Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Otsego, Minnesota

Age: Estimated DOB 07/04/14 Weight: 17 lbs Dog friendly: Yes Cat friendly: Unknown/not tested Kid friendly: Yes Potty trained: Yes Crate trained: Yes Meet Gizzy! Gizzy is a quiet and gentle soul who rarely barks. He enjoys the comfort of his crate but also loves snuggling up with his foster mom on the bed. Gizzy is highly food-motivated and can perform an impressive high jump as a trick! He loves going for walks and doesn’t mind the rain or snow. However, he might not be the best companion for serious walkers, as he enjoys stopping frequently to mark his territory. Gizzy can be a bit dominant when meeting new dogs but settles down quickly. Gizzy does well with the house bunny, both inside and outside of the cage, and has even gone inside the bunny hutch to visit with no issues. While he has a tendency to mark his spot inside when visiting new homes, he’s only done this a few times at his foster home, usually when feeling a bit jealous of the bunny. Gizzy takes his daily eye drops very well for both his foster mom and his 12-year-old foster brother. He absolutely adores belly rubs and will close his eyes in bliss when getting them. If you’re looking for a loving and quirky companion, Gizzy might be the perfect match for you! Adoption Fee: $495

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.  Denver is an 11-pound Shih Tzu with a calm, quiet nature and a heart full of sweetness. He’s the kind of companion who may not always curl up right next to you, but he’ll happily stay close by, keeping you company in his own gentle way. Still a little skittish, Denver is learning to trust more each day and has recently started taking treats by hand—a big step for this thoughtful boy. He enjoys leisurely walks, investigating his surroundings, and the occasional play session with toys before settling in for a nap. Denver is crate trained, does well on a leash, and has basic training under his belt. Potty training is nearly there with a good schedule, and he’s proven himself to be a fast learner—he’s already mastered going up and down stairs. Denver’s personality is even-tempered, gentle, and independent, making him a wonderful fit for a quieter home. He would do well in an apartment or with seniors, and his hypoallergenic coat is a bonus for allergy-sensitive families. While cautious with new people, he adapts with patience and consistency, and his affectionate side shines through once he feels secure. This adaptable little gentleman is ready to find his forever family. Denver may be reserved at first, but he’s a “Good Boy” through and through, and he’ll bring calm companionship and quiet joy to the lucky home that welcomes him. 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.   ***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.) December 9, 2025, 4:46 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.  Montgomery is a gentle, affectionate soul who lives for snuggles and warm laps. Once he feels safe with you, he’ll stick close and happily soak up all the love you’re willing to give. His life philosophy is that every day is a brand new opportunity for him to get love from his humans. He has recently discovered the joy of toys, and watching him play is absolutely heart–melting. Even though Montgomery studies very hard and tries his best, he's still working on his potty training, leash skills, and crate training. He requires a home with no shared walls as he will loudly voice his complaints when you leave. This sweet boy also has a heart murmur, which will require ongoing veterinary monitoring. While this doesn’t stop him from enjoying life, his future family should be prepared to keep up with regular checkups to ensure he stays healthy and comfortable. Montgomery’s ideal home is one filled with kindness, patience, and plenty of cuddles. If you’re looking for a loyal little companion with a heart full of love (and a few quirks that make him extra special), Montgomery might be the perfect addition to your family.  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.   ***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.) December 12, 2025, 8:05 pm

Bubbles and her sister and brother, Buttercup and Brodie were surrendered to a kill shelter because their owners just had too many and couldn’t find homes on their own. Their mom is a long-haired Chihuahua and their daddy is a Shih Tzu and they were born on February 2nd this year so they are 8 months old. Bubbles has been spayed, is up-to-date on vaccines and heartworm negative. She’s also microchipped. She weighs just under 9 pounds and is probably full grown now. Bubbles is great at the Vet and The Groomer and loves riding in the car. She needs a little practice on the leash and she’s making great progress on house training. Although and three pups are extremely sweet, Bubbles is a most friendly and a super snuggler! She plays great with her brother and sister and we feel like she would be fine with other dogs after getting to know them. She would do well with older children and we have not had her around cats but we feel like she would be fine with proper introduction. If you would like to give this super affectionate love bug her forever home, please email omlc7@hotmail.com or dogs4mylife@gmail.com. If you do not see a response, please check your spam folder.