Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Otsego, Minnesota

Hi everyone,  my name is Bella Boo. I am an 8-year-old Shih Tzu.  I came from a breeder release in Arkansas.  After many years of raising puppies,  I finally get the chance to see what being a "real" dog life is like. I was so scared when I first got to my foster mom's house. I have since started to get close enough for her to pet me and pick me up so I can sit on her lap. I still have a long way to go. This brings me to potty training.  I am going, but I am in need of help to get outside, but sometimes I will run. I'm sure with gaining more confidence, I will figure it out. I don't mind cats or other dogs, actually, being with another dog might be helpful in helping me gain more confidence. I walk on a leash perfectly.  I don't react to rabbits or squirrels. I sleep on the floor on blankets. When it is time for our bedtime treat, my sisters and I kind of do a tap dance while waiting to be given our treat. I know that there is a lot of work to do with me, but I am ready. I am ready to find my furever home!   Adoption fee includes: Full veterinary exam, Alter, Prepaid microchip, Dewormed, Rabies vaccine (if age appropriate), Distemper combo vaccine(s) appropriate to age, Bordetella vaccine, 4DX (over 6 months of age), Flea/tick and heartworm preventative while in rescue. Adoption fee: $550.00      Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.June 2, 2025, 7:48 am

My name is Mercedes, and I am an 8 year old Shih Tzu rescued from a breeder in Arkansas. My foster mom calls me "Sadie". I know that I am overweight,  but I don't mind. I love food and will even help others finish theirs! If I knew how to walk on a leash, I could probably lose some of my excess weight.  I don't mind the cats that live at our house. I was very nervous and scared of everything, but now I am learning to trust and will come over to my foster mom to get some loving. I love going outside, but I need help with the stairs. I enjoy playing with dogs of my same size. Tap dancing with my foster sisters is what we do for our bedtime treat. So, a family with another small dog, patient humans, and love in your heart is what I am looking for in my forever family!  Adoption fee includes: Full veterinary exam, Alter, Prepaid microchip, Dewormed, Rabies vaccine (if age appropriate), Distemper combo vaccine(s) appropriate to age, Bordetella vaccine, 4DX (over 6 months of age), Flea/tick and heartworm preventative while in rescue. Adoption fee: $450.00      Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.June 2, 2025, 7:48 am

Every minute matters when it comes to rescuing a Shih Tzu.  We may get a short notice that someone needs to surrender their dog or a puppy mill dog needs a temporary home. We can’t help if we don’t have families willing to foster, and we are always in need of more foster homes! If you live in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area and want to help save lives, please complete either our online Foster Sign-Up or download a word version here: http://www.northstarshihtzurescue.org/foster/ (please note: neither dog pictured are available to foster or adopt, both are in their forever homes) NorthStar Shih Tzu Rescue exists to benefit both Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu blend dogs and the people of our community. We operate as a no-kill rescue that provides rescue and adoption services, and meaningful outreach programs in order to advance the welfare of these companion animals, to serve and educate our community, and to make a positive, loving impact on the lives of both. NorthStar, located in Excelsior, MN, actively works to rescue Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu blend dogs from dangerous environments and shelters with the ultimate goal of placing them in loving, permanent, adoptive homes. We rescue unwanted, abandoned, and abused dogs. We have them vaccinated, micro-chipped, spayed or neutered, provide other medical care, and rehabilitate them in carefully selected foster homes. We also serve as a resource to our community and all pet owners by providing education and information on the benefits of adopting an animal in need as well as responsible pet ownership, including the importance of spay/neuter, good nutrition, and positive behavior training. We strive to increase public awareness about companion animal overpopulation, commercial breeders, and to offer solutions to end the killing of adoptable animals. We work in alliance with local animal shelters, pounds, other rescue groups, and humane society organizations to ensure these animals are not forgotten. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.November 1, 2024, 5:42 pm

Sadie is 5 years old and weighs 11 lbs. She is white and red in color. Sadie is up to date on vaccines and is spayed and just recently had a dental and just finished all her meds.   She has been dealing with alopecia, but it is under control and now has no hair loss.  You will need to continue giving her Omega 3 and a healthy diet.  If there’s a reoccurrence of hair loss she may need to see a vet dermatologist. Sadie is a sweet little girl.  She’s very loving and scared at the same time as she came from a mill.  She snuggles up to her foster at bed time and needs to be close. She gets along with her pups and isn’t aggressive at all.   Her personality is just now coming out, she gets so excited when she sees her foster  and when it’s time to eat and at snack time.   When she wags her tail her whole bottom wiggles, so cute.     She will follow you around when outside and keep a close eye on you.  Sadie isn’t fully house trained, she loves to mark, but since her spay, it has reduced.  In the house we still use doggy diapers.  She’s still learning the word NO.  More training will be required, along with leash training.   She loves to be called a good girl. She gobbles her food, and tends to throw it up afterwards, so until she slows down on her own, she will need a Slow-Feed Dog Bowl.   The perfect home for Sadie;      Someone who will enjoy her as much as she will enjoy you.  Preferably someone who is home a lot.  No small children but older is fine.   An established dog in home to help teach her how to continue to be a dog.  She watches her fosters dogs and catches on fast, but she is still adjusting to a home and humans.    A calm home is best.  She loves to sleep in bed, a crate is not recommended     Sadie will feel more comfortable sleeping in your bed.  She doesn’t like to be alone.  We have enjoyed and love fostering her.     If you think Sadie might be the perfect fit for you, please apply!Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.November 1, 2024, 5:42 pm

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Thank you for stopping by to see me!  Please fill out an application to set up  a private meeting.  Keep checking back for upcoming events I will be attending!         Hi there, I’m Ashby — an 8.5-pound puffball of puppy dreams, on a mission to grow up happy, healthy, and totally loved. I may be little, and I may be a bit shy, but don’t let my timid start fool you — once I trust you, I’m all tail wags and puppy joy. I’ve been busy learning what it means to be a dog in a warm, safe home, and let me tell you, discovering toys, cozy kennels, and the occasional sunbeam nap has been absolutely magical. I’m still a baby — six months old — and have some growing to do, both physically and emotionally. My vet found a few little quirks to keep an eye on: some stubborn baby teeth that’ll need to be pulled when I get neutered, a bit of an overbite that just needs watching, and some teeny hairs in my eyelids (I know, weird) that caused a scratch. Nothing serious now, but definitely things for my forever family to keep an eye on. What I lack in size I make up for in heart. I adore other dogs — seriously, all sizes, from tiny lap pups to big, bouncy besties. I learn so much from my doggie friends, and I’ll absolutely need one in my forever home to help me build confidence and teach me the ropes. I love to play (sometimes a bit too enthusiastically), so a dog who can handle puppy energy is a must. People? I’m curious, even if I don’t quite know what to do with them yet. I like to hover near my foster mom and watch her, clearly saying, “I want to trust you... I’m just not there yet.” I’m not into pets or cuddles yet, but I’m working on it. I need a home that’s quiet, calm, and full of patience. My crate is my comfort zone — I tuck myself in at bedtime and store all my treasures in there like a tiny, toy-hoarding dragon. I’m not potty trained yet, and I’m still figuring out crate manners and leash stuff — honestly, harnesses and walks are kind of terrifying right now. But I’m smart, observant, and eager to learn. I just need time, love, and a safe space to grow at my own pace. A fenced yard is a must for me right now since I’m a bit of a flight risk when I get scared. If you’ve got a big heart, a gentle soul, and a playful pup who’s ready to show me the way, I think we might just be a perfect match. I may take some time to bloom, but I promise — once I do, it’s going to be something beautiful. **Obedience classes are required when adopting this puppy from Underdog Rescue. Many of our puppies have a mama who was not properly socialized before coming to Underdog Rescue. Since coming to Underdog, this puppy has been in a socialized and loving home, but that needs to be continued with its Adopters. Training classes teach puppies the ins and outs of being a pet while creating a bond with their new Adopter. Obedience classes are key to creating a relationship with your puppy while having it be a happy and successful member of society. Proof of Obedience Class registration is required for this puppy before adoptions can be finalized. If you would like some suggestions, we would be happy to send some trainers who have experience with Underdog Rescue, but a Basic Obedience class in your area should work! Please note that some of our dogs are obtained from shelters, surrendered to our care, or released from breeders. Each animal's bio is based on our experience of the animal within our care, an educated guess based on physical characteristics, temperament and information shared. Each dog receives basic grooming when coming into rescue, but for some dogs they have not received grooming attention until recently and grooming may be required shortly after adoption. This will be at the adopter’s expense, so we encourage you to research the breed and be prepared for grooming expenses. Underdog cannot guarantee hypoallergenic or non-shedding qualities of any dogs in our rescue. Some of the animals come from situations where they are lacking experience in a home and confidence in humans. In turn, they require another companion dog and/or a fenced in yard in their forever home in order for them to feel safe. If you are interested in a particular dog whose bio states those needs and do not currently have them, please understand that your home might not be the right fit. Please use the filter on our Adoptable Dogs page to find the perfect match for your home.  This puppy requires an application fee. This fee must be paid within 24 hours or your application will be considered void.  We will not review or contact applicants that have not completed the payment portion.   Puppy Applications will be responded to within 5 business days, after receipt of the application fee.  Please understand that paying the fee does not guarantee you will be approved to adopt the puppy. Our goal is place puppies in homes that are suited for their individual needs. You may be willing and able to provide a great home, but if it doesn’t meet the specific needs of the puppy, we will not approve your application. We accept applications for puppies until we have a candidate that meets all of the requirements needed for the specific puppy and they have been contacted to review the adoption process as well as agree to all of the terms to move forward. ***Be sure to check your spam/junk folder as sometimes our emails end up there*** Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.If you have other questions about me you can email Underdog Rescue at <inquiries@underdogrescuemn.com> ADOPTION EVENTS:      Adoption events are updated at the top of each dogs animals' as their foster home signs up. Check back for updates on which events they will be attending. If an event is not listed within their bio above, the animal is not planning to attend.  Please understand that all of our pets are in volunteer foster homes and sometimes "life" happens and the foster family cannot make it to their scheduled adoption event. If you are traveling from a far distance to meet a specific animal, please understand we cannot guarantee event attendance. We recommend filling out an application and we will set up a private appointment. Private appointments are only scheduled after an application is submitted and approved. ADOPTION PROCEDURE: The first step in our process is to complete an online adoption application on our website: http://www.underdogrescuemn.com/adoptionprocess/   Note: In most circumstances Underdog Rescue will only adopt within 60 miles of Minneapolis, MN.  All of our foster animals can be seen by appointment with an approved adoption application. Contact us at http://www.underdogrescuemn.com/contact-us/ if you have further questions. FOSTER CARE: All of our animals are fostered in individual homes or doggie daycare facilities. While they are in our care, they are part of our families and given lots of love. We work on training, crate-training and socialization prior to adoption, but each bio is written by the foster as they see them, in their home. Each animal's behavior is evaluated and we have a sense of its temperament and personality, but it cannot be guaranteed. We look for adopters who will give each animal the wonderful life and permanent home that he or she deserves in time and with patience.  If you have an interest and ability to be a foster home, please visit our website  www.underdogrescuemn.com/foster-applications  and fill out a foster application. NUTRITION: Nutrition is vital to the rehabilitation and life-long health of our pets.  All of our foster animals are fed a premium diet such as NutriSource, Canidae, Orijen, Nature's Variety, Fromm, Pure Vita, Stella and Chewy's, Primal, or balanced raw diet.  All adopters are required to continue providing premium diets for the life of the animal. YOU CAN HELP: Not able to foster or adopt right now? Please consider sponsoring an Underdog. Your donation will help us buy dog food and pay for medical costs. Visit this link  www.underdogrescuemn.com/donate   to donate.  (Please note: A Paypal account is not necessary to use Paypal. When you get to the Paypal page, just use the link to the left of their login to make your donation via Paypal without an account.) May 27, 2025, 2:51 pm

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Thank you for stopping by to see me!  Please fill out an application to set up  a private meeting.  Keep checking back for upcoming events I will be attending!         Hi, I’m Canyon — a tiny, fluffy adventurer-in-training with a big heart and an even bigger curiosity about the world. I may only weigh 8.5 pounds, but don’t let my size fool you — I’m on a journey of discovery, and every day is a new chapter in my “How to Be a Happy Puppy” story. Life didn’t start out so easy for me, but now that I’m an Underdog, I’m finally learning what love, comfort, and safety feel like. And let me tell you — I like it. I’m still just a baby (under six months old) and working through a few growing-up bumps. The vet says I have some dental drama (overcrowded baby teeth and a serious overbite) that might need the help of a specialist. Plus, I’ve got a small umbilical hernia that isn’t a big deal, but it’s something to keep an eye on. Nothing that stops me from bounding around with joy — just a little extra TLC needed. At heart, I’m a gentle soul. I’m cautious when I first meet people or encounter something new, but once I start to feel safe, I can’t hide how happy I am to be exploring and learning. I love other dogs — all dogs. Big, small, mellow, playful — if they’re kind, I’m in. I rely on my doggie foster siblings to show me how the world works, and I’ll definitely need a canine companion in my forever home to be my guide and playmate (and maybe also my emotional support animal). My crate is my cozy hideout. I tuck myself in there with all my favorite soft toys — though I do need supervision because I have a bit of a fluff-eating habit. I’m still working on potty training (okay, I’m pretty new to the whole idea), and I’m not leash-trained yet because I’m still learning to trust people with touch. A fenced yard is a must for me right now — I’m a flight risk when I get nervous, and the big, wide world is still a bit much for me without the safety of a secure space. I’m not into treats yet, but I am very observant and starting to respond to verbal cues. I stay close to my foster mom — always nearby, always watching — because even though I’m not ready for cuddles, I want that connection. I just need time, patience, and a quiet home where I can blossom at my own pace. If you’re the kind of person who believes in slow beginnings, gentle encouragement, and the magic of earning a shy puppy’s trust, then I think we’re meant to meet. I’ve got a lot of love to give — I’m just waiting for someone to help me find the courage to give it. **Obedience classes are required when adopting this puppy from Underdog Rescue. Many of our puppies have a mama who was not properly socialized before coming to Underdog Rescue. Since coming to Underdog, this puppy has been in a socialized and loving home, but that needs to be continued with its Adopters. Training classes teach puppies the ins and outs of being a pet while creating a bond with their new Adopter. Obedience classes are key to creating a relationship with your puppy while having it be a happy and successful member of society. Proof of Obedience Class registration is required for this puppy before adoptions can be finalized. If you would like some suggestions, we would be happy to send some trainers who have experience with Underdog Rescue, but a Basic Obedience class in your area should work! Please note that some of our dogs are obtained from shelters, surrendered to our care, or released from breeders. Each animal's bio is based on our experience of the animal within our care, an educated guess based on physical characteristics, temperament and information shared. Each dog receives basic grooming when coming into rescue, but for some dogs they have not received grooming attention until recently and grooming may be required shortly after adoption. This will be at the adopter’s expense, so we encourage you to research the breed and be prepared for grooming expenses. Underdog cannot guarantee hypoallergenic or non-shedding qualities of any dogs in our rescue. Some of the animals come from situations where they are lacking experience in a home and confidence in humans. In turn, they require another companion dog and/or a fenced in yard in their forever home in order for them to feel safe. If you are interested in a particular dog whose bio states those needs and do not currently have them, please understand that your home might not be the right fit. Please use the filter on our Adoptable Dogs page to find the perfect match for your home.  This puppy requires an application fee. This fee must be paid within 24 hours or your application will be considered void.  We will not review or contact applicants that have not completed the payment portion.   Puppy Applications will be responded to within 5 business days, after receipt of the application fee.  Please understand that paying the fee does not guarantee you will be approved to adopt the puppy. Our goal is place puppies in homes that are suited for their individual needs. You may be willing and able to provide a great home, but if it doesn’t meet the specific needs of the puppy, we will not approve your application. We accept applications for puppies until we have a candidate that meets all of the requirements needed for the specific puppy and they have been contacted to review the adoption process as well as agree to all of the terms to move forward. ***Be sure to check your spam/junk folder as sometimes our emails end up there*** Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.If you have other questions about me you can email Underdog Rescue at <inquiries@underdogrescuemn.com> ADOPTION EVENTS:      Adoption events are updated at the top of each dogs animals' as their foster home signs up. Check back for updates on which events they will be attending. If an event is not listed within their bio above, the animal is not planning to attend.  Please understand that all of our pets are in volunteer foster homes and sometimes "life" happens and the foster family cannot make it to their scheduled adoption event. If you are traveling from a far distance to meet a specific animal, please understand we cannot guarantee event attendance. We recommend filling out an application and we will set up a private appointment. Private appointments are only scheduled after an application is submitted and approved. ADOPTION PROCEDURE: The first step in our process is to complete an online adoption application on our website: http://www.underdogrescuemn.com/adoptionprocess/   Note: In most circumstances Underdog Rescue will only adopt within 60 miles of Minneapolis, MN.  All of our foster animals can be seen by appointment with an approved adoption application. Contact us at http://www.underdogrescuemn.com/contact-us/ if you have further questions. FOSTER CARE: All of our animals are fostered in individual homes or doggie daycare facilities. While they are in our care, they are part of our families and given lots of love. We work on training, crate-training and socialization prior to adoption, but each bio is written by the foster as they see them, in their home. Each animal's behavior is evaluated and we have a sense of its temperament and personality, but it cannot be guaranteed. We look for adopters who will give each animal the wonderful life and permanent home that he or she deserves in time and with patience.  If you have an interest and ability to be a foster home, please visit our website  www.underdogrescuemn.com/foster-applications  and fill out a foster application. NUTRITION: Nutrition is vital to the rehabilitation and life-long health of our pets.  All of our foster animals are fed a premium diet such as NutriSource, Canidae, Orijen, Nature's Variety, Fromm, Pure Vita, Stella and Chewy's, Primal, or balanced raw diet.  All adopters are required to continue providing premium diets for the life of the animal. YOU CAN HELP: Not able to foster or adopt right now? Please consider sponsoring an Underdog. Your donation will help us buy dog food and pay for medical costs. Visit this link  www.underdogrescuemn.com/donate   to donate.  (Please note: A Paypal account is not necessary to use Paypal. When you get to the Paypal page, just use the link to the left of their login to make your donation via Paypal without an account.) May 27, 2025, 2:51 pm