10+ years
Senior Shih Tzu dogs
Senior Shih Tzu dogs for adoption
Meet 122 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 122 below.
Senior Shih Tzus are often overlooked in favor of puppies, yet they're frequently house-trained, settled in temperament, and ready to bond immediately. Because they're fully grown, you already know roughly how big they are and what they're like — making an older Shih Tzu one of the most predictable and rewarding dogs you can welcome home.
Last updated August 20, 2026 at 10:26 PM EDT. Listings refresh automatically, usually every 12 hours.
Available senior Shih Tzu dogs
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
BUTTERS
Butters is a senior male pup with a heart as soft as his name suggests. This sweet, affectionate gentleman has perfected the art of companionship. He …
Adams County Animal Shelter • Brighton, CO
Senior confirmed
Klohe and Pebbles
Life has turned out to be very cruel for these beautiful senior girls They are nine years old and 10-12 lbsBlack and white is Pebbles. White and black…
As Sweet As A Peach Animal Rescue Inc • FRAMINGHAM, MA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
CHIEF CHIRPA
HI! I'm Chief Chirpa, an older man who still gets excited to go on walks! I'll always be happy to see you, wagging my tail and cuddling up right next …
Chula Vista Animal Care Facility • Chula Vista, CA
10+ years
Chapito
Wenatchee Valley Humane Society • E Wenatchee, WA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
EUMAEUS
Eumaeus is a total doll! She is sweet, friendly and loves belly rubs
Denver Animal Shelter • Denver, CO
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Princess
Washington County Animal Services - Bonnie Hays Small Animal Shelter • Hillsboro, OR
Senior confirmed
Talia
American Maltese Assoc. Rescue--Ohio • Sinking Spring, PA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Glenda
Oh, sweet Glenda! She came to us from the city pound on July 17th and was a matted mess. We realized pretty quickly that she's a senior dog (a feisty …
Mower County Humane Society • AUSTIN, MN
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Diesel
Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse (S.T.R.A.E.S.) • Homer Glen, IL
10+ years
BJ
Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse (S.T.R.A.E.S.) • Homer Glen, IL
Senior confirmed
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Tedison
Neutered · Blind / Eye Removal · Seniors for Seniors Program
Stray Rescue of St. Louis • St. Louis, MO
10+ years
Chewy
Crate Trained · Good with Cats · Good with Dogs · Housetrained · Special Dietary needs · Special needs physical condition.
Tails of Hope-WI • Alma, WI
Senior confirmed
Jacqueline Sparrow (JN26-97)
Colorado · Good with Dogs · In Foster Offsite · Fence Requirement
National Mill Dog Rescue • Colorado Springs, CO
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior Shih Tzu dogs by state
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Adopting a senior Shih Tzu — FAQ
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.
Know a senior dog who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.