Shih Tzu Dogs for Adoption

285 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 181–210 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 7 of 10

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Photo of Penny, adoptable Shih Tzu in Grafton, Wisconsin

Penny

Shih Tzu FemaleSmall1 year

To sponsor my trip to WI, go to www.tailwaggers911.com for more info! ***I am able to go home to my forever family right from transport!! You get a 5 …

Tail Waggers 911 • Grafton, WI

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Photo of Sophia, adoptable Shih Tzu in Oakland Park, Florida

Sophia

Shih Tzu FemaleSmall0 years

She is 3 months old and weighs 4 pounds. Our adoption center & Spay Clinic is open by appointment with approved application. We are located at 571 NE …

Animal Aid, Inc. • Oakland Park, FL

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Photo of Coconut, adoptable Shih Tzu in St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Coconut

Shih Tzu MaleSmall1 year

Meet Coconut! At Home Coconut is an absolute lovebug and a constant little shadow. He’s incredibly gentle, sweet, and happiest when he’s right beside …

Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN

Photo of Presley, adoptable Shih Tzu in Sussex, New Jersey

Presley

Shih Tzu MaleSmall3 years

Meet Presley! At just three years old, Presley was found homeless, wandering the streets of a rural Tennessee neighborhood northwest of Nashville. His…

Critter Companion Rescue • Sussex, NJ

Photo of Luna, adoptable Shih Tzu in Bellevue, Washington

Luna

Shih Tzu FemaleSmall2 years

Meet Luna! This gorgeous little girl is around 2 years old and a Shih Tzu mix. She is around 12 lbs. Luna is small, cute as can be, and has the most i…

Saving Great Animals • Bellevue, WA

Photo of Feyre, adoptable Shih Tzu in Weston, Florida

Feyre

Shih Tzu FemaleSmallYoung

The name Feyre means “fair and beautiful”, which perfectly suits our new, fantastic girl. Feyre is a Shih Tzu/Bichon mix, also known as a Teddy Bear. …

Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL

Photo of Lexi & Missy, adoptable Shih Tzu in Weston, Florida

Lexi & Missy

Shih Tzu FemaleYoung

Life is one big party for Lexi and Missy, and they can’t wait for a new family to join in. Lexi and Missy are extremely friendly, sweet, and happy, yo…

Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL

Photo of Jada, adoptable Shih Tzu in Benton, Louisiana

Jada

Shih Tzu FemaleSmallYoung

You Tube video link: https://youtube.com/shorts/-pUKpROPm2c?feature=share FOR ADOPTION! Note: Only those with a responsible dog ownership history and …

Ninna's Road to Rescue • Benton, LA

Photo of Fern, adoptable Shih Tzu in Clinton Township, Michigan

Fern

Shih Tzu FemaleSmall0 years

Fern is a sweet 9-month-old female Shih Tzu mix who is ready to leave her rough start behind and begin the happy life she deserves! Fern came into the…

Macomb County Animal Shelter and Animal Control • Clinton Township, MI

Photo of Prince Harry, adoptable Shih Tzu in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Prince Harry

Shih Tzu MaleSmall2 years

Prince Harry is a 2-year-old, 15-pound Shih Tzu/Poodle mix who has officially retired from palace life in favor of a simpler kingdom: your lap, your c…

Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC

Photo of Lion, adoptable Shih Tzu in Washington, District of Columbia

Lion

Shih Tzu MaleSmall0 years

LION NEEDS A FOREVER HOME!!!! Name: Lion Best Guess for Breed: Shih tzu mix Best Guess for Age: 9 months as of September 2026 SEX: Male Approximate We…

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue • Washington, DC

Photo of Waffles from Korea, adoptable Shih Tzu in Federal Way, Washington

Waffles from Korea

Shih Tzu Male5 years

Meet Waffles Waffles is a sweet 5-year-old Shih Tzu boy, about 13 lbs, with a soft little coat, gentle eyes, and the most adorable face. At 13 lbs, Wa…

Ginger's pet rescue • Federal Way, WA

Photo of Izzy, adoptable Shih Tzu in Fort Montgomery, New York

Izzy

Shih Tzu FemaleSmall0 years

Greetings! If you can read this listing, it means that Izzy is currently available for adoption. We take our time to find an ideal match for the Anima…

Animal Saints Rescue Society • Fort Montgomery, NY

Photo of Lizzy, adoptable Shih Tzu in Fort Montgomery, New York

Lizzy

Shih Tzu FemaleSmall0 years

Greetings! If you can read this listing, it means that Izzy is currently available for adoption. We take our time to find an ideal match for the Anima…

Animal Saints Rescue Society • Fort Montgomery, NY

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.