Senior confirmed
Buddy
Meet Buddy! ❤️ 8-Year-Old Shih Tzu | 18 lbs. | A Little Gentleman with a BIG Personality! If you're looking for a sweet, funny, affectionate little co…
Legacy Humane Society • McKinney, TX
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 31–60 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
Walter
MEET WALTER – LOOKING FOR HIS FOREVER HOME! Say hello to Walter! ❤️ This adorable little guy is full of love, personality, and just the right amount o…
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Chewy
Meet Chewy! Chewy is a 10-year-old, 9 lb. Shih Tzu who may technically be a senior, but you’d never know it from his energy! This happy little guy has…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Paxton
Paxton is a 12-year-old Shih Tzu with a heart full of love and a fun little personality! This super sweet guy is potty trained, gets along wonderfully…
Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL
Senior confirmed
Nugget
Nugget is as adorable in personality as he is in his looks. He is very sweet and friendly, and enjoys being with people, cuddling, toys, and just hang…
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
Senior confirmed
Winston 100326
Meet Winston! Breed: Shih Tzu Mix Estimated DOB: 08/16/2019 Sex: Male (neutered) Weight: 12 lbs Currently up to date on all age appropriate vaccinatio…
To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc. • Kimberton, PA
Senior confirmed
Bear
Bear is an absolutely beautiful Shih Tzu boy, 9 years old and about 15 pounds, with a smile that is sure to melt your heart. He is a nice and friendly…
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Aurelio
Aurelio is an 8-year-old, 15-pound Shih Tzu who is just a happy, funny little guy with a personality that makes you smile! This little fellow is sweet…
MAD Rescue of WNY • Albion, NY
10+ years
Grandpa Leo
Allow us to introduce Grandpa Leo, a charming 12-year-old Shih Tzu with a heart as big as his personality. Life has given him a few bumps along the wa…
Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Baby
Meet Baby! 8-Year-Old Shih Tzu | 15 lbs. | A Little Princess with a BIG Personality! If you're looking for a sweet, funny, affectionate little compani…
Legacy Humane Society • McKinney, TX
10+ years
Dolly Pawton
At 10 years old, Dolly Pawton is the kind of girl who makes it incredibly easy to fall in love. This sweet Shih-Tzu mix is gentle, affectionate, and h…
Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL
10+ years
Bubba
All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption. We are not requesting an adoptio…
Doggie Protective Services • Romoland, CA
10+ years
Maggie
Maggie is a sweet, sweet senior that is so deserving of a home to live out her golden years. She is deaf, loves to be held and have her ears scratched…
My Loveable Angels • bloomington, IL
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Bonded- Jasper and Chloe
Meet Jasper and Chloe! This sweet pair of seniors are in a long-term relationship, and we cannot separate them after 45+ dog years together. They are …
Welfare for Animals Guild • Sequim, WA
10+ years
Ginger
Broward County Animal Care & Regulation - Ft. Lauderdale • Fort Lauderdale, FL
10+ years
Luna
Meet sweet senior girl Luna! This lovely girl was severely neglected, and then dumped like trash by her owner. She has some vision loss, and needs eye…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
Senior confirmed
Emmy Lou
Emmy Lou is an 8-year-old Shih Tzu mix with a gentle soul and a heart full of love. Weighing in at about 18 pounds, she's the perfect size for cuddlin…
Okie Pet Rescue • Claremore, OK
Senior confirmed
Romeo (in foster)
Romeo is a 7-year-old, 14-pound Shih Tzu who recently retired from a commercial breeding kennel. Unlike many dogs from his background, Romeo is a litt…
Diane's Pet Rescue • Pottstown, PA
10+ years
Beanie
Name: Beanie Breed: Shih Tzu terrier mix Age: 16 years oldVaccines: vet deferred rabies due to his age but all up to date Any medical conditions: none…
Paws 4 You Rescue • Miami, FL
10+ years
Panda
PRANCING PANDA This adorable little senior furball only wants two things: 1) to lay by your feet, and 2) to PRANCE across a grassy field! When Panda a…
Evergreen Animal Protective League • Evergreen, CO
10+ years
Dudley Duddles
Meet Dudley Duddles – A Gentle Soul Looking for a Soft Place to Land Dudley Duddles is a 10-year-old Shih Tzu mix who weighs 13 pounds and is as sweet…
Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL
10+ years
Maggie
Maggie is quite an independent little girl. She is the queen in her castle, She spends her time occupying herself. She would likely be fine with anoth…
Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC
Senior confirmed
Charlie
Hi, I'm Charlie! I am a sweet little dog who needs a new home. I am a little shy at first, but I warm up quickly. I would likely do best in a quiet ho…
Larimer Humane Society • Fort Collins, CO
10+ years
10+ years
Benji
Meet Benji, a 16-year-old Shih Tzu mix who weighs about 13 pounds and is equal parts gentle soul and devoted sidekick. He’s a friendly, outgoing, and …
Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL
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.