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
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 91–113 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
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
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
10+ years
LiLi
Li Li is a 14-year-old Shih-Tzu mix with a heart full of love. She was deeply cherished by her owner, who, heartbreakingly, was deported. Before leavi…
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc • Middlesex, NC
10+ years
Kirby ♥
Meet Kirby, this 14 yr old spunky Shih Tzu boy. It’s difficult to tell he is over 14 yrs old. He’s very agile enjoying several walks and exploring th…
Last Day Dog Rescue • Livonia, MI
Senior confirmed
Queenie
This majestic little lady is QUEENIE She is 9 years young and 7 pounds and a great little toy Shih Tzu that you can hold and cuddle and take on errand…
Roxy's K-9 Rescue • San Antonio, TX
Senior confirmed
Codey
This is a courtesy post for the owner of this dog. You will not be adopting from Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue. Please contact the owner directly thr…
Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue • Cliffwood, NJ
10+ years
Teddy VII (New Digs)
Meet Teddy 🐾 Teddy is an 11-year-old Shih Tzu and Poodle mix (often called a “Shih-Poo”) weighing about 20 pounds — the perfect medium-small size for…
Dallas Pets Alive • Dallas, TX
10+ years
10+ years
Tinker
Tiny, Tilted, and Totally Perfect Tinker is a 15-year-old, 15-pound sweetheart with a built-in head tilt that makes her look like she’s always politel…
Faithful Friends Inc • Wilmington, DE
10+ years
SUGAR
Excited to find your new family member at Wags and Whiskers? Our pets are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered. Many come from unknown backgr…
Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue • Chico, CA
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
Esme-ARR
Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Pataskala, OH
10+ years
Princess
Courtesy Listing** If interested, please Fillout our application at www. SoCoRescue.com Princess is a loyal, cuddly, affectionate, leash and wee pad t…
Southern Comfort Animal Rescue • Tarrytown, GA
Senior confirmed
Bear
Bear is an absolutely beautiful Shih Tzu boy, 8 years old and about 14 pounds, with a smile that is sure to melt your heart. He is a nice and friendly…
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
Senior confirmed
Fluffy
Fluffy is the sweetest male Shih tzu mix. This sweet boy steals everyone’s heart. He’s loving and affectionate and a complete lap dog. Fluffy loves go…
UFAR Animals Rescue • Margate, FL
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
Prince
Prince is a senior male Shih Tzu, small, at One Dog at a Time ODAAT in Lewistown, PA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
One Dog at a Time ODAAT • Lewistown, PA
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
Bentley
Breed: Shih Tzu / Pomeranian X DOB: 12/2016 Gender: male Altered: yes Coat: medium Size: small Color(s): tawn/blond Description: ***Needs a Foster Hom…
Canine Adoption and Rescue League • Ventura, CA
10+ years
Gideon (GA)
Gideon (GA) is a neutered male Shih Tzu mix rescued in Georgia. Our veterinary partner estimates that Gideon is 10 years old at the time of intake in …
Rescue Dogs Rock, Inc • New York, NY
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
DAN
DAN is a male Shih Tzu, a medium-sized senior located in West Palm Beach, FL at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches, Inc. Senior dogs…
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches, Inc. • West Palm Beach, FL
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.