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Shih Tzu Dogs for Adoption
283 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 283 below.
About adopting a Shih Tzu
Bred in Chinese palaces to sit on laps and look elegant, the Shih Tzu has never held a job other than companion. That history produces a dog that is affectionate, a little proud, and content with a quiet indoor life. Shelter Shih Tzus are common, often arriving matted and overdue for grooming after an owner fell ill or moved.
They need only short walks and indoor play, which makes them a fit for apartments and less active households. The coat is the real commitment. Left long, it needs brushing most days and professional grooming on a regular schedule, or it mats painfully. Many adopters keep it clipped short. Puppies can be slow to house train and are easily spoiled. Adults are often already calm, though some carry habits from homes with no rules.
Eyes, teeth, and breathing are the common areas to ask the shelter and your veterinarian about, since the flat face and prominent eyes bring their own quirks. They tend to do well with gentle older children and other small dogs. Because so many arrive with little training, ask the shelter or rescue what this dog has learned so far and how she has behaved around people, other pets, and grooming.
283 Shih Tzu dogs available — page 1 of 10
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Theo
Meet Theo. Estimated to be 3-4 years old, as cute as can be and a total sweetheart. Everyone who has met this boy has commented on what a good boy he …
3 Hearts 4 Paws Animal Rescue • Morganville, NJ
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Luna - All she wants is a quiet home
Meet Luna! ❤️ If your idea of the perfect dog is one who wants to curl up beside you, enjoy a peaceful home, and spend her days taking life at a slowe…
Wag On Inn Rescue • Oakhurst, NJ
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Spider-Man - great puppy power
Meet Spider-Man! ️❤️ Don’t let the superhero name fool you—Spider-Man is actually a sweet, happy little puppy who is still figuring out the world arou…
Wag On Inn Rescue • Oakhurst, NJ
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Coco - A Little Shy, A Lot of Sweet
Meet Coco! Coco is a sweet, handsome little guy who may need a little time to warm up, but once he gets to know you, his happy, playful personality st…
Wag On Inn Rescue • Oakhurst, NJ
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Kushma
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
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Samuel
Samuel is an approximate 2yr old, 25lb, neutered male Shih Tzu mix found as a stray & never claimed , so his history is mostly unknown. Other than wor…
Fairy Tails Rescue, Inc. • Forest Hill, MD
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Colby
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Dolly
Dolly is an almost 11 week old, 2 lb Shih Tzu mix with a bright, bouncy personality and a whole lot of tiny puppy charm! Quick Facts: Name: Dolly Bree…
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
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Jolene
Jolene is an almost 11 week old, 2 lb Shih Tzu mix with a bubbly, curious personality and the sweetest snuggly side! Quick Facts: Name: Jolene Breed: …
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
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Kenny
Kenny is an almost 11‑week‑old, 2‑lb Shih Tzu mix with all the charm, sweetness, and silly puppy energy you could hope for! Quick Facts: Name: Kenny B…
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
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Sugar
Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Lompoc • Lompoc, CA
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Gizmo N
Meet Gizmo A Sweet Little Shih Tzu Mix Ready to Find His Forever Family Breed: Shih Tzu Mix Gender: Male | Age: 09/18/2024 Weight: 13 lbs Good With: D…
Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA
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Roselle
Roselle is as cute and sweet as they come. This little beauty is super adorable, friendly and playful, and will keep you smiling all day long. Roselle…
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
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Peekaboo
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey • Downey, CA
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Midgi
MIDGI NEEDS A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: MIDGI Best Guess for Breed: SHIH TZU Best Guess for Age: 3 YEARS as of Sept. 2026 SEX: female Approxima…
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC
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Maripily in TX
Age: approx 1 1/2 years old Weight: 20 lbs My adoption fee is $ 675 which includes transportation charges to the Northeast. If you serious about adopt…
Small Dog Rescue of New England, Inc • Cranston, RI
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Suzy in TX
Age: approx 1 1/2 years old Weight: 11 lbs My adoption fee is $ 625 which includes transportation charges to the Northeast. If you serious about adopt…
Small Dog Rescue of New England, Inc • Cranston, RI
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Phillip
Phillip is a sweet, affectionate guy who may not look like your typical picture-perfect pup just yet, but spend a little time with him and you'll quic…
REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL
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Georgie
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
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Felix
This little guy FELIX just checks all of the boxes. He is a great playmate companion to another dog as well as a good cuddler to a human. He is great …
Roxy's K-9 Rescue • San Antonio, TX
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Camila
At just 6 pounds, Camila may be tiny, but she has a whole lot of love to give! This itty-bitty girl is looking for her happily ever after with someone…
Recate Fenix aka Rescue Fenix • San Diego, CA
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Flip
Meet Flip!! Flippy is 2 years old and 17lbs. He’s a Shih Tzu who’s had a fresh groom and he’s ready to be adored. Flip is just fine with dogs and woul…
Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH
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Benson and Bailey
Meet Benson & Bailey! These two adorable Shih Tzus are a bonded brother-and-sister duo who were heartbreakingly dumped together in the desert, left al…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
Shih Tzu dogs by state
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Adopting a Shih Tzu — FAQ
Are Shih Tzus easy to house train?
Not especially. Small bladders and a stubborn streak make house training slow for many Shih Tzus, and adult dogs from lax homes may have never learned. Consistency, frequent trips outside, and rewarding success work. Ask the shelter whether this dog is reliable indoors before assuming either way.
How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need?
A lot. A long coat needs brushing most days and a groomer visit on a regular schedule, or it mats down to the skin. A short clip cuts the work to weekly brushing and occasional trims. Eyes and face folds need daily wiping either way. Budget time and money for this.
Do Shih Tzus get along with other pets?
Usually. Most Shih Tzus are sociable with other small dogs and tolerant of cats. They are not built for rough play with large, boisterous dogs and can get hurt. Slow introductions help. The shelter can tell you what this dog has lived with before and how the meetings went.
How do I adopt a Shih Tzu?
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 Shih Tzu dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Many Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu?
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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu?
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.
