Your guide to finding and caring for a Terrier in Indianola
Meet your next Terrier mix
F, 3 y., 3 miles
Terrier, Mixed Breed
F, 12 y., 20 miles
Shar-Pei, Terrier
M, 3-7 y., 24 miles
Terrier
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 24 miles
Terrier
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 24 miles
Terrier
F, 0-6 mo., 24 miles
Terrier, Chihuahua
M, 0-6 mo., 24 miles
Terrier, Chihuahua
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 24 miles
Terrier
F, 0-6 mo., 24 miles
Terrier
M, 3-7 y., 24 miles
Terrier, Border Collie
Terrier is a type of dog rather than a single breed. The name comes from the Latin terra, meaning earth, because these dogs were developed to hunt rats, foxes and other vermin, often by digging into burrows. Dozens of breeds share the label, from tiny Yorkshire Terriers to the much larger Airedale, and shelters use it for dogs that look terrier-like but have uncertain ancestry, often mixes of Jack Russell, Rat, Cairn, Schnauzer or Chihuahua lines.
Most adoptable terriers are small to medium dogs with wiry or smooth coats and a lively, confident outlook. Many are affectionate and loyal companions with big personalities, though common terrier habits include barking, digging, chasing small animals and a determined, independent streak. An individual dog's size, coat and energy depend on its ancestry, so a shelter's notes and a meeting say more than the label.
Having a Terrier in Indianola
Because terrier covers many breeds and mixes, these cards describe the tendencies most adoptable terriers share: plucky confidence, quick minds, strong prey drive and plenty of energy. A particular dog's ancestry, age and history will shape how strongly each trait shows.
Terriers are often bold, lively and affectionate, with a strong sense of their own opinions. Many bond closely with their people and make alert watchdogs. Prey drive is common, so some chase cats or small pets, and certain types can be scrappy with other dogs. Patient, reward-based training and early socialization help channel that spirit.
Most terriers need more activity than their size suggests: daily walks plus games of fetch, tug or chase. Scent work, digging boxes, agility and puzzle toys use the problem-solving drive they were bred for. Working types like Jack Russell mixes often need the most, while some short-legged and older terriers are content with less.
Health depends on the terrier type, but small terriers commonly face dental disease, kneecap luxation, allergies and skin problems, and some lines carry eye conditions or Legg-Calve-Perthes disease of the hip. Many terriers are long-lived. Regular dental care, a lean weight and routine veterinary checkups matter.
Small terriers often adapt well to apartments when they get daily exercise and attention, while larger or high-drive types may enjoy a fenced yard. Fences should be secure and dig-proof, since many terriers tunnel. Barking can be an issue in shared buildings, so early training helps. Most prefer living indoors close to their people.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fee | $250, one time | $250 in year one |
| Food | $20 to $45 per month | $240 to $540 |
| Pet insurance | $35 to $70 per month | $420 to $840 |
| Routine vet care | $200 to $400 per year | $200 to $400 |
| Other* | $390 to $1,290 per year | $390 to $1,290 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,250 to $3,070 | |
| First-year total (with adoption fee) | $1,500 to $3,320 | |
Adoption fee is the fee on Terrier listings in Indianola on GetBuddy today. Other costs are national averages for Terriers; we don't have costs specific to Indianola yet.
* Flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, a dog license, toys and bedding, and brushing or occasional grooming; costs vary with the individual dog's size and coat, and license fees vary by city.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Terriers available.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Indianola area where you can find Terriers and other dogs available for adoption.
A terrier is a type of dog originally bred to hunt vermin such as rats, rabbits and foxes, often by going into burrows after them. The group includes dozens of breeds of many sizes, from Yorkshire Terriers to Airedales. Shelters also label terrier-looking mixed-breed dogs as terriers. Most share a bold, energetic, tenacious temperament and strong prey drive.
Terrier means earth dog. The word comes from the Old French chien terrier and ultimately the Latin terra, meaning earth or ground. It refers to the job these dogs were developed for: digging into the earth and going underground to find and bolt foxes, badgers, rats and other burrowing animals. The name stuck to the whole family of breeds.
Terriers vary widely in appearance, but many share a compact, sturdy body, a keen, alert expression and a coat that is either wiry or short and smooth. Some have short legs, like Cairns and Scotties, while others are leggy, like Fox Terriers. Ears may be upright or folded. Coats commonly come in white, tan, black, wheaten and combinations.
Terriers were bred to hunt and kill vermin such as rats, mice, rabbits, foxes and badgers. Working types followed prey into burrows or dug them out, while others guarded farms and stables against rodents. Some later types, including bull-and-terrier breeds, were developed from crosses with bulldogs. That background explains the digging, chasing, barking and fearless attitude many terriers show today.
A dog is called a terrier because of its breed type and original purpose: hunting vermin, often underground. Recognized terrier breeds belong to the terrier group of kennel clubs, and they usually share traits such as tenacity, high energy, strong prey drive and a wiry or smooth weatherproof coat. In shelters, terrier is also used for mixes that look terrier-like.
Terriers range from about 6 pounds for the smallest toy types to around 50 to 70 pounds for the Airedale, the largest of the classic terriers. Most adoptable terriers and terrier mixes are small to medium dogs, weighing roughly 10 to 35 pounds and standing about 10 to 18 inches at the shoulder. Ancestry determines how big a particular mix gets.
Yes, terriers are generally smart dogs. They were bred to work independently, solving problems underground without a handler's direction, so many are quick learners and clever at finding ways around rules. That independence can look like stubbornness during training. Short, fun, reward-based sessions and puzzle games tend to bring out the best in a terrier's intelligence.
Terriers are known for their bold, feisty and energetic personalities. Many are fearless out of proportion to their size, with strong prey drive, a love of digging and a tendency to bark. They are also known for loyalty and affection toward their people. The phrase terrier temperament usually means a dog that is plucky, determined and full of opinions.
Most terriers are small dogs, but not all. Many popular breeds such as Jack Russell, Cairn, Norwich, Border and Yorkshire Terriers weigh under 20 pounds. Others are medium-sized, including Wheaten, Staffordshire Bull and Bull Terriers, and the Airedale is a large dog. Most terrier mixes found in shelters fall in the small to medium range.
We have 1 rescue with Terriers available: Forever Home Dog Rescue. You can see every rescue with Terriers available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Terriers near Indianola.
Expand your search to find Terriers available for adoption near Indianola.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other dogs available for adoption in Indianola.
