At Risk
Buffy
Buffy is a 13-year-old Shih Tzu with the heart of a teddy bear and the soul of a professional napper. Buffy came to us in 2023 after her beloved owner…
For Pet's Sake Rescue • Long Beach, MS
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 61–90 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.
Senior confirmed
Snow
Monday, September 21, 2026, SNOW is still available. Awww, SNOW is one of my favorite in my home. He is a 8 year young, 12 pound Shih Tzu, male. He is…
Roxy's K-9 Rescue • San Antonio, TX
Senior confirmed
Appa and Azula
BONDED PAIR* Meet Appa and Azula! If you’ve ever wanted a weighted blanket that breathes, plays with stuffed animals, and looks like a cute gremlin...…
Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC
10+ years
10+ years
Dan
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches, Inc. • West Palm Beach, FL
At Risk
Tollie & Walter - Bonded Pair
Backstory for Tollie & Walter Animal Saints Rescue Society was asked to help with an owner surrender involving several "Imperial" Shih Tzu. Their form…
Animal Saints Rescue Society • Fort Montgomery, NY
Senior confirmed
Cody
Meet Cody! Cody is a calm, distinguished gentleman looking for a cozy place to land. He found himself in rescue through no fault of his own after his …
Yorkie911 Rescue, Inc. • North Babylon, NY
10+ years
Gertie FC LN
Special Needs · Medical Needs · Dog Friendly · Potty Trained Behavior
Franklin County Humane Society • Union, MO
10+ years
Willie
Wanted: to meet my furever family. Are you looking to open your home to a new pet? Learn more about this pet and others near you looking to find their…
Woodstock Animal Foundation • Lexington, KY
Senior confirmed
Silk (AG26-197)
Colorado · Special Medical Needs · Requires Another Dog · Fence Requirement
National Mill Dog Rescue • Colorado Springs, CO
10+ years
Sassy (AG26-198)
Colorado · Fence Requirement · Special Medical Needs
National Mill Dog Rescue • Colorado Springs, CO
Senior confirmed
Samantha (AG26-117)
Colorado · Fence Requirement · Requires Another Dog
National Mill Dog Rescue • Colorado Springs, CO
Senior confirmed
Fluffy
Fluffy is an adorable little white dog with a sweet face and a gentle heart. He can be nervous around new people and needs someone who understands tha…
UFAR Animals Rescue • Margate, FL
10+ years
Ushi
Meet Ushi! 🐾 Ushi is a sweet 14-year-old Shih Tzu/Cavalier mix with a gentle soul and a big heart. He’s in great health and up to date on all his vac…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
10+ years
Harlee - OS
Meet Harlee — a tiny diva with a huge personality and enough charm to keep everyone wrapped around her little paw. If you’ve ever wished for a best fr…
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Pataskala, OH
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Mickey
HEARTWORM POSITIVE · Neutered · Seniors for Seniors Program
Stray Rescue of St. Louis • St. Louis, MO
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Gary A2285463
Adult-Only Home Preferred · Not good with other Dogs · Single Dog Home · Special Needs
Companions Animal Center • Hayden, ID
Senior confirmed
Lucia
Meet Lucia! 🐾 Lucia is a sweet 7-year-old Shih Tzu whose world changed suddenly when her devoted owner passed away unexpectedly. Lucia and her housem…
Sandy Paws Rescue • Oak Bluffs, MA
10+ years
Barney
Wanted: to meet my furever family. Are you looking to open your home to a new pet? Learn more about this pet and others near you looking to find their…
Woodstock Animal Foundation • Lexington, KY
10+ years
Betsy
Betsy came to Midwest Doberman Rescue in 2022 from a Hoarder in Lebanon Missouri. She is blind and deaf and just does her own thing. We love her. If s…
Midwest Doberman Rescue of St. Louis • St. Charles, MO
Senior confirmed
Talia
American Maltese Assoc. Rescue--Ohio • Sinking Spring, PA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Chucky
New Rattitude - Illinois • Plainfield, 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.