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Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Durham, North Carolina

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

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Adopt a Shih Tzu near you in Durham, North Carolina

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Or, how about these Shih Tzus in cities near Durham, North Carolina

These Shih Tzus are available for adoption close to Durham, North Carolina.
We'll also keep you updated on Armadillo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Armadillo

Armadillo

Shih Tzu

Male, Senior
Chapel Hill, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
Coming in at just under 9 pounds, Armadillo is the absolute definition of a lap dog! If there is a cozy spot next to you, hes already claimed it. Snuggles are his love language, and hes happiest when hes curled up with his people. Armadillo is fully potty trained and has excellent house manners, making him an easy companion to bring into your home. Hes also a big fan of adventures, especially car rides. The moment he hears the keys jingle, his tail starts wagging! Hes gentle, affectionate, and ready to be someones constant sidekick. If youre looking for a small, loving companion who will happily join you for errands, road trips, and all the couch-time snuggles, Armadillo might just be your perfect match.
We'll also keep you updated on Poppy's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Poppy

Poppy

Shih Tzu

Female, Puppy
Cary, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs,
Story
Meet Poppy  — born October 27, 2025, and weighing 2 lbs 5 oz, this tiny sweetheart is the baby of her litter but full of charm and personality! About Poppy's Breed: Our best guess is that Poppy is a Shih Tzu mix. Shih Tzus are affectionate, loyal, and charming little dogs that make excellent companions. They are known for their long, flowing coats, gentle personalities, and adaptability to different living environments. Because of their small size and moderate exercise needs, Shih Tzus thrive in apartments or houses where they can enjoy short walks and plenty of indoor time. Their ideal home is one that provides consistent grooming, a calm environment, and lots of companionship, as they love being close to their humans. Shih Tzus do well with families, singles, or older adults, especially in households that appreciate their affectionate nature and don’t mind a bit of regular coat care. Poppy may have started out small, but she’s made up for it with her big appetite and even bigger heart. She’s super snuggly and loves nothing more than cuddling close, showering her humans with puppy kisses. Her newest trick is sitting up on her little behind and then flopping dramatically onto her side—guaranteed to make you smile!  Poppy is small and more timid/shy than her siblings. She needs a calm home where she can be an only pet and enjoy her family all to herself!  Poppy will need someone who can be home with her to train her, and since she is a puppy she shouldn't be left alone for more than 2 hours at a time during her training. Poppy’s Highlights: Adorable cuddle bug , loves snuggles and puppy kisses Playful spirit , pounces on stuffed toys (especially squeaky ones!) Food lover , enjoys eating right out of your hand Tiny but mighty , weighing just 2 lbs 5 oz Entertaining personality , shows off her silly flop-over trick Poppy is a sweet, playful, and affectionate pup who’s ready to bring joy, laughter, and endless cuddles to her forever family. Comprehensive details are provided in the dog's description. to ensure a smooth process, please submit a completed application through our website at: http://crisisdogsnc.org/dog-adoption/. Please note that questions via email or social media channels may not receive a response without a completed application. As part of our commitment to responsible adoption practices, we require excellent veterinarian references and conduct virtual home visits. Additionally, your prior or current dog must be on year-round heartworm prevention. We assist with coordinating transportation by both land and air whenever feasible. All assessments regarding breed and age are conducted by licensed veterinarians. We look forward to assisting you in finding your perfect canine companion!January 5, 2026, 9:42 am
We'll also keep you updated on Widget's adoption status with email updates.
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Widget

Shih Tzu Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier

Male, Adult
Cary, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Widget — a 5-year-old, 13 lb Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix with the sweetest underbite and a heart full of love! Quick Facts: Name: Widget Breed: Shih Tzu/Yorkie Mix Age: 5 years old Weight: 13 lbs. House-Trained: Almost there! Crate-Trained: Yes Good with Dogs: Yes Good with Cats: Yes Good with Kids: Not tested – but would prefer a calm adult household Energy Level: Medium Fence Required: No About Widget’s Breed: Our best guess is that Widget is Shih Tzu and Yorkie mix. The Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix, often called a Shorkie, is a small but spirited companion that blends the affectionate, gentle nature of the Shih Tzu with the bold, lively personality of the Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs are typically loyal, playful, and thrive on being close to their people. Shorkies can be a bit stubborn, but their intelligence and eagerness to please make them trainable with patience and consistency. With their compact size, loving temperament, and adaptable energy levels, they make wonderful pets for families, singles, or seniors looking for a devoted lap dog with a touch of spunk. Widget is a gentle, easygoing little guy who has almost mastered potty training and is already crate trained. He can even be trusted outside of his crate since he’s not destructive. Widget is a bit of a ladies’ man, preferring the company of female energy, though he’s friendly with everyone once he warms up! He hasn’t lived with kids yet, but would likely do well with older, respectful children. Widget’s Wonderful Traits: • Crate trained and nearly potty trained (likely pad-trained in the past) • Non-destructive, can be left alone without worry • Cat-friendly, currently lives peacefully with three feline roommates • Loves leashed walks, and proudly displays his adorable underbite for all to see! • Gentle & timid, takes time to warm up to men but bonds deeply once he does • Great appetite, working on gaining a little weight • Ideal home: with women or female energy, couples, or families who are home often and want a loyal lap companion Widget is a sweet, loving pup who thrives on companionship and will happily follow his people around the house or curl up for cuddles. If you’re looking for a calm, affectionate little man who will adore you endlessly, Widget is ready to be your devoted best friend! Comprehensive details are provided in the dog's description. to ensure a smooth process, please submit a completed application through our website at: http://crisisdogsnc.org/dog-adoption/. Please note that questions via email or social media channels may not receive a response without a completed application. As part of our commitment to responsible adoption practices, we require excellent veterinarian references and conduct virtual home visits. Additionally, your prior or current dog must be on year-round heartworm prevention. We assist with coordinating transportation by both land and air whenever feasible. All assessments regarding breed and age are conducted by licensed veterinarians. We look forward to assisting you in finding your perfect canine companion!November 20, 2025, 12:57 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Ivy's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Ivy

Ivy

Shih Tzu

Female, Puppy
Cary, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs,
Story
Meet Ivy  — born October 27, 2025, and weighing just 3 pounds, this tiny girl is full of spunk and personality! About Ivy's Breed: Our best guess is that Ivy is a Shih Tzu mix. Shih Tzus are affectionate, loyal, and charming little dogs that make excellent companions. They are known for their long, flowing coats, gentle personalities, and adaptability to different living environments. Because of their small size and moderate exercise needs, Shih Tzus thrive in apartments or houses where they can enjoy short walks and plenty of indoor time. Their ideal home is one that provides consistent grooming, a calm environment, and lots of companionship, as they love being close to their humans. Shih Tzus do well with families, singles, or older adults, especially in households that appreciate their affectionate nature and don’t mind a bit of regular coat care. Ivy is  very active and playful , always on the move and often the instigator of games with her brothers and sisters. She loves to chase, pounce, and keep everyone on their toes with her mischievous energy. Her favorite toys are a puppy chew bone and a pink stuffed squeaky pig, which she proudly carries around and squeaks with delight. Ivy will need someone who can be home with her to train her, and since she is a puppy she shouldn't be left alone for more than 2 hours at a time during her training. Ivy’s Highlights: Playful spirit , always chasing her siblings Tiny but mighty , weighing just 3 pounds Toy lover , especially her chew bone and squeaky pig Energetic personality , keeps the fun going all day Ivy may be small, but she’s bursting with joy and charm. With her playful antics and lively nature, she’s sure to bring endless smiles and laughter to her forever family.January 5, 2026, 9:42 am
We'll also keep you updated on Minnie's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Minnie

Minnie

Shih Tzu Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier

Female, Adult
Pittsboro, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Minnie has special needs, please click on her photo to read her bio prior to applying.Minnie isn't perfect, but she's pretty close.  When she entered foster care, we had a long list of health concerns to address- issues that had been ignored for some time.  Thanks to the generous donors of CARE, and to her foster family and veterinary team, she now has the ability to find her forever home.  We have done the ground work to provide info to Minnie's future humans so that she can live a (mostly) normal life.  Minnie is such a wonderful dog, one of the best we've had the pleasure to meet- she is almost perfect.  Minnie has epilepsy.  Her condition is being managed with daily medicine, but she will need experienced humans who are willing to continue to manage her medical needs for life.  We have no doubt that she will be the very best addition to a home, our only challenge is finding an angel to continue her care and ensure it is never an afterthought again.  She requires humans who are ok with affording her regular vet visits, medications, and grooming.  Someone willing to manage her condition, and keep her safe.   She would do best with a fenced in yard (physical fencing appropriate for a toy breed), and a home where her humans are not gone for long hours.  All children in her forever home must be 10 or older.  She would prefer a home that is on the quiet side, and routine is a plus.  She is wonderful with both dogs and cats, and would love another small breed dog (she adores small breed males) to spend her days with.  An experienced dog family is a must, one that has experience with special needs dogs- is preferred.  If you think you may be a great match based on her requirements, please apply.  We will provide more detailed info to those families that may be a match.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.January 18, 2026, 3:00 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Molly S's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Molly S

Molly S

Shih Tzu Mixed Breed (Small)

Female, 6 yrs 1 mo
Wake Forest, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
*** AVAILABLE ON-SITE ONLY FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS *** Molly is a senior sweetheart looking for a loving home where she can enjoy the best years of her life. She’s a sweet senior diva who knows what she wants and isn’t shy about it: a treat after going potty, a proper walk, a cozy spot for cuddles and naps, and a few toys—especially a ball she can proudly chase around the house. Molly believes life should be comfortable, loving, and just a little bit spoiled. Life doesn't appear to have been easy for Molly before coming to Saving Grace. Most likely as a result of malnutrition, she's blind in her left eye, has thinning hair (her morning bed head brings smiles and laughs), and is slightly underweight. It took her about 2-3 days before she fully settled into her foster home and trusted she was safe. She seems to be potty trained, loves to walk outside on a leash, will play with squeaky toys, and settle in for a nap. Because of her thinning hair she likes to snuggle under blankets or in pajamas when she naps and needs a sweater when it's cold outside. Molly would love a home that will help keep her active, as she enjoys going for 1-2 mile walks once or twice a day. She is curious about life, and enjoys being social, shopping, going to parks, and being around the energy of other people and dogs. And she especially loves to chase a ball inside, plays fetch, and likes a game of tug-of-war. After all the excitement she's ready to nap. Inside, she'll follow you wherever you go and tilts her head while you're talking to her to show you she's fully interested in what you have to say. She would prefer someone who is home more than gone to keep her company, if she could have it her way. Knowing you're giving Molly the best days will fill your heart—and hers—with joy and happiness!

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Shih Tzu shelters & rescues in Durham, North Carolina

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

8.9 miles

Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary

Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

16 miles

Crisis Dogs NC

Cary, NC 27519

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

21 miles

Chatham Animal Rescue and Education

PO Box 610, Pittsboro, NC 27312

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

21.3 miles

Saving Grace Animals for Adoption

PO Box 1649, Wake Forest, NC 27588

Pet Types: dogs, farm animals

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Rescue

41.7 miles

Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue

10371 Smith Road, Middlesex, NC 27557

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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