Boston Terrier Dogs for Adoption

99 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 99 below.

About adopting a Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is an American original, developed in the city it is named for and known for its tuxedo markings and sociable nature. Despite the name, it is not much of a terrier. Bostons are companion dogs, cheerful, adaptable, and fond of people. They reach shelters after housing changes, breathing problems, or the arrival of a baby.

They fit apartments well, needing moderate exercise in the form of walks and play. Heat is dangerous because of the short muzzle, and they should not be exercised hard in summer. Bostons are playful and quick to learn, though some are stubborn about house training. Puppies are busy and mouthy. Adults tend to be easygoing and happy to nap when their people are busy.

Breathing, eyes, kneecaps, and allergies are the topics to ask the shelter and your veterinarian about. The large eyes are prone to injury. Bostons usually do well with kids and other dogs and are gentle with older adults. They dislike long stretches alone and may bark or chew. Ask the shelter or rescue how this dog has coped with being alone, how she breathes on a walk, and what training she has had so far.

99 Boston Terrier dogs available — page 1 of 4

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Photo of Pluto, adoptable Boston Terrier in Aurora, Colorado

Pluto

Boston Terrier MaleSmall3 years

Meet Pluto! A happy little guy, this Boston Terrier loves attention. Pluto has shown interest in toys here at the shelter, likes to jump for attention…

Aurora Animal Care • Aurora, CO

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Photo of Rosey, adoptable Boston Terrier in Unionville, Pennsylvania

Rosey

Boston Terrier FemaleSmall2 years

2 years old. Gentle, calm, very socialized. Great with children, likes to spend time with you and play with toys. Good choice for a family with childr…

Lamancha Animal Rescue • Unionville, PA

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Photo of Moonshine, adoptable Boston Terrier in Forest, Virginia

Moonshine

Boston Terrier MaleMedium1 year

Moonshine should be called Fireball- not because he is spicy, but because he is full of energy! His foster family enjoys watching him zoom around the …

Central Virginia Regional Rescue • Forest, VA

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Photo of Cookie, adoptable Boston Terrier in Claremore, Oklahoma

Cookie

Boston Terrier MaleSmallYoung

Okie Pet Rescue okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include…

Okie Pet Rescue • Claremore, OK

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Photo of Rocky (Rocco), adoptable Boston Terrier in Muskegon, Michigan

Rocky (Rocco)

Boston Terrier MaleMedium4 years

Meet Rocco4-year-old Pug mix who has recently discovered that apparently he is a dog. He’s still processing this information. Rocco spent his previous…

Noah Project • Muskegon, MI

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Photo of Swiss, adoptable Boston Terrier in Chicago, Illinois

Swiss

Boston Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Pal's Place recently rescued two of the sweetest, cutest, and most lovable little nuggets in town, and they're now looking for loving forever families…

Pal's Place Foundation • Chicago, IL

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Photo of Colby, adoptable Boston Terrier in Chicago, Illinois

Colby

Boston Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Pal's Place recently rescued two of the sweetest, cutest, and most lovable little nuggets in town, and they're now looking for loving forever families…

Pal's Place Foundation • Chicago, IL

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Photo of Jax Walter, adoptable Boston Terrier in Spring Lake, North Carolina

Jax Walter

Boston Terrier MaleMedium0 years

Jax Walter is a 3 month old, 8lb Boston Terrier mix with the sweetest blend of cuddly charm and playful puppy curiosity! Quick Facts: Name: Jax Walter…

CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC

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Photo of Floki, adoptable Boston Terrier in Monticello, New Jersey

Floki

Boston Terrier MaleSmall2 years

Hi! I’m Floki! I’m a 2-year-old Boston Terrier, and I’m still getting my little paws under me here at CH Boxer Rescue. I’m SUPER loving and playful wi…

Chelsea's Hope Boxer Rescue • Monticello, NJ

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Photo of Jolene, adoptable Boston Terrier in Steeleville, Illinois

Jolene

Boston Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

D2026-185 JOLENE – A LITTLE SWEET, A LITTLE SPICY, AND READY FOR ADVENTURE! Meet Jolene, a 8-month-old spayed female Boston Terrier mix… we think. Her…

Randolph County Humane Society • Steeleville, IL

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Photo of Carl Dean, adoptable Boston Terrier in Steeleville, Illinois

Carl Dean

Boston Terrier MaleMedium0 years

D2026-186 CARL DEAN – LOOKING FOR HIS FOREVER BACKSTAGE CREW! Meet Carl Dean, a 8-month-old Boston Terrier mix… we think. His DNA apparently decided t…

Randolph County Humane Society • Steeleville, IL

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Photo of Dolly, adoptable Boston Terrier in Steeleville, Illinois

Dolly

Boston Terrier FemaleMedium0 years

D2026-187 DOLLY – THE PERFECT BLEND OF SWEET & SPICY! If Carl Dean and Jolene had a sister who decided to take the best parts of both personalities, y…

Randolph County Humane Society • Steeleville, IL

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Photo of Poseidon, adoptable Boston Terrier in Yardley, Pennsylvania

Poseidon

Boston Terrier Male1 year

A Boston Terrier mix with a great personality, 1 year old Poseidon is terrific to have around. He’s not a big boy, only 14 pounds, so families with sm…

Crossing Paths Animal Rescue • Yardley, PA

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Photo of Zeus, adoptable Boston Terrier in Yardley, Pennsylvania

Zeus

Boston Terrier MaleYoung

Zeus is a 1 ½ year old Boston Terrier mix with a true delight in life! He loves people as well as other dogs, and he revels in playing with any dog or…

Crossing Paths Animal Rescue • Yardley, PA

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Photo of Coco, adoptable Boston Terrier in Little Elm, Texas

Coco

Boston Terrier Female3 years

Coco is a beautiful Boston Terrier (possibly a mix) with a loving heart and a zest for life that's impossible to resist. At approximately 3 years old,…

American Boston Terrier Rescue • Little Elm, TX

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Photo of Wilbur, adoptable Boston Terrier in Locust Grove, Georgia

Wilbur

Boston Terrier MaleMedium3 years

Wilbur will be ready after his neuter. We are taking pre-adoption applications at this time. This is one sweet boy. Adoptions are generally limited to…

Street Paws • Locust Grove, GA

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Photo of Turnip, adoptable Boston Terrier in Mundelein, Illinois

Turnip

Boston Terrier MaleSmallYoung

Turnip’s story is one of the most incredible transformations we’ve seen. Turnip came into rescue alongside Rhubarb after suffering from one of the wor…

REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL

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Photo of Lilly, adoptable Boston Terrier in Little Elm, Texas

Lilly

Boston Terrier Female0 years

Meet Lilly – A Little Puppy with a Big Heart If you’re looking for a puppy who will fill your home with joy, love, and nonstop smiles—Lilly just might…

American Boston Terrier Rescue • Little Elm, TX

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Photo of Doodle, adoptable Boston Terrier in Plano, Texas

Doodle

Boston Terrier Female0 years

Hi, I’m Doodle! I’m a 3‑month‑old female Boston Terrier mix gal with a soft heart, a playful spirit, and the sweetest snuggles you could ask for. I lo…

Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas • Plano, TX

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Photo of Beans, adoptable Boston Terrier in Plano, Texas

Beans

Boston Terrier Male0 years

Hi, I’m Beans! I’m a 3‑month‑old Boston Terrier mix boy with a big heart, a soft snuggle‑spot, and a whole lot of puppy charm. I love playing with my …

Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas • Plano, TX

Adopting a Boston Terrier — FAQ

Are Boston Terriers good apartment dogs?

Yes. They are small, quiet compared with many breeds, and content with moderate exercise. A couple of walks and indoor play suit them. They do need company and may struggle if left alone all day. Ask the shelter how this dog has handled alone time so far.

Do Boston Terriers have breathing problems?

Many do, to varying degrees. The short muzzle makes snoring common and can cause labored breathing in heat or during hard exercise. Ask the shelter for any medical history and have your veterinarian check the airway early. Keep walks short in hot weather and skip them entirely on the worst days.

Are Boston Terriers good with children?

Usually. Bostons are playful, sturdy for their size, and tolerant of kids. They enjoy fetch and games. Children should be taught to avoid the eyes, which are easily injured. Ask the shelter whether this particular dog has lived with children before.

How do I adopt a Boston 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 Boston Terrier dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?

Many Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston Terrier instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Boston 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 Boston 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.