Senior confirmed
Dolly
Meet Dolly ❤️ Dolly is a tiny Shih-Tzu girl who has already been through far more than she ever should have. She came to Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue…
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc • Middlesex, NC
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 91–117 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
Teddy
animalrescueneworleans.org • New Orleans, LA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Tyra
Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue • Rockville, MD
Senior confirmed
Bridgett - ARR
Meet Bridgett! Bridgett is a sweet, gentle girl with a quiet nature and an easygoing personality. A resilient puppy mill survivor, she is still learni…
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Pataskala, OH
Senior confirmed
Roscoe
I’m Roscoe, your hunk of burning love. I have a big heart and a big smile. I get along with all my humans and furry friends. I’m looking for a home wh…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
10+ years
Charlie
Meet Charlie, the distinguished senior gentleman who's ready to steal your heart! With his independent spirit and loyal nature, Charlie is the epitome…
Mason County Animal Shelter • Maysville, KY
10+ years
Princess
Courtesy Listing - available in NJ** If interested, please Fillout our application at www. SoCoRescue.com Princess is a loyal, cuddly, affectionate, l…
Southern Comfort Animal Rescue • Tarrytown, GA
10+ years
Max
Meet Max, a distinguished senior gentleman with a heart of gold and a soft spot for cozy laps! Max is at a point in his life where he truly appreciate…
Yorkie911 Rescue, Inc. • North Babylon, NY
Senior confirmed
Spirit
Spirit is one of the best little ladies you’ll ever meet. She truly lives up to her name, carrying a gentle spark and a sweet spirit that makes her im…
Pixie Mamas Rescue • Buffalo, NY
10+ years
BJ
Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse (S.T.R.A.E.S.) • Homer Glen, IL
Senior confirmed
Nala
Nala is an 8 year old female Shih Tzu who weighs in at 10.5 pounds. This dog's adoption fee is $350. If you are still interested, please read more bel…
Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF-IL) • Wheaton, IL
10+ years
George-OS
George: He's Got the Roar, the Ride, and the Right Stuff! George's adoption donation is $350 and he is being fostered in Central Ohio. He has been neu…
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Pataskala, OH
10+ years
Coco
Come meet me at Underdog Rescue Headquarters (3345 Dakota Ave, St. Louis Park, 55416) on Saturday, October 17th from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm. Please email…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Scooby
Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department • Albuquerque, NM
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Sophie & Ashlynn
Looking for double the love and double the companionship? Sophie and Ashlynn are a bonded pair of adorable, senior Shih Tzus who are ready to fill you…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Nora-Tuscarawas
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Pataskala, OH
Senior confirmed
Bane
Bane is a 7 year old Shih Tzu. He is good with other dogs. He seems to be housetrained. You must live within an hour of the rescue to adopt. Apply at …
Furry Feet Rescue Inc. • Walnutport, PA
10+ years
Roxanne
Roxanne is a sweet senior girl searching for a loving fospice home where she can spend her remaining days surrounded by comfort and affection. She has…
Street Paws • Locust Grove, GA
10+ years
Zenny
Meet Zenny! At 12 years young, Zenny is proof that the best things in life only get sweeter with age. This handsome Shih Tzu has a calm, gentle spirit…
Sanilac Scoopers DBA Making Miracles Animal Rescue • Utica, MI
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.