10+ years
RALPH
My name is Ralph. I am described as a male, white and gray Shih Tzu mix.
Chicago Animal Care and Control • Chicago, IL
Senior Shih Tzu dogs in Illinois
Senior Shih Tzu dogs for adoption in Illinois
Meet 10 adoptable senior Shih Tzu dogs (age 7+) in Illinois. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready for a calm, loving home.
Older Shih Tzus in Illinois are often passed over for puppies, yet they're usually house-trained, settled in temperament, and ready to bond right away — and because they're fully grown, you already know their size and personality. Adopting a senior Shih Tzu in Illinois means welcoming a calm, grateful companion who can settle in from day one.
Last updated July 12, 2026 at 9:30 AM EDT. Listings refresh automatically, usually every 12 hours.
Senior confirmed
WAFFLES
My name is Waffles. I am described as a male, white and black Shih Tzu.
Chicago Animal Care and Control • Chicago, IL
10+ years
BINKY
My name is Binky. I am described as a male, white and tan Shih Tzu.
Chicago Animal Care and Control • Chicago, IL
Senior confirmed
DENIM
My name is Denim. I am described as a male, brown and white Shih Tzu.
Chicago Animal Care and Control • Chicago, IL
10+ years
OSO
My name is Oso. I am described as a neutered male, silver and black Shih Tzu.
Chicago Animal Care and Control • Chicago, IL
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Tiffany
Don't let the number fool you, Tiffany is 11 years young and has enough pep in her step to keep up with dogs half her age! This sweet senior proves ev…
REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL
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
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
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 in other states
Other senior dogs in Illinois by breed
Adopting a senior Shih Tzu in Illinois — 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 in Illinois?
Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them in Illinois, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Lily's Second Chance simply gathers senior Shih Tzus in one place so they're easier to find.
Are there always senior Shih Tzu dogs available in Illinois?
Availability changes often as dogs are adopted and new ones are listed. If you don't see a senior Shih Tzu in Illinois right now, check back soon or browse nearby states — new dogs are added regularly.
Can I adopt a senior Shih Tzu from Illinois if I live elsewhere?
Often, yes. Many rescues and shelters in Illinois arrange or help coordinate transport for the right adopter, while others prefer a local meet-and-greet first. Open a dog's profile and ask the organization directly how their out-of-area adoption process works.
Know a senior Shih Tzu in Illinois who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.