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Shih Tzu Ace
HELP US HELP ACE!! EXPERIENCED SHIH TZU ADOPTER OR FOSTER NEEDED ASAP!! Poor Ace found himself abandoned and all alone in a rural middle Tennessee com…
Critter Cavalry Rescue • Franklin, TN
Shih Tzu Dogs for Adoption
285 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 91–120 of 285 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.
285 Shih Tzu dogs available — page 4 of 10
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Bug
Meet Bug, the tiny warrior with a heart much bigger than his 8.5 lb frame. Life hasn’t been kind to him. He’s only 6 years old and still has so much t…
Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA
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Poppy
No Longer Accepting Applications *** We’ve had sweet Judy with us for a few weeks now and had no idea she came to us pregnant. Judy let us know in the…
4 Paws Dog Rescue • Newfield, NJ
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Glinda
No Longer Accepting Applications *** We’ve had sweet Judy with us for a few weeks now and had no idea she came to us pregnant. Judy let us know in the…
4 Paws Dog Rescue • Newfield, NJ
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Toto
No Longer Accepting Applications *** We’ve had sweet Judy with us for a few weeks now and had no idea she came to us pregnant. Judy let us know in the…
4 Paws Dog Rescue • Newfield, NJ
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Pearce
Meet Pearce! Pearce was found wandering alone through orchards and country roads in heartbreaking condition. His coat was severely overgrown and painf…
PAW Estate Rescue and Shelter Inc • Visalia, CA
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Mia - OS
Hello, my name is Mia! If you're looking for a sweet little companion who is blossoming more every day, I just might be your girl! Since coming into r…
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Pataskala, OH
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Teddy & Bear 2
Meet Teddy & Bear Sugar and Spice and everything nice. These adorable 8-month-old Shih Tzu mixes are a bonded pair looking for a forever home together…
4 Lucky Dogs Pet Rescue, Inc. • Valrico, FL
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Dove-ARR
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Pataskala, OH
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Tyler
Tyler has sweetness, youthful energy, calmness, and joyfulness all in just the right amounts. He is totally adorable in both personality and looks. Ty…
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
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Jovie-ARR
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Pataskala, OH
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Rock
01-21-2026 THIS GUY IS STILL LOOKING FOR A HOME, HE IS A WONDERFUL AND WELL-BEHAVED DOG. THANK YOU. This stunning, smiling little guy is ROCK. Maybe I…
Roxy's K-9 Rescue • San Antonio, TX
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Stanley
Backstory for Stanley Stanley found himself in an overcapacity animal control facility that euthanizes due to lack of space. He was abandoned at a "fr…
Animal Saints Rescue Society • Fort Montgomery, NY
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Fuji
Fuji is a gorgeous Shih Tzu, about 8 1/2 years old and 15 pounds. Despite his adorable looks, Fuji has been waiting for his angel for a very long time…
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
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Callie & Molly
Callie and Molly are the sweetest girls ever!! Molly LOVES to play and run around and both love to soak up attention. Molly is 7 and Callie is 4 :) Th…
2nd Chance 4 Life • Elizabethtown, PA
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Lucy
Lucy is a female Shih Tzu. 2 year old , sweet dog One blue eye and one brown eye. Gets along with dogs, and cats and all people . 13 lbs 2 year old Sp…
Paws 4 You Rescue • Miami, FL
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Kiwi HOLD
Kiwi was born 5/30/25. She is sweet and sassy, a perfect little girl! She is friendly and social with everyone. She likes playing with her toys. She i…
East Coast Humane Society Inc. • Cumming, GA
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TANK the man
This stout short & stocky guy reminds me of a heavy and strong TANK so that is what I named him. He is 35 pounds and a medium-small dog that is 5 year…
Roxy's K-9 Rescue • San Antonio, TX
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Andy
This cute little boy is ANDY, he was named Raggedy ANDY because he looks so bad full of mats and overgrown hair. He had been on the streets a long tim…
Roxy's K-9 Rescue • San Antonio, TX
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Tino
ATTENTION: WILL YOU HELP THIS BEAUTIFUL BOY IN GREAT NEED OF A NEW HOME? Tino is a gorgeous Shih Tzu/Poodle mix, about 7 years old and 17 pounds. Afte…
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
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Cassie & Cindy
Cassie and Cindy are all about love and fun, with each other and everyone else. Although they came from tragic circumstances, you would never know tha…
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
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Chloe
Chloe Female Shih Tzu/Schnauzer mix 4 yrs old 12lbs. Utd with shots, dewormed and spayed. She is good with other dogs, no cat experience and kids over…
No Paw Left Behind Animal Rescue • Jackson Township, NJ
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Mikey James & Leo Thomas
Although most people seek out our smaller Shih Tzus, please consider our larger boys, Mikey James and Leo Thomas, who bring that much more love and jo…
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
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Archie
Archie is a fun-loving, attention-seeking guy who truly shines when he’s with his people. His favorite thing in the world is a good game of fetch—if y…
2nd Chance 4 Life • Elizabethtown, PA
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Yoda
PHOENIX METRO AREA ONLY* LOOK AT THIS FACE… HOW IS YODA STILL WAITING? ❤️ Meet Yoda — a 2-1/2 -year-old, 16-pound Terrier/Shih Tzu mix with adorable w…
Pathways Home Animal Rescue • Phoenix, AZ
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Tippy Toes
2nd Chance 4 Life • Elizabethtown, PA
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Geoffrey David
There is a very good reason why this adorable, beautiful Shih Tzu has been at the rescue for over 7 years. Geoffrey David is a special boy, who needs …
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
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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.
