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Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in San Mateo, California

Looking for a Shih Tzu puppy or dog in San Mateo, 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 San Mateo, California

We don't see any Shih Tzus available for adoption right now, but new adoptable pets are added every day. Try a different search below!

Or, how about these Shih Tzus in cities near San Mateo, California

These Shih Tzus are available for adoption close to San Mateo, California.
We'll also keep you updated on Hollywood's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Hollywood

Hollywood

Shih Tzu Cairn Terrier

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.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, February 21st from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/Adoption fee: $750 Meet Hollywood — Your Tiny Leading Man With Big Main-Character Energy! Hollywood is a 1–2 year old, 8 lb Cairn Terrier with a whole lot of personality packed into a perfectly portable body. He’s sweet, hilarious, and ridiculously affectionate — the kind of dog who makes you feel like you’re his entire world (because in his mind… you are). With his soulful eyes, snuggly nature, and constant desire to be right where the love is, Hollywood is basically a rom-com heartthrob in scruffy-terrier form. If you’ve been looking for a dog who will adore you like you hung the moon, congratulations… you just found him. Hollywood is the ultimate velcro cuddlebug — he follows his humans from room to room like he’s your personal furry assistant and happily climbs into laps whenever there’s an opening. He’s especially obsessed with kids and has proven himself to be gentle, affectionate, and tolerant around busy little humans (including groups of 5, 7, and 9 year olds). He also does great with other small dogs, even if they occasionally roll their eyes at his puppy enthusiasm. Hollywood doesn’t take corrections personally — he just keeps living his best life like the confident little “honey badger” he is. A typical day with Hollywood starts around 7 a.m., when he pops out of his crate, heads outside, and then immediately goes to his most important job: waking the kids with kisses. Breakfast happens around 8:30, and while he strongly believes human food should be shared with the cast, he will settle for his own (especially if it’s wet food). After that, he spends the day lounging, snoozing, chewing on a bone, and playing ball — both indoors and outside — with little bursts of energy and zoomies sprinkled in. Around 2:30 p.m., he often tags along for afterschool activities to practice being a good car and leash buddy, then dinner rolls around between 5–7 p.m., and bedtime is usually 10–11 p.m. back in his crate (though he’d happily accept a starring role in your bed). Hollywood is still very much a puppy at heart, which means he’s learning manners as he goes. He’s mostly potty trained, especially since learning the dog door, but he’ll do best with supervision and consistency while he finishes polishing those skills. He may bark briefly at deliveries or new people, and he sometimes barks at other dogs because he wants to play — not because he’s mean. He’s also a bit of a curious little troublemaker and may grab a kid toy, pencil, or snack if it’s within reach (Hollywood believes all props belong to him). He’s crate trained, but he doesn’t love being left alone yet, so continued confidence-building will help him thrive. If you want a dog who is equal parts adoring, funny, cuddly, and charming, Hollywood is ready for his forever home — and trust us, this little guy was born for the role. Adopt Hollywood… and get ready for a lifetime of kisses, couch snuggles, and a best friend who thinks you’re the greatest thing to ever hit the big screen.February 16, 2026, 9:52 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Nirai D7047's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Nirai D7047

Nirai D7047

Shih Tzu

Female, Adult
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
Nirai (means calm) and her 4 friends were all dumped in the streets of Fremont. They were all neglected dirty and very matted. She is more timid and nervous than the others. Needs more time to decompress and feel safe at her foster home. The shelter had her shaved down since she was severely matted (See my before and after picture!). She is now relaxing at her foster home. More photos and info to come as she learns and feels safe. Update 1/20/26 from her foster home: She was scared for the first two days but now she is a completely different dog. She sleeps very well through the night in her crate is potty trained and already knows how to use the doggie door to go to the backyard for her business. She is good with other dogs though she doesn’t play with them much yet. She is also great with my 5-year-old son. She loves human company more than dogs for now. She plays with my son and my husband sleeps on our laps and loves belly rubs. She also seems fine when we leave her at home for a few hours. I’m feeding her home-cooked food and she loves carrots and treats. See How Happy now in the links below! Watch my video #1Watch my video #2February 9, 2026, 12:36 pm
We'll also keep you updated on OZZY's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of OZZY

OZZY

Shih Tzu Mixed Breed (Small)

Male, 1 yr 1 mo
Pt. Richmond, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Not good with cats, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Ozzy 🐾 Ozzy is a thoughtful, selective pup who is looking for a patient and experienced home where he can thrive. He has a medium energy level and enjoys a balance of playtime, walks, and quiet companionship. Ozzy is dog selective and does best with slow, careful introductions to other dogs. He’s not good with cats, so a cat-free home is necessary. On leash, Ozzy can be reactive and pull, and he can get jumpy at times, but he is good with corrections and responds well to consistent, positive training. With the right guidance, patience, and structure, Ozzy will grow into a loyal, well-mannered companion for someone ready to give him the understanding and stability he needs. 🐶
We'll also keep you updated on Sir Tashi's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sir Tashi

Sir Tashi

Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso

Male, Adult
Pittsburg, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
✨ Meet Sir Tashi - the sweetest little gentleman you'll ever know! ✨Sir Tashi is a 15-lb Shih Tzu, approximately 3 years old, with a heart as soft as his cuddles. He's playful, affectionate, and truly an all-around good boy with so much love to give.✔️ Doing great with potty training following other dogs through dog door. ✔️ Crate trained (sleeps in crate at night)✔️ Walks beautifully on leash✔️ Loves toys, playtime, and his foster siblings✔️ World-class cuddle bugSir Tashi also has a silly, mischievous side &#194&#151 he's a sock, shoe, and 'anything small enough to grab' thief 😄. He doesn't chew things up, but he will happily steal items to parade around or play with them. It's more funny than destructive, but it does mean keeping small items picked up.Sir Tashi is still learning and will need continued training. Like many Shih Tzus, he can be a bit stubborn, especially when it comes to house manners. He is making progress, but this breed does best with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Short, fun training sessions work best for basic commands, and adopters should expect a learning curve &#194&#151 particularly with housebreaking.Sir Tashi came into rescue alongside his Shih Tzu brother, Mister Tenzi (check k9ppr.org for his profile). While they are no longer fostered together and Sir Tashi will absolutely thrive independently, adopters interested in both brothers will receive a package adoption discount.💔 Important note: These boys were previously kept outdoors and neglected. Because of that, they will need a patient, understanding home committed to continuing basic manners and reinforcing potty habits as they settle into a new environment.Sir Tashi (or the two of them together!) would make a wonderful addition to a loving, committed family.Could that family be yours?⸻🐾 Adoption Requirements &#194&#149 Another dog required &#194&#149 Gentle children 10+ &#194&#149 Temperature controlled home- (Shih Tzus are prone to overheating) &#194&#149 Short walks only &#194&#149 Professional grooming every 6 weeks (not a low-maintenance breed)A detailed adoption application is required.Only applications that clearly meet the criteria and provide meaningful information will be considered. At K9 Paw Print Rescue, we believe every dog is a precious soul deserving of a home that truly fits them.👉 Apply at: www.k9ppr.orgJanuary 12, 2026, 12:43 am
We'll also keep you updated on Mr Tenzi's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Mr Tenzi

Mr Tenzi

Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso

Male, Adult
Pittsburg, 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
Meet Tenzi ✨Tenzi is simply gorgeous. While a fella shouldn't be judged on looks alone, it must be said&#194&#151he's quite the looker. With his soft, fluffy coat, beautiful markings, big dark eyes, and his tiny Van Dyke-style beard, he's undeniably dashing.Tenzi is a Shih Tzu, estimated to be 2-3 years old and about 14 lbs. He is gentle, playful, and affectionate, with a big love for toys&#194&#151especially balls. Blankets are his favorite treasures and will always be gathered into his bed. He enjoys both playtime and quiet cuddles on the couch.Sadly, Tenzi spent most of his life neglected and kept outdoors, which is especially inappropriate for this breed. Because of his past, he will need a patient, understanding home willing to help him continue learning basic manners and fully adjust to life as an indoor, pampered companion such a potty training which is going to take some time. ⸻🐾 Ideal Home & Requirements &#194&#149 Another dog required - he thrives with canine companionship &#194&#149 Gentle children ages 10+ &#194&#149 Indoor-only home with climate control (breed is prone to overheating) &#194&#149 Short walks only; not a high-endurance dog &#194&#149 Commitment to continued potty training & basic manners &#194&#149 Professional grooming every 6 weeks (regular brushing or kept clipped short)⸻🐶 Sibling NoteTenzi does have a Shih Tzu brother. While they are not being fostered together and it is not required that they be adopted as a pair, we would consider a slight adoption fee discount for an approved adopter interested in giving this duo a home together.⸻Tenzi's grooming was previously neglected, and his coat and ears required significant care when he arrived. This breed is not low maintenance, and adopters must be prepared to meet his ongoing grooming needs.With patience, structure, and love, Tenzi will make a devoted and affectionate companion who truly blossoms in the right home. 💛⸻📩 Adoption InfoA detailed adoption application is required. Only applications that clearly meet the criteria listed will be considered. Applications that do not reflect an understanding of Tenzi's needs or fail to share meaningful information about the applicant will not be considered.We believe every dog is a precious soul deserving of a home that truly fits them.👉 Apply at: www.k9ppr.orgJanuary 12, 2026, 12:43 am
We'll also keep you updated on Milo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Milo

Milo

Shih Tzu

Male, Senior
Oakley, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Milo is full breed Shih tzu. Very sweet dog and that has had only 1 owner since he was 6 weeks old. Looking to rehome him to a home that can give him more attention and love he deserves. He is also now partially blind as well as partially deaf.

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Shih Tzu shelters & rescues in San Mateo, California

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

14.7 miles

Doggie Protective Services (DPS Rescue)

Palo Alto, CA 94306

Pet Types: cats, dogs, farm animals

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Rescue

16.8 miles

Furry Friends Rescue

P.O. Box 7270, Fremont, CA 94537

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

26.5 miles

Milo Foundation

220 S Garrard Blvd, Pt. Richmond, CA 94801

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

38.4 miles

K9 Paw Print Rescue

P.O. Box 9354, Pittsburg, CA 94565

Pet Types: 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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