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Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Massachusetts

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

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Adopt a Shih Tzu near you in Massachusetts

Below are our newest added Shih Tzus available for adoption in Massachusetts. To see more adoptable Shih Tzus in Massachusetts, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria!
Photo of Orville

Orville

Shih Tzu

Male, 3 yrs 6 mos
Fall River, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
Meet Orville!Orville is a true sour patch kid - mostly sweet, if we're being honest, unless you're a vet or a groomer and then the gloves are coming off and he'll square up with you until one of you gives up...and it probably won't be him. He was an owner surrender who came to us after biting two people while being groomed...so he'll need a groomer with patience and that understands spicy little dogs.This little guy is about 3.5 years old and he weighs just over 12lbs. For regular handling and social interactions, he's a love. He's patient and tolerant but is a little jumpy if you go near his eyes...which is understandable. Once he warms up to you, though, he LOVES being rubbed between his eyes. Orville is great on a leash with very minimal pulling and he does enjoy his time outside. He LOVES squeaky toys as well and will dance on his back legs if you don't give it to him quickly enough...and then he'll immediately sploot out on his belly with it with his back legs out looking like a furry frog. Orville has met a number of dogs here and he's been great with all of them, if not a tiny bit pushy. He definitely knows what a hissing/growling cat means and knows to steer clear so dog-friendly cats should be fine. Because of his bite history, we're looking for an adult only home, though teenagers should be fine as well. He has shown zero red flags with food aggression, resource guarding, etc...he literally just hates the vet and the groomer like it's his destiny to do so.To apply, visit foreverpaws.com and click adopt to download our application. Once complete, you can email it to us at fpas1@foreverpaws.com.
Photo of Scoochy

Scoochy

Shih Tzu/Chihuahua

Male, Puppy
Cambridge, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained,
Story
It is a very hard decision, my children will be so frustrated and very sad then mad but I don’t have no other choice due to my busy schedule, such school, works and kids.
Photo of Ginger

Ginger

Shih Tzu

Female, Young
Medford, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
A friend gave her to me; I don't know much about the ginger, but I've had her at home for a year, and she is afraid to go outside. She is very playful with children, but she barks a lot when she sees strangers. Unfortunately, she can no longer stay with us because my mom is allergic to pet fur.
Photo of TEDDY

TEDDY

Shih Tzu

Male, 8 mos
Dedham, MA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
MEET TEDDY!*Would benefit from a confident social dog of similar size in his new homeTeddy is an adorable small breed puppy. He is fearful of new people and places, so it will be important for his new family to give him the time and space that he needs to get comfortable with them. Once he has decided that you are his friend, he is a very sweet guy. Here in the shelter, we found that having a friendly, social dog of similar size helps significantly with his confidence, so he would enjoy having a canine companion in his new home. He is still working on things like housetraining and basic obedience. He would do best in a home with adults and teens only in a quiet area. If you are interested in meeting Teddy, stop by our Dedham shelter!My friends describe me as: Dog social, sensitiveTeddy is currently up to date on all vaccinations, has been spayed/neutered, microchipped and seen by our vet team.We welcome adopters from NH, RI, CT, and NY however, we are unable to facilitate same day adoptions due to state regulated paperwork requirements.For more information on this or any other animal currently residing at the Animal Rescue League of Boston please visit us during our adoption center hours: Wednesdays-Sundays from 1:00PM – 6:00PM, Tuesdays by appointment only from 1:00PM – 6:00PM, closed Mondays & Holidays.For information about our adoption process click here
Photo of Rocky

Rocky

Shih Tzu

Male, 3 yrs
Worcester, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
Meet Rocky: Part Shih Tzu, Part Pogo Stick, Part Adventure Enthusiast Rocky is a 3-year-old Shih Tzu mix weighing about 12 pounds, and the best word to describe him is exuberant. This little guy approaches life with maximum enthusiasm, whether he's exploring the outdoors, greeting his favorite people, or attempting to launch himself into your arms for kisses. Rocky can jump an impressive 4–5 feet straight into the air. NBA scouts, take note! Rocky is an absolute lovebug who will happily flop over for belly rubs and soak up all the affection you can give. He also loves exploring and sniffing absolutely everything. A walk with Rocky isn't just a walk—it's an investigative mission. He would thrive with an active family that can provide daily walks, adventures, and plenty of opportunities to burn off his energy. Like many dogs, Rocky has two speeds. One minute he's a total ham, happily lounging in his crate or rolling over for belly rubs. The next, he's a full-blown Tasmanian devil, ready to zoom, bounce, and investigate the world at top speed. When he's in adventure mode, Rocky has a very strong prey drive, so he should not be left unattended outside, even in a securely fenced yard. Because of this, he is not a good fit for a home with cats or other small animals that he may be tempted to chase. Rocky has been a wonderful houseguest in foster care. He's happy to relax in his crate, appears to be crate trained, and does well when kept on a consistent routine, though he'll likely need continued guidance with housetraining. He'd also benefit from walking in a harness, as his excitement sometimes leads to enthusiastic leaps to the end of the leash. Toys haven't made much of an impression on Rocky, but he does have one prized possession—a beloved teddy bear that he faithfully sleeps with every night. It's almost too adorable for words. He's also a perfect gentleman at mealtime, patiently waiting by his bowl and taking treats with impeccable manners. Rocky can be a bit vocal, especially when people are coming and going or when it's almost mealtime. Because of his occasional barking, he may not be the best match for apartment or shared-wall living. Rocky has shown interest in other dogs and has the confident personality often seen in Shih Tzus. He would do best with experienced adopters who can provide thoughtful introductions to resident dogs. Because of his athleticism, enthusiasm, and joyful jumping, a home with older, dog-savvy children (7+) would be the best fit. If you're looking for a sweet, hilarious, energetic companion who will keep you laughing, keep you active, and fill your days with affection and adventure, Rocky is ready to bounce—literally—right into your heart.💙🐾 If you are interested in finding out more about Rocky, please fill out an adoption application by copying and pasting the following link into your browser: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BRO/Dog Rocky is being fostered in Whitinsville, MA. The adoption fee is $500. Like Broken Tail Rescue on Facebook!. Follow Broken Tail Rescue on Instagram! Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most of the dogs, we are only guessing at the predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label. We expect that all adopted dogs will enroll in a formal dog training class with their new owners. Obedience and training classes are an excellent way to learn more about your newly adopted dog, gain handling and training experience, and improve your relationship with your pet.
Photo of MINTY

MINTY

Shih Tzu

Female, Senior
Springfield, MA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
Minty's big dream is to one day become a professional opera singer, and she's passionate about sticking to her practice regimen. While this doesn't make her a great match as an apartment dog, she is a lover of all people, and will eagerly push her way onto whatever available lap she can reach.OTHER PETS: Minty was comfortable around the other dogs she met, but she was way more interested in greeting the people around her and convincing them to give her the undivided attention she deserves. She is relaxed around other dogs and can easily be in a home with a dog who isn't interested in playtime, but coexisting. [Case-By-Case (Must Meet First)]OWNER EXPERIENCE: While Minty is a fairly easy going dog, someone that has some experience with or doesn't mind a barky/screamy dog would be her best fit. With time, some of her vocalizations will likely improve as she decompresses and develops a routine. Experience with positive reinforcement or willingness to learn, will help Minty blossom. [First Dog]KIDS: Minty has been comfortable with handling at TJO. While time should be taken to build trust, her time in foster showed that with trust, she is fine with handling. She may do well with a family with children, however interactions between children and dogs should always be actively monitored to ensure that both parties remain comfortable and safe. [Case-By-Case (Must Meet First)]ACTIVITY LEVEL: Minty hasn't shown much interest in playing with toys, but she loves running around and playing with her people! Once in a home and able to decompress, an enthusiasm for toys may develop especially with the guidance of her people. There's never a day where she's not up and ready to head out in the morning, greeting the sun with a grin and a go-getter attitude. A combination of regular exercise, combined with mental enrichment such as food puzzles, scent games, and learning new tricks will help fully meet her needs. [Good Walking Buddy]VETERINARY CARE: Minty arrived at TJO with some mild skin issues, early cataracts, and some mammary masses that we are currently looking into, so she will need someone that has an established relationship with a vet to ensure that she continues to get the care that she needs to be happy and healthy. [Above Average]LEVEL OF TRAINING NEEDED: Minty is still figuring out the world and will do best learning with someone who can offer patience while she adjusts. Positive reinforcement will help Minty not only learn new skills and fun tricks, but also help her to bond with her new owner as well. [Minimal]GROOMING: Minty will need routine appointments with a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks to ensure that she remains comfortable and matt-free. [Professional Grooming]July 21, 2026, 6:14 pm

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Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Shih Tzu puppies and adults Shih Tzu in Massachusetts.

Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Massachusetts cities

Shih Tzu shelters & rescues in Massachusetts

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

Here are a few organizations

Shelter

Animal Rescue League of Boston - Dedham

55 Anna's Place, Dedham , MA 02026

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, farm animals, horses, rabbits, small animals

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Rescue

Broken Tail Rescue, Inc.

Broken Tail Rescue, P.O. Box 60296, Worcester , MA 01606

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Shelter

Second Chance Animal Services

111 Young Rd, E. Brookfield , MA 01515

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Shelter

Forever Paws Animal Shelter,Inc.

300 Lynwood St, Fall River , MA 02721

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Shelter

Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center

627 Cottage Street, Springfield , MA 01104

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 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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