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Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Connecticut

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

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Adopt a Shih Tzu near you in Connecticut

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

Gray Hoverfluff the Soft Scruffy Sweetheart

Shih Tzu

Male, 4 yrs 3 mos
Hartford, CT
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained,
Story
Gray Hoverfluff looks like the kind of dog someone dreamed up after saying, “what if we made the world’s cutest little gentleman?” Everything about him feels unfairly adorable. The fluffy scruff, the tiny beard, the soft soulful eyes that look like they hold centuries of wisdom and at least three love songs. He has this cozy, comforting presence about him that makes people instantly melt, like he was specifically designed to be carried around, cuddled nonstop, and treated like royalty. And once his shy little personality starts to peek through? Forget it. Between the tiny play bows, the sweet gentle affection, and the way he quietly sticks close to his people, Gray has that rare kind of charm that sneaks up on you fast and suddenly has you wondering how you ever lived without a tiny bearded sidekick following you around the house. Watch his video and fall in love with this cutie: https://youtu.be/xsF8_wAWoKc?si=fOnreeAWgqX_Wi2t Gray Hoverfluff is believed to be a Shih Tzu mix approximately 4 years old and currently weighs 11 lbs. He is a rescue dog and with any rescue, it's always a mystery and we cannot guarantee breed or age. Gray is a bit shy at first when meeting new people, in new environments and may take a little time to warm up, but once he does, he’s all about affection and spoiling you with his gentle love. He truly shines as a lap dog and is happiest curled up close to his person, soaking in love and giving it right back. His energy level is beautifully balanced, not too busy and not too sleepy. Just the right amount of energy, the kind of pup who fits perfectly into your routine. He enjoys getting out for walks (and walks nicely on a leash!) but is just as content relaxing at home snuggled up next you on the couch binge watching your favorite show or movie. He’s dog-friendly and has done great with every dog we have introduced him to. He has met dogs his size and smaller and has also been around dogs twice his size! No matter the size, Gray has shown to be a polite gentle gentleman when he meets a dog on leash and shows that same level of gentleness when meeting dogs off leash. From what we have observed so far, he hasn’t been a super playful boy for the most part and though he may develop a playful side to him with other dogs after some time in his forever home. He did seem to open up more around If you don’t have other dogs, that’s fine by Gray too! He does not need the company of another dog to satisfy his energy needs or a pal to help him feel comfortable. He is a chill fella that doesn’t need a whole lot of exercise and he will naturally need some time to acclimate to his new surroundings. Gray also met our house cat Biggie and met him appropriately and was very respectful around him. He did not chase Biggie, nor was he bothered by Biggie jumping or doing what cats do. Biggie also seem to feel comfortable around him as well. We do not know if he has ever lived in a home before with a cat and this was our first time seeing him with a cat. If you have a cat in the home, we can arrange for Gray to have a sleepover with a cat upon request. Just let us know! Gray has the kind of easygoing personality that allows him to thrive in many living situations. He would do very well in an apartment or condo setting, especially with someone who enjoys daily walks and a relaxed routine. His well-balanced energy level and polite leash manners make him a great neighbor-friendly companion. He would also be perfectly happy in a suburban home with a backyard, where he could enjoy sniffing around, sunbathing, and lounging after his walks. While he’d appreciate outdoor access, he doesn’t rely on a yard to be fulfilled; his happiness comes from companionship, not square footage. If you’re looking for a loyal little companion who bonds deeply, loves cuddles, and brings a steady, comforting presence into your life, Gray may be exactly who you’ve been waiting for. We are willing to test Gray Hoverfluff with anything you need in order to ensure it's a perfect match. We can make anything happen! Just let us know. Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? Apply today! https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/698a10539d1ecb3b5f06db8d Questions? Email stephanie@threelittlepittiesrescue.org We facilitate adoptions nationwide using our rescue run USDA certified transport system, ensuring every pet travels safely and comfortably with 24/7 care. Our transport includes drop off locations, in WA, UT, OR, ID, VA, PA, OH, NY, CT, VT, TN, KY, WI, MN, IL, WI and Canada (pick up in Bellingham, WA, Buffalo, NY or Brattleboro, VT for for Canadian adopters). You will have the opportunity to track their journey in real time, see photo updates, learn fun facts, connect with fellow adopters and fosters through our private Facebook event page! Before the adoption is finalized, you will meet your pet through a video call, creating a fun and personalized experience! The adoption fee is $1600 and includes all vetting (DAPP with booster, Bordetella, Rabies vaccine, multiple broad spectrum deworming treatments, spay/neuter, flea prevention, a 12 month heartworm preventative injectable, heartworm test and treatment if needed, a microchip with free lifetime registration, a high quality nylon Martingale collar, a health certificate deeming the pup healthy for travel, cost of transport*, and priceless years of love and loyal companionship! We proudly have over 17,000 successful adoptions and excellent Google Reviews: https://g.co/kgs/UQ5Pyai We care deeply about creating lasting matches between dog and family for long term success, and take the time to ensure each adoption is a fit through our matchmaking process. At our 2 acre Texas based property, we assess every animal with trainers on staff, we modify behavior as needed, and create individualized behavior plans to help prepare dogs for their future families including crate training, potty training, leash walking, etc. Our fosters are able to attend group training and socialization play groups helping them stay confident, well rounded, and adoption-ready. Our on-site trainers are dedicated to each dog’s growth and we enjoy seeing their progress! We go above and beyond to ensure every animal receives exceptional care. Veterinarians consistently praise our medical standards. From routine care to advanced treatments, each dog receives personalized attention. Hard costs for a healthy dog range from $804-$920; heartworm-positive dogs or those needing specialized care can exceed $2,000+. Adoption fees help cover a portion of these expenses, but without government funding, we rely on fundraising to bridge the gap—ranging from $100–$1,000+ per dog. Our adoption fees reflect the extensive care and resources that go into each animal we save. The adoption fee is a donation to the mission and goes far beyond getting a fully vetted pet. It doesn’t stop there! Our adopters also receive these SPECIAL PERKS: Extensive behavioral testing and information from trainers on our staff to ensure the perfect fit for your family Discounts on Embark DNA test kit- $30 off of Breed ID test or $50 off of Breed ID plus Health test 30 day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion A free private online dog training session with GoodPup, plus low pricing for future sessions Access to multiple dog trainers in your area, along with $40 off of your first session of in person dog training through Rover Training 70% off of your first order of Fetch, a delicious PNW based fresh dog meatballs subscription Coupons for a fun visit to Petco 20% off of Dr. Cuddles pet first aid and hygiene solutions Discounted heartworm, flea prevention, and monthly dewormer Access to our exclusive FB Adopters page, where you can network for play dates, resources, and connect with other adopters that share their passion for their adopted pup! The Greater Houston area faces one of the highest stray and overpopulation rates in the U.S. We’re a nonprofit on a mission—to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs at risk, while promoting spay/neuter outreach in the community. When you adopt, you save more than one life— the one you adopted, and the space opened up to save another. Follow our journey and stay connected! 🌐 threelittlepittiesrescue.org 📘 facebook.com/threelittlepittiesrescue 📸 instagram.com/threelittlepittiesrescue Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? APPLY TODAY and become a hero for pets in need! *Due to rising transportation costs, a $87 surcharge applies. DISCLAIMER- Breed type is determined based on general appearance and behavioral characteristics, and cannot be guaranteed without DNA testing. NOTE- Texas adopters must pick up from the Houston area.
We'll also keep you updated on Diggie Doodlebug Hoverfluff's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Diggie Doodlebug Hoverfluff

Diggie Doodlebug Hoverfluff

Shih Tzu

Male, 4 yrs 3 mos
Hartford, CT
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained,
Story
Diggie looks like someone shrunk Chewbacca down into an 11 lb bestie with tiny paws and a perfect button nose. Freshly groomed he is adorable, but when that scruffy grey coat grows out? Full rescue-muppet magic! Estimated to be about 4 years old, Diggie is a Shih Tzu mix with a playful side, a sensitive heart, and a very strong attachment to his people. Rescue rules apply, so breed and age are our best guess. Go watch Diggie Doodlebug on YouTube then come right back to read more about this shaggy little sweetheart. https://youtu.be/4uY3QypwIAY Diggie is currently fostered in a loving home where his foster describes him as playful, lovable, extremely smart, and full of personality once comfortable. He loves toys, enjoys digging dramatically through dog beds, and bonds deeply with his people. He especially loves kids and would truly thrive in a home with children. He also lives with cats successfully and can do well with calm, easygoing dogs after slow introductions. Once comfortable he is a bouncy, playful boy. The day we met Diggie he was in an unfamiliar environment with a heap of new people, not ideal for his sensitive nature but even while stressed he remained incredibly soft-tempered and never once reacted roughly. Once he trusts someone, though, his foster shares that he can handle a busy lifestyle and genuinely enjoys going places with her. Diggie is not currently leash trained but continues to practice with his foster, so a home with a secure yard would make life much easier for him while he continues building up his leash confidence. Crates are also stressful for him and his foster does not currently use one but shares that he is trustworthy in the home and has not been a necessity. This little guy is not an instant “life of the party” dog. He is a relationship-first dog. But for someone willing to let him settle in at his own pace, there is a really funny, loving, toy-obsessed little companion underneath that fluffy grey fur. Ready to welcome Diggie home? Apply here- https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/698a0e3055367c80dc07a5d9 Questions? Email- Stephanie@threelittlepittiesrescue.org We facilitate adoptions nationwide using our rescue run USDA certified transport system, ensuring every pet travels safely and comfortably with 24/7 care. Our transport includes drop off locations, in WA, UT, OR, ID, VA, PA, OH, NY, CT, VT, TN, KY, WI, MN, IL, WI and Canada (pick up in Bellingham, WA, Buffalo, NY or Brattleboro, VT for for Canadian adopters). You will have the opportunity to track their journey in real time, see photo updates, learn fun facts, connect with fellow adopters and fosters through our private Facebook event page! Before the adoption is finalized, you will meet your pet through a video call, creating a fun and personalized experience! The adoption fee is $1600 and includes all vetting (DAPP with booster, Bordetella, Rabies vaccine, multiple broad spectrum deworming treatments, spay/neuter, flea prevention, a 12 month heartworm preventative injectable, heartworm test and treatment if needed, a microchip with free lifetime registration, a high quality nylon Martingale collar, a health certificate deeming the pup healthy for travel, cost of transport*, and priceless years of love and loyal companionship! We proudly have over 17,000 successful adoptions and excellent Google Reviews: https://g.co/kgs/UQ5Pyai We care deeply about creating lasting matches between dog and family for long term success, and take the time to ensure each adoption is a fit through our matchmaking process. At our 2 acre Texas based property, we assess every animal with trainers on staff, we modify behavior as needed, and create individualized behavior plans to help prepare dogs for their future families including crate training, potty training, leash walking, etc. Our fosters are able to attend group training and socialization play groups helping them stay confident, well rounded, and adoption-ready. Our on-site trainers are dedicated to each dog’s growth and we enjoy seeing their progress! We go above and beyond to ensure every animal receives exceptional care. Veterinarians consistently praise our medical standards. From routine care to advanced treatments, each dog receives personalized attention. Hard costs for a healthy dog range from $804-$920; heartworm-positive dogs or those needing specialized care can exceed $2,000+. Adoption fees help cover a portion of these expenses, but without government funding, we rely on fundraising to bridge the gap—ranging from $100–$1,000+ per dog. Our adoption fees reflect the extensive care and resources that go into each animal we save. The adoption fee is a donation to the mission and goes far beyond getting a fully vetted pet. It doesn’t stop there! Our adopters also receive these SPECIAL PERKS: Extensive behavioral testing and information from trainers on our staff to ensure the perfect fit for your family Discounts on Embark DNA test kit- $30 off of Breed ID test or $50 off of Breed ID plus Health test 30 day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion A free private online dog training session with GoodPup, plus low pricing for future sessions Access to multiple dog trainers in your area, along with $40 off of your first session of in person dog training through Rover Training 70% off of your first order of Fetch, a delicious PNW based fresh dog meatballs subscription Coupons for a fun visit to Petco 20% off of Dr. Cuddles pet first aid and hygiene solutions Discounted heartworm, flea prevention, and monthly dewormer Access to our exclusive FB Adopters page, where you can network for play dates, resources, and connect with other adopters that share their passion for their adopted pup! The Greater Houston area faces one of the highest stray and overpopulation rates in the U.S. We’re a nonprofit on a mission—to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs at risk, while promoting spay/neuter outreach in the community. When you adopt, you save more than one life— the one you adopted, and the space opened up to save another. Follow our journey and stay connected! 🌐 threelittlepittiesrescue.org 📘 facebook.com/threelittlepittiesrescue 📸 instagram.com/threelittlepittiesrescue Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? APPLY TODAY and become a hero for pets in need! *Due to rising transportation costs, a $87 surcharge applies. DISCLAIMER- Breed type is determined based on general appearance and behavioral characteristics, and cannot be guaranteed without DNA testing. NOTE- Texas adopters must pick up from the Houston area.
We'll also keep you updated on Spangle's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Spangle

Spangle

Shih Tzu/Cairn Terrier

Male, Adult
Southbury, CT
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained,
Story
Adorable Spangle is about 2 years old and 21 pounds of love and fun! This little fellow enjoys the company of other dogs and loves all the nice humans that he meets. He'll be a wonderful addition to any loving family. Apply to adopt this little lovebug today at www.cprdogs.com. Spangle is spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and current on flea/tick and heartworm preventative. All dogs 6 month + receive a Proheart 6 injection at the time of their heartworm test. This provides heartworm prevention for 6 months from the time of that injection. This dog has tested ****** for heartworms. The adoption fee is $450 if your adoption is prepaid and final prior to your dog's arrival. An additional $50 will be charged on dogs that are adopted at an event, or foster home. This additional fee is necessary in order to comply with CT HB 5368. WANT TO MEET OUR DOGS IN PERSON? Check the Events tab on cprdogs.com for all weekend adoption event info. The majority of the dogs marked as 'meet me' will be there to see you! If you are a MA resident, your new family member is required to go through a mandatory 48 hour quarantine period at our Woburn MA isolation facility. Your new family member will be dropped off by our transport on Thursday and will be ready for you to pick him/her up on Saturday between 11 am-1 pm. An additional $100 fee will be added for any dogs picked up from the Woburn MA quarantine facility. This additional fee is necessary in order to comply with MA Order 405-CD-12 and Order 1-AHO-05. TO APPLY PLEASE GO TO www.cprdogs.com. If your application was successfully submitted you will get a confirmation. Please DO NOT USE the ADOPTAPET "CONTACT THIS RESCUE GROUP" form below or you may not hear from us as these often end up in spam or bouncing back. After receipt of your application, an adoption counselor will then be in touch to answer your questions about this pup, discuss the adoption process and get the ball rolling! If you have not heard from one of our volunteers within 5 days of submitting your application, please email mollibo@gmail.com.
We'll also keep you updated on Wendy's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Wendy

Wendy

Shih Tzu/Mixed Breed (Small)

Female, 3 yrs
Griswold, CT
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
**AVAILABLE FOR PRE APPROVAL FOR MAY 16TH** Wendy is a 3-year-old Shih Tzu mix, weighing in at just around 11 pounds, with a gentle soul and a story that tugs at the heart. After the passing of her owner, family attempted to take her in but ultimately surrendered her to the shelter, her coat painfully matted beyond repair. But even through it all, her sweetness shone clearly in her eyes. Now freshly shaved and starting her journey toward a happy home, we’re already seeing glimpses of the beautiful, loving dog she’s meant to be. Wendy is currently in a foster home with other dogs and cats and is settling in nicely, showing just how resilient and kind she truly is. Apply for Wendy at allpawsondeck.org Must be 21+ to adopt $500 Adoption Fee; $100 spay/neuter deposit Located in Griswold, CT To adopt you must - Fill out an application at allpawsondeck.org - all your pets must be spayed / neutered and up to date - We can’t adopt to MA residents due to State Laws. If the dog is posted, the dog is available. Only complete applications at allpawsondeck.org will be considered.
We'll also keep you updated on Mila~adopted!'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Mila~adopted!

Mila~adopted!

Shih Tzu/Poodle (Toy or Tea Cup)

Female, Puppy
Southbury, CT
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
This scruffy little lady has that irresistibly adorable, tousled look that will steal your heart in seconds. Don’t let her small size fool you—she’s quick on her feet and loves to zip around having fun! She gets along wonderfully with dogs of all sizes and enjoys every opportunity to make new furry friends. When playtime winds down, she’s all about the belly rubs and soaking up affection. She’s easy to keep up with off leash and loves being right by your side, whether you’re out exploring or just enjoying a relaxed day together. Sweet, spunky, and full of charm—this little girl is ready to bring so much joy to her forever home. This puppy Is spayed/neutered, up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, treated for all of the intestinal parasites, and current on flea/tick and heartworm preventative. Because intestinal parasites are cyclical, your puppy may need additional treatment once you get him/her home. This is common and nothing to be alarmed about. Puppies and dogs need to be treated periodically for parasites throughout their entire lives. The adoption fee is $550 if your adoption is prepaid prior to your pup's arrival. An additional $50 will be charged on puppies that are adopted at an event, or foster home. This additional fee is necessary in order to comply with CT HB 5368. WANT TO MEET OUR DOGS IN PERSON? Check the Events tab on cprdogs.com for all weekend adoption event info. The majority of the dogs marked as 'meet me' will be there to see you! More and more of our adopters are having fun with DNA tests on their pups. You might ask yourself why our breed guess is varying degrees of difference from the DNA tests. Most of our puppies are rescued from high kill shelters or other abandonment situations and we have no info on parents. When we rescue puppies that have no background info, we make our very best educated guess as to breed mix and age. Our guesstimate comes from years and years and years of animal welfare work and training, but our guesses won't always agree with your vet, your neighbor, your DNA test, etc. The most important thing to know about your puppy's breed mix is that most likely he/she is a Super Lovable Mutt made of many many many different breeds. If you are a MA resident, your new family member is required to go through a mandatory 48 hour quarantine period at the Woburn MA isolation facility. Your new family member will be dropped off by our transport on Thursday and will be ready for you to pick him/her up on Saturday between 11 am-1 pm. An additional $100 fee will be added for any dogs picked up from the Woburn MA quarantine facility. This additional fee is necessary in order to comply with MA Order 405-CD-12 and Order 1-AHO-05. TO APPLY PLEASE GO TO www.cprdogs.com. If your application was successfully submitted you will get an automatically generated confirmation email. Please DO NOT USE the ADOPTAPET "CONTACT THIS RESCUE GROUP" form below or you may not hear from us as these often end up in spam or bouncing back. After receipt of your application, an adoption counselor will then be in touch to answer your questions about this pup, discuss the adoption process and get the ball rolling! If you have not heard from one of our volunteers within 5 days of submitting your application, please email mollibo@gmail.com.
We'll also keep you updated on INDEPENDENT ELLA's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of INDEPENDENT ELLA

INDEPENDENT ELLA

Shih Tzu

Female, Adult
Andover, CT
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
    Independent Ella is the kind of dog who makes the world feel a little warmer the moment she walks into the room. With a constantly wagging tail and bright, curious eyes, she greets everyone like an old friend whether it’s a stranger on the street, a giggling child, or another animal crossing her path. This 3 year old, 20 pound Shih Tzu mix girl was found as a matted stray and her rescuers never found the person who owned her.  She ended up in a boarding facility for a few weeks as they searched and she received a much needed glamour grooming that you see the results here in her pictures.  Ella is very self-assured and spunky and spry.  She bounces around like a butterfly flitting from flower to flower.  She is good with other dogs but will let them know that she is the Queen Bee.  It would be best for her to be in a home as the one and only girl and she could certainly live with another male dog or two.  Girl on girl in a home she might be a challenge as she makes her Queen Bee position known.  On the flip side of that we know Ella to be very affectionate and eager to spend time with her humans. She is mostly housebroken but would be best for her to be crated overnight.  This social butterfly never meets a stranger nor finds a situation one that she cannot handle. She is not shy and basically lives in her own 'no fear zone'. If you are looking for a lifetime companion who is up for any and every adventure that you bring her way, then Ella is 'in' for the ride. Please email Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrnewengland@gmail.com  She is ready to go!!!    PLEASE NOTE:  Our dogs are transported from Tennessee to meeting places in the states where we have posted.  Further information about us is given on our Adopt-A-Pet site.  The adoption fees vary and will be provided as well as noted on the application you receive.  Contact us at 615-661-5333 or ccrnewengland@gmail.comMay 13, 2026, 10:46 am

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Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Connecticut cities

Shih Tzu shelters & rescues in Connecticut

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

Here are a few organizations

Rescue

Companion Pet Rescue - New England

Southbury , CT 06488

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Beebe Humane Society CT Transport

Westport , CT 06880

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Goofy Foot Rescue - Southington, CT

Southington , CT 06489

Pet Types: dogs

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Three Little Pitties Rescue - CT Transport

Hartford , CT 06103

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Critter Cavalry Rescue New England - CT

Andover , CT 06232

Pet Types: dogs

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Muddy Moose Mutts, Inc

Torrington , CT 06098

Pet Types: dogs

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Sarah's Second Chance Dog Rescue

182 Skinner Rd, Vernon , CT 06066

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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All Paws on Deck

Griswold , CT 06351

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 information

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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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