CREEK, Texas

Lennox

Terrier MaleSmall1 year

This dog is in a foster home in San Antonio, TX. Prospective adopters must be able to travel to San Antonio to complete the adoption process. Please a…

San Antonio Great Dane Rescue • PIPE CREEK, TX

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Photo of Liam, adoptable Terrier in PIPE CREEK, Texas

Liam

Terrier MaleSmallYoung

This dog is in a foster home in San Antonio, TX. Prospective adopters must be able to travel to San Antonio to complete the adoption process. Please a…

San Antonio Great Dane Rescue • PIPE CREEK, TX

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Photo of Lena, adoptable Terrier in PIPE CREEK, Texas

Lena

Terrier FemaleSmall1 year

This dog is in a foster home in San Antonio, TX. Prospective adopters must be able to travel to San Antonio to complete the adoption process. Please a…

San Antonio Great Dane Rescue • PIPE CREEK, TX

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Photo of Harper, adoptable Terrier in PIPE CREEK, Texas

Harper

Terrier FemaleSmall3 years

This dog is in a foster home in San Antonio, TX. Prospective adopters must be able to travel to San Antonio to complete the adoption process. Please a…

San Antonio Great Dane Rescue • PIPE CREEK, TX

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.