10+ years
Mustard PF
God's Dogs Rescue of TX for MN Transport Stop • Richfield, MN
Senior Shih Tzu dogs
Senior Shih Tzu dogs for adoption
Meet 117 adoptable senior Shih Tzu dogs (age 7+) from shelters and rescues across the country. Older dogs are often calm, house-trained, and ready to love from day one. Showing 1–30 of 117 below.
About adopting a Shih Tzu
Bred to sit on laps in palaces, the shih tzu takes to retirement naturally. An older shih tzu is a companion dog in the purest sense: it wants to be near you, on you, or watching you from the nearest cushion. Shelters see many of them surrendered from elderly owners, and they often arrive gentle, house trained, and confused about where their person went.
Temperament in later life tends to be affectionate, a little stubborn, and good with polite children and calm other pets. Exercise needs are small, a short walk and some indoor play. The coat is the daily reality of the breed. Kept long it needs combing, and most senior shih tzus are happier in a short puppy cut that keeps them clean and cool.
The flat face and prominent eyes shape the care conversation. Eye injuries, dry eye, and breathing difficulty in heat are commonly seen, as are dental crowding, ear infections, and skin fold irritation. Ask the shelter what has been examined and whether the dog snores or struggles in warm weather. Your veterinarian, working from the shelter's records, can tell you what this particular dog will need.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 8:44 AM EDT. Listings refresh throughout the day. Always confirm a dog’s availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.
Available senior Shih Tzu dogs
117 senior Shih Tzu dogs available.
10+ years
Princess
Washington County Animal Services - Bonnie Hays Small Animal Shelter • Hillsboro, OR
Senior confirmed
Charlie
NOCO Humane Larimer Campus • Loveland, CO
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Diesel
Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse (S.T.R.A.E.S.) • Homer Glen, IL
Senior confirmed
Curie
Curie is a sweet boy that loves to play. He plays in water and on land! He loves treats and enjoys short walks. He need regular grooming to keep him h…
Denver Animal Shelter • Denver, CO
Senior confirmed
Hanny
Meet Hanny! This lovely girl is such a joy to have around. Hanny is a pretty easy-going little sweetheart. She loves to be with her humans and is grea…
Saving Great Animals • Bellevue, WA
10+ years
10+ years
A2098384
City of Houston, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care • Houston, TX
Senior confirmed
Little Lady
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
Barkula
Hi! I’m Barkula, your future best friend. I love zooming around snuggling up close. My days are filled with excitement, and I’m always ready to share …
Denver Animal Shelter • Denver, CO
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Pumpkin
Hi, I’m Pumpkin! I’m a sweet, loving girl who’s ready to find a cozy place to call home and a special person to share it with. I love being around my …
Irvine Animal Care Center • Irvine, CA
10+ years
Lucky Rios
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Minnie
MINNIE AND MAX ARE A BONDED PAIR AND MUST BE ADOPTED TOGETHER Minnie and Max have shared their lives together and are bonded in heart and soul. Theref…
Dog Star Rescue • Canton, CT
10+ years
Teddy Lane
Update 6/2026 We have made the decision that Teddy should be a Joyful sanctuary dog as he is likely the happiest he has ever been in his life and chan…
Joyful Rescues, Inc. • Cuba, NY
10+ years
Tilley
Meet Tilley, a precious little 12-year-old Shih Tzu we took in recently. It’s hard to put into words just how much this sweet girl has been suffering.…
REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Mitzi
Meet Mitzi At 8 years old and just 10 pounds, Mitzi is a sweet Shih Tzu mix who believes life is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. This little girl is…
Paws Across Pittsburgh • Springdale, PA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Carolina
Carolina is a 7 year old, 17 lb Shih Tzu mix with a sweet, easygoing nature and a love of closeness that makes her the perfect companion! Quick Facts:…
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Maggie
Maggie is a 14‑year‑old, 20‑lb Shih Tzu mix who absolutely doesn’t act her age — shh, don’t tell her she’s a senior! Quick Facts: Name: Maggie Breed: …
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
Senior confirmed
Diamond
Diamond, as her name implies, is truly a priceless gem. She is as sweet as they come and cherishes human companionship and affection. Diamond is a per…
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
Senior confirmed
Francis
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
At Risk
Sadie
Sadie the SweetPea is full of love and wants to tell you her story After surviving years of neglect, look at her smile! She was rescued in Georgia whe…
PA Caring for K-9's • New Oxford, PA
10+ years
Pinto
Pinto is an active 12-year-old shih tzu. He is very friendly with people and is thriving in a multi-dog household. He can use the dog door, was very w…
San Nicola Dog Rescue • westminster, CO
Senior Shih Tzu dogs by state
Other breeds
Adopting a senior Shih Tzu — FAQ
Are senior shih tzus good for apartments and older adopters?
Yes, senior shih tzus are among the best suited small dogs for apartment life and for older adopters. They need little exercise, prefer company to activity, and are generally quiet indoors. The commitment is grooming, which takes either regular brushing or a standing appointment for a short cut.
Do older shih tzus have breathing problems?
Some do. The shih tzu's short muzzle can make breathing noisy and heat tolerance poor, and this can become more noticeable in older dogs. Ask the shelter whether the dog snores heavily, tires quickly, or has been evaluated for airway issues. Your veterinarian can advise on safe exercise and warm-weather care.
How do I care for a senior shih tzu's eyes?
Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed, wipe away discharge daily with a damp cloth, and watch for squinting, redness, or cloudiness. Senior shih tzus are prone to eye dryness and injury because the eyes are prominent. Ask the shelter what has been checked and have your veterinarian examine the eyes early in your time together.
What counts as a senior dog?
Most shelters and vets consider a dog "senior" around age 7, though large breeds often age sooner and small breeds a little later. Every dog listed here is 7 years or older.
How do I adopt a senior Shih Tzu?
Open a dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then follow the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization.
Are senior Shih Tzu dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Often, yes. An older Shih Tzu is usually past the high-energy puppy stage and may already know basic commands, which can make ownership easier to ease into. Each profile and shelter can tell you about that dog's individual personality and needs.
Why adopt a senior dog instead of a puppy?
Senior dogs are calmer, usually house-trained, and let you skip the chewing and sleepless nights — and because they are the hardest to place, adopting one can quite literally save a life that might otherwise run out of time.
Are senior Shih Tzu dogs good with children or other pets?
It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about their history with kids, cats, or other dogs. Senior dogs are often calmer and more predictable than puppies, which can make reading compatibility easier before you commit.
How much does it cost to adopt a senior Shih Tzu?
Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but senior dogs are frequently discounted or even sponsored — because they wait the longest, many organizations offer reduced fees or cover initial vet care. Open a dog's profile and ask the organization directly for their current fee and what it includes.
Can I foster a senior Shih Tzu instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a senior Shih Tzu gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home — which is especially beneficial for older dogs who find shelter life stressful. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.
Guides to help you decide
Getting started
Why Adopt a Senior Dog? 7 Reasons Older Dogs Make Wonderful Companions
Senior dogs are often calm, house-trained, and overlooked at shelters. Here are seven honest reasons an older dog may be the best companion you ever bring home.
6 min readUnderstanding ageHow Old Is a "Senior" Dog? Senior Age by Breed and Size
A dog is not "old" at the same age across the board — size and breed change everything. Here is how to tell when a dog becomes a senior, and what it means for care.
5 min readCare & healthCaring for a Senior Dog: Health, Diet, and Everyday Comfort
How to keep an older dog healthy and comfortable — vet care, senior-appropriate diet, joint and dental health, exercise, and simple home adjustments that make a big difference.
8 min readKnow a senior dog who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.