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Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Palo Alto, California

Looking for a Shih Tzu puppy or dog in Palo Alto, California? Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Shih Tzu near you.

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Adopt a Shih Tzu near you in Palo Alto, California

These Shih Tzus are available in Palo Alto, California.
We'll also keep you updated on Brussel Sprout's adoption status with email updates.
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Brussel Sprout

Shih Tzu

Male, Adult
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.  * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.Adoption fee: $600 Meet Brussel Sprout, a 17 lb, 7 year old tyrant disguised as a dog. Do you want to adopt the worst dog ever? The one who has opinions, a schedule, and absolutely no problem informing you when you are doing things incorrectly? Perfect. Please read on.   Brussel Sprout believes mornings should begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. with a short walk, followed immediately by…going back to bed for two more hours. Do not confuse this with laziness. This is intentional rest. After his second wake-up, he requires a quick potty break and then expects breakfast to be served as fast as humanly possible. Any delay will be met with intense staring, barking, circling, sitting upright, and general “how dare you” energy. He does not want treats. He wants a meal. He will make that very clear.   During the day, Brussel Sprout supervises the living room while you are at work. He prefers to potty outside like a gentleman but will tolerate a pee pad if absolutely necessary, though he would like you to know this is beneath him. Once outside, he is not picky about where he goes, so guidance is appreciated. He enjoys an early dinner and will announce when it is time. He does not believe in silent hunger.   At night, Brussel Sprout sleeps in his own very comfy bed next to yours. There is a ramp to the human bed, but he has declined that option and prefers independence, dignity, and personal space. When he wakes up, he may briefly forget where he is, so good lighting is required while he reassesses the situation and confirms that he is, in fact, safe and still in charge. He also puts himself to bed when he is tired. No one tells Brussel Sprout when bedtime is.   Personality-wise, he arrived stressed and deeply disappointed that the household did not immediately understand his routine. He does not like closed doors. He especially does not like when his person is behind a closed door without him. He will vocalize his dissatisfaction with barking, squealing, and general commentary. Showering alone was not an option at first. Progress has been made. He now allows the shower door to be closed, provided the bathroom door remains open and he can perform periodic visual inspections of his person.   He enjoys being petted but does not climb on furniture. He prefers to walk around, sit on something soft, or dramatically sploot on the floor. He has mild interest in toys but stronger feelings about household objects that cannot be trusted, such as a gallon water jug on a low shelf. He softly barks at it every day for reasons unknown. Individual water bottles are fine. The jug is suspicious.   Brussel Sprout walks nicely on leash, does not pull, and could not care less about animals around him. He is indifferent to other pets unless food is involved. Mealtime is a solo activity and should be conducted privately. He eats enthusiastically and will not steal from others, but he would appreciate privacy and respect during dining.   He does bark. But always for a reason. Bathroom doors. Closed doors. New people in the house. Being unable to follow you. Existential concerns. He does not bark randomly. He is communicating. When his person leaves for work, he is given a cookie, eats it politely on his bed, and then waits quietly until the pet sitter arrives hours later. He is dramatic, not destructive.   Brussel Sprout needs a home with routine, patience, and a willingness to learn his very specific language of barks, squeals, and meaningful looks. He was someone’s baby once and is very clear that he would like to be that again. Brussel may have limited hearing, limited sight and for sure has limited teeth. Bonus: He already got a dental. Don't have to worry about that expense. The rescue covered that. Minus side? His tongue now hangs out of his mouth. Maybe that's not a minus side. Maybe the old man has a cute factor now. To each his own. In our book, that sounds like perfect little man.  So, who wants to adopt the grumpiest, bossiest, most demanding little old man who will run your household with a tiny iron paw and absolutely steal your heart in the process? Brussel Sprout is ready to inform you exactly how things should be done.January 1, 2026, 1:05 pm

Or, how about these Shih Tzus in cities near Palo Alto, California

These Shih Tzus are available for adoption close to Palo Alto, California.
We'll also keep you updated on Brussel Sprout's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Brussel Sprout

Brussel Sprout

Shih Tzu

Male, Adult
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.  * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.Adoption fee: $600 Meet Brussel Sprout, a 17 lb, 7 year old tyrant disguised as a dog. Do you want to adopt the worst dog ever? The one who has opinions, a schedule, and absolutely no problem informing you when you are doing things incorrectly? Perfect. Please read on.   Brussel Sprout believes mornings should begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. with a short walk, followed immediately by…going back to bed for two more hours. Do not confuse this with laziness. This is intentional rest. After his second wake-up, he requires a quick potty break and then expects breakfast to be served as fast as humanly possible. Any delay will be met with intense staring, barking, circling, sitting upright, and general “how dare you” energy. He does not want treats. He wants a meal. He will make that very clear.   During the day, Brussel Sprout supervises the living room while you are at work. He prefers to potty outside like a gentleman but will tolerate a pee pad if absolutely necessary, though he would like you to know this is beneath him. Once outside, he is not picky about where he goes, so guidance is appreciated. He enjoys an early dinner and will announce when it is time. He does not believe in silent hunger.   At night, Brussel Sprout sleeps in his own very comfy bed next to yours. There is a ramp to the human bed, but he has declined that option and prefers independence, dignity, and personal space. When he wakes up, he may briefly forget where he is, so good lighting is required while he reassesses the situation and confirms that he is, in fact, safe and still in charge. He also puts himself to bed when he is tired. No one tells Brussel Sprout when bedtime is.   Personality-wise, he arrived stressed and deeply disappointed that the household did not immediately understand his routine. He does not like closed doors. He especially does not like when his person is behind a closed door without him. He will vocalize his dissatisfaction with barking, squealing, and general commentary. Showering alone was not an option at first. Progress has been made. He now allows the shower door to be closed, provided the bathroom door remains open and he can perform periodic visual inspections of his person.   He enjoys being petted but does not climb on furniture. He prefers to walk around, sit on something soft, or dramatically sploot on the floor. He has mild interest in toys but stronger feelings about household objects that cannot be trusted, such as a gallon water jug on a low shelf. He softly barks at it every day for reasons unknown. Individual water bottles are fine. The jug is suspicious.   Brussel Sprout walks nicely on leash, does not pull, and could not care less about animals around him. He is indifferent to other pets unless food is involved. Mealtime is a solo activity and should be conducted privately. He eats enthusiastically and will not steal from others, but he would appreciate privacy and respect during dining.   He does bark. But always for a reason. Bathroom doors. Closed doors. New people in the house. Being unable to follow you. Existential concerns. He does not bark randomly. He is communicating. When his person leaves for work, he is given a cookie, eats it politely on his bed, and then waits quietly until the pet sitter arrives hours later. He is dramatic, not destructive.   Brussel Sprout needs a home with routine, patience, and a willingness to learn his very specific language of barks, squeals, and meaningful looks. He was someone’s baby once and is very clear that he would like to be that again. Brussel may have limited hearing, limited sight and for sure has limited teeth. Bonus: He already got a dental. Don't have to worry about that expense. The rescue covered that. Minus side? His tongue now hangs out of his mouth. Maybe that's not a minus side. Maybe the old man has a cute factor now. To each his own. In our book, that sounds like perfect little man.  So, who wants to adopt the grumpiest, bossiest, most demanding little old man who will run your household with a tiny iron paw and absolutely steal your heart in the process? Brussel Sprout is ready to inform you exactly how things should be done.January 1, 2026, 1:05 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Merry D5277's adoption status with email updates.
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Merry D5277

Shih Tzu

Male, Young
Fremont, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Rescued from a crowded distant shelter. Dog and people friendly. Enjoy being petter. Both have been neglected and need grooming soon. Vet care received 12/9/25. More info. and new photos to come. 12/13/25: Sweetie Merry is now relaxed and doing crate with foster home's 3 dogs and 2 cats. He knows to go to his crate to sleep. Enjoys snuggling. He was groomed and shaved down by Quality Pet Spot grooming Campbell and now adorable. Feeling much better. He is easy going and perfect sweetie. Learning to enjoy being a indoor house dog.December 17, 2025, 1:23 am
We'll also keep you updated on Holly D5248's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Holly D5248

Holly D5248

Shih Tzu

Female, Young
Fremont, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Rescued from a crowded distant shelter. Dog and people friendly. Enjoys being petted. Has been neglected and needs grooming soon. Had her vet care on 12/9/25. Foster home bathed her many times to get rid of all the fleas. She shaved down and groomed her. Holly feels much better now. Eating well good with her female dog enjoys her walks and following her mom around. Snuggly. She needs to gain some weight before her spay surgery. More info. and new photos to come.December 17, 2025, 1:23 am
We'll also keep you updated on Winston D5610's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Winston D5610

Winston D5610

Shih Tzu Maltese

Male, Young
Fremont, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Winston was rescued from a crowded shelter. He was nervous very matted and dirty when first found in the streets. After a week he warmed up. Shelter staff were able to shave off mats and bathed him. He enjoyed laps and gave kisses. Plays with toys. Was good with other dogs. Now happy and playful meeting another dog out of the shelter. He is now relaxing at his loving foster home with another dog. So far he is very friendly and sweet. He will be groomed soon to even out body coat paws and trim his face. Once he is healthy he will be neutered. More photo and info to come from his foster home. He is a sweetie.December 30, 2025, 1:07 am
We'll also keep you updated on DON's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of DON

DON

Shih Tzu Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Male, 2 yrs 4 mos
Pt. Richmond, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with cats,
Story
Meet Don & Julio! 🐾🐾 Don and Julio came to us together from the Merced shelter and are hoping to find a home, whether together or seperately. These two are easygoing, low-energy companions who enjoy a calm, relaxed lifestyle and being close to their people. They are family friendly, affectionate, and motivated by love and attention. Don and Julio do well with gentle corrections and can be left alone for up to 4–6 hours, making them a great fit for a home with a steady routine. They would do best in a cat-free home, where they can continue to settle in and enjoy the comfort of being together. If you’re looking for a sweet, mellow duo to share your life with, Don and Julio could be the perfect match. 💙
We'll also keep you updated on CRAFTY PANTS's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of CRAFTY PANTS

CRAFTY PANTS

Shih Tzu

Female, 4 yrs 1 mo
Pt. Richmond, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
Meet Crafty Pants! Crafty Pants is a lovable, family-friendly pup with a calm, low-energy nature that makes her an easy addition to many homes. She's great with both dogs and cats and enjoys being part of a gentle, welcoming environment. While she can be a bit jumpy at times, she responds well to corrections and is a quick learner who’s eager to please. Crafty Pants is especially affection-motivated and thrives on praise, cuddles, and positive attention. With a little guidance and lots of love, this sweet girl will blossom into a wonderful lifelong companion.

These pups are in Palo Alto, California too!

Below are our newest added Shih Tzus available for adoption in Palo Alto, California. To see more adoptable Shih Tzus in Palo Alto, California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria!
We'll also keep you updated on Indigo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Indigo

Indigo

Papillon

Male, Adult
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.  * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.Adoption fee: $700 Meet Indigo   Indigo is a 2 year old, 14 lb Papillon mix who came to the rescue from the shelter and has been busy discovering what it means to be safe, loved, and part of a family. He is a bright, energetic little dog with a huge heart and a zest for life that becomes more obvious every day.   Daily Routine Indigo is an early riser and starts his day with a quick 10-minute walk around the park near his foster home. Afterward, he enjoys breakfast— a mix of kibble and wet food— before settling into his pen. Around 8:00 a.m., he heads out for a longer walk, usually 40–50 minutes, where he can burn off his abundant energy. After that, he relaxes in his pen until his foster family returns home in the afternoon.   When his people get home around 3:00–4:00 p.m., Indigo is thrilled to see them and goes out for another short walk. Dinner is around 5:00 p.m., followed by playtime in the living room. Before bedtime, he enjoys one last 10-minute walk around 8:00 p.m. He sleeps in his pen overnight without issue— he may whine briefly, then settles himself and sleeps through until morning.   Personality & Growth When Indigo first arrived, he was very shy and anxious, reluctant to leave his crate and unsure of his new surroundings. He was underweight and dealing with skin issues, and it was clear he needed time to decompress. In just a short period, he has made an impressive transformation. Indigo is now affectionate and cuddly, loves to wag his tail, and eagerly engages in play with toys and his people.   He has a playful, puppy-like spirit and is still learning good manners. Indigo can get mouthy during play and may grab at things when excited, but his foster family is actively working on redirecting this behavior and teaching him appropriate outlets. He is curious, smart, and clearly eager to learn.   One of the sweetest things about Indigo is how he greets his foster family when they come home. As soon as he’s let out of his pen, he walks right up and gently presses his forehead against them— a quiet, heartfelt way of saying he’s happy and feels safe.   Energy Level & Activity Indigo is energetic and always on the move when he’s out of his pen. He loves running and exploring and seems like he could go forever. He is not a couch potato— this is a dog who will thrive with daily walks, enrichment, and an active lifestyle.   Leash Skills & Outside World Indigo has been on many walks and is enthusiastic on leash. He does pull a bit but frequently checks back in with his person. He is very alert and vocal when he sees dogs, people, strollers, cats, or other activity, using his voice to let everyone know he’s there. With continued training, structure, and confidence-building, he should continue to improve in busy environments.   Training & Manners Indigo is crate-trained and comfortable resting in his pen. Potty training is still a work in progress, and he will need a home committed to consistency and positive reinforcement as he continues learning where to go.   Social Life Indigo is currently the only dog in his foster home and has not yet lived with other pets or children. He previously lived with several other dogs while at the shelter.   Why Indigo Indigo is smart, kind, affectionate, and full of personality. In just 10 days, he has already bonded deeply with his foster family and clearly wants to be part of a pack. He is strong, healthy, and endlessly fun, with a playful spirit and a loving heart. For the right home— one that embraces his energy and commits to guiding him as he grows— Indigo will be a devoted, joyful companion who brings laughter and adventure into everyday life.December 16, 2025, 6:23 pm

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Shih Tzu shelters & rescues in Palo Alto, California

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Shih Tzu puppies in Palo Alto, California. Browse these Shih Tzu rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

1.9 miles

Doggie Protective Services (DPS Rescue)

Palo Alto, CA 94306

Pet Types: cats, dogs, farm animals

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Rescue

10.8 miles

Furry Friends Rescue

P.O. Box 7270, Fremont, CA 94537

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

36.9 miles

Milo Foundation

220 S Garrard Blvd, Pt. Richmond, CA 94801

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Want to learn more about adopting a Shih Tzu puppy or dog?

We've got all the info you need on adopting and caring for a Shih Tzu puppy. Check out the links below for everything you ever wanted to know about Shih Tzu puppies and adults.

Shih Tzu basics

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Where do Shih Tzus come from? How many types of Shih Tzus are there? From the history of the breed to question about average height, weight and size, brush up on these basic facts about the Shih Tzu.

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