Senior confirmed
Bart
Meet Bart! Bart is a 7-year-old, 10-pound sweetheart who's looking for a patient family willing to help him discover that life can be pretty wonderful…
Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC
Senior Shih Tzu dogs
Senior Shih Tzu dogs for adoption
Meet 113 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 113 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 July 12, 2026 at 9:30 AM EDT. Listings refresh automatically, usually every 12 hours.
Available senior Shih Tzu dogs
10+ years
Gidget
Meet Gidget! Gidget is a sweet, calm 13-year-old girl who proves that age is just a number! She's a playful pup who still loves chasing toys you throw…
Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH
10+ years
Paris
Very sweet, but ocassionally cranky old lady seeks a very sweet but ocassionally cranky old man (or family) to sit on the porch and tell the neighbor …
Diamond Dogs, LLC. • Glen Haven, WI
At Risk
Faye
Backstory for Faye Animal Saints Rescue Society was asked to help with an owner surrender involving several Imperial Shih Tzu. Their former person was…
Animal Saints Rescue Society • Fort Montgomery, NY
At Risk
Miss Violet
Backstory for Miss Violet Animal Saints Rescue Society was asked to help with an owner surrender involving several Imperial Shih Tzu. Their former per…
Animal Saints Rescue Society • Fort Montgomery, NY
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
BEAR
Hello! I am Bear! I may be 11 years old, but I have lots of love to give! My height is lacking, I only come up to the knee of most adults, but my dens…
Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control • Fort Wayne, IN
Senior confirmed
Bailey
Bailey is an 8 year old Shorkie which is a Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix, she weighs about 15 pounds. We are helping to find a home for Bailey because her owner…
Surry Animal Rescue • Mount Airy, NC
10+ years
RONALD
RONALD is a senior male Shih Tzu, small in size, currently at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster in Lancaster, CA. Senior dogs make wonderf…
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster • Lancaster, CA
10+ years
Buttons
Meet Buttons! Age: Approximately 12 years old. Breed: shih tzu/poodle mix. Size: est 12lbs. Training: Crate and leash trained, doing well with house t…
Mercy Rescue Haven • Blacksburg, SC
Senior confirmed
BREWER
Brewer is a very easy going 9 years young and only 8 pounds Shih Tzu/ Poodle mix boy that always wears a happy smile and a loving heart that is ready …
Critter Companion Rescue • Sussex, NJ
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
Senior confirmed
Willard
You Tube video link: https://youtu.be/6i97dAQe6sw FOR ADOPTION! Note: Only those with a responsible dog ownership history and excellent vet reference …
Ninna's Road to Rescue • Benton, LA
Senior confirmed
MINTY
Minty's big dream is to one day become a professional opera singer, and she's passionate about sticking to her practice regimen. While this doesn't ma…
Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center • Springfield, MA
Senior confirmed
Buffy
Meet Buffy Buffy is a sweet little girl with a gentle soul who came to us alongside her best friend, Petey, after their mama entered hospice care. Thi…
Pixie Mamas Rescue • Buffalo, NY
Senior confirmed
Chester
Meet Chester – proof that second chances can change everything. ❤️ At 7 years old, Chester is here to remind everyone that age is just a number. Don’t…
A Doggie 4 You • Pipe Creek, TX
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
Ivy
Ivy Poodle/Shih Tzu mix Small Senior Female This cutie patootie is Ivy a 12 pound, 10 year old, spayed, female Poodle and Shih Tzu mix whose owner can…
Speaking of Dogs Rescue • Toronto, ON
10+ years
JAMES
JAMES is a male senior Shih Tzu, small in size, located in Chatsworth, CA at West Valley Animal Care and Control Center. Senior dogs make wonderful co…
West Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Chatsworth, CA
10+ years
Coco
Do you want to meet me? I will be at Chuck and Don's in Eden Prairie, 8022 Den Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 for an Adoption Event on Saturday, July 11th…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
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
10+ years
Hercules
Meet Hercules! While not actually a demigod with legendary strength, Hercules is a good companion with a zest for life. Born in October 2014, Hercules…
Welfare for Animals Guild • Sequim, WA
10+ years
Hoppy
Meet Hoppy, a 13-year-old Shih Tzu mix weighing 18 pounds, and proof that age is just a number. This happy little gentleman still has plenty of pep in…
Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL
Senior confirmed
Loretta
We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue. We DO NOT have a physical shelter. Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on …
Dakota Dachshund Rescue • Sioux Falls, SD
10+ years
Bennie May 26
Foster location: Dreamweaver Farm, Pacolet, SC Weight: 9–10 lbs Height: 12 in Spayed/Neutered: Yes Adoption Fee: $400 Fence needed? Not required Want …
Carolina Poodle Rescue • Pacolet, SC
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 confirmed
Reginald
Reginald is an adorable Shih Tzu with a joyful spirit and a personality that makes everyone fall in love with him. He is one of those dogs who seems g…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
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
Senior confirmed
Melody (TX)
Melody (TX) is a female Shih Tzu mix rescued in Texas. Our veterinary partner estimated that Melody was 9 years old at the time of her rescue in April…
Rescue Dogs Rock, Inc • New York, NY
10+ years
Miko
Meet Miko! This handsome 13-year-old Shih Tzu is ready to wiggle his way into your home! If you've been dreaming of a calm, loving, senior companion w…
Little Paws Doggie Rescue • Sacramento, CA
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.