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Rocky
Humane Society of Missouri - Maryland Heights • Maryland, MO
Shih Tzu Dogs for Adoption
285 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 121–150 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 5 of 10
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Brooklynn
Last Chance Animal Rescue • Holbrook, NY
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Elphaba
She may have a wicked name, but this 1-year-old, 11-pound Shih Tzu mix is much more sweetheart than witch. Elphaba is dog friendly and absolutely ador…
Mitchell Mill Animal Hospital Rescue Inc • Raleigh, NC
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Grover
Say hello to Grover, an adorable 2-year-old Shih Tzu with a sweet personality and a love for making friends! Grover is a very sweet, outgoing little g…
Macomb County Animal Shelter and Animal Control • Clinton Township, MI
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Buttons
I am a very good looking fellow and was recently adopted then returned. SHe had a cat and another dog and I would prefer to be the one and only. I jus…
Humphreys County Humane Society • Waverly, TN
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Rogue
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
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Scooter
Meet Scooter – Small Dog, Big Fun Scooter is a 3-year-old Shih Tzu mix who weighs just 8 pounds, but this little guy has plenty of personality and ene…
Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL
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Janice
Albuquerque Animal Services - Westside • Albuquerque, NM
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Apollo
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
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Aussie
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
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Photos coming soon
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Rickross
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
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Cathy
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
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A Montana aka Buddy
I am a cute, fun, adorable and a smart little guy. I will be your best friend, your buddy and companion. Come meet me. I promise your will fall in lov…
No Time to Spare Animal Rescue and Sanctuary • Warrenton, MO
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Ozzy
Ozzy is a handsome 2-year-old guy who is ready to find his forever family! He is potty trained, neutered, and is working on his crate training and lea…
REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL
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Squishy
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East Valley Animal Care Center • Mesa, AZ
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Mamcita
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
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Jewel
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
At Risk
Nino
Backstory for Nino Animal Saints Rescue Society was asked to help with an owner surrender involving several Imperial Shih Tzu. Their former person was…
Animal Saints Rescue Society • Fort Montgomery, NY
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A171631
Bakersfield Animal Care Center • Bakersfield, CA
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DeVille
animalrescueneworleans.org • New Orleans, LA
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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.
