Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Binbrook, Ontario

Scarlette was surrendered to the shelter in July 2025 because her owner could no longer care for her. The shelter staff say that she is incredibly sweet and friendly, and has been getting along very well with her 5 kennel mates. Despite her life changing in the blink of an eye, and being removed from the family that she loved dearly, Scarlette remains a loving girl who wants nothing more but to share her love with another person! Good with adults: Yes Good with kids: Untested Good with other dogs: Yes Good with cats: Untested, but a cat test can be arranged House trained: In progress Crate trained: Unknown Energy level: Medium Can be handled/touched: Yes Barker: Unknown Flight risk: All newly adopted dogs are a flight risk Food aggressive: Unknown Walks on leash: Working on it Leash reactive to people or dogs: Rides well in car: Yes Destructive: Unknown Needs a home with a yard: No Needs a home with another dog: Not necessarily Can live in an apartment: Yes, should be okay Please visit our website niagaradogrescue.com to learn more about this amazing pet and to see other available dogs.

**IF THIS LISTING IS STILL POSTED THIS DOG IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION. NO NEED TO EMAIL ASKING IF THE DOG IS AVAILABLE. PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS BIO THOROUGHLY AS INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY IS CONTAINED IN THIS LISTING** For Adoption: Bao! Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle. We at PDR believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process. To apply for adoption and for more information on our process and requirements, visit our website at https://pounddog.ca/adoption-info/. Meet Bao (rhymes with cow), a 4-year-old Shih Tzu who has finally discovered that life can be full of comfort, kindness, and scrambled eggs..yum!! At first glance, everything about Bao is delightfully petite: she weighs 11lbs with short little legs, a stubby tail, dainty ears, and a button nose to match. But one look into her huge, round, cartoon eyes you'll realize there's a big personality just waiting to become your best friend. Since Shih Tzus have a proud, royal Chinese heritage, we wanted to give her a name that reflected that. The word Bao has many meanings. While many people think of the delicious steamed buns, it was the translation of "treasure" that won us over. Fittingly, our Bao is both—a tiny, round little bundle that's impossible not to adore, and a treasure waiting to be discovered. Bao has creamy white fur covering her belly, chest, and legs that extends into a broad white collar draped across her shoulders. The fur on her face and over her back is a mesmerizing blend of smoky greys and browns that seems to change in every light, almost like she's wearing a little cloak. Her coat is cut to a cute length that shows off her petite figure and just the right hint of waistline. Bao's life up until now was spent making puppies for profit. While quietly living with what would later be discovered as a large, painful bladder stone, she somehow continued to survive the only life she'd ever known. Now she's learning about the world and embracing the role her breed was truly meant for: being a treasured companion. The Bao who first came to us was quiet, reserved, and preferred to keep to herself in her crate. She never made a sound, didnt get the zoomies, didnt want to play; not necessarily shut down, just not particularly enthusiastic. It wasnt until after the team at Preston Animal Hospital gave her a chance to feel comfortable again that we finally got to meet the real Bao. Bao had a bladder stone that nearly filled her entire bladder, meaning she was living with constant pressure and discomfort. That stone had likely been growing for years, all while she continued producing litter after litter. Thankfully, those days are behind her. The stone is gone, she's been spayed, which means she'll never again be asked to carry puppies. Her teeth have been cleaned, the loose ones removed, revealing a cute little smile. Free from the pain she'd been quietly living with for so long, she's become a whole new little girl. Today, Bao is cuddly, often choosing to sleep on the couch beside us, belly in the air and snoring away. Other times, she's busy letting us know her opinions about which direction our walk should go and exactly what pace she thinks is appropriate. She loves going for car rides with her family, especially if they end with ice cream cones (pup cones for Bao, of course). She gets the zoomies, sneaks toys into her crate when she thinks we're not looking, and gets very excited for meals and treat time! Her only request for her new family? That scrambled eggs and boiled chicken hearts remain a regular part of the menu. (Like I said... she has opinions.) We've spent a lot of time imagining Bao's perfect forever home. She's never been one to seek out her foster siblings for playtime, preferring to peacefully coexist alongside them. That said, she's learned so much simply by watching them navigate life. Bao would be perfectly happy as an only dog, soaking up all the attention for herself, or with quiet pup companions who are content to share their home but wont pester her to play. She hasn't had the opportunity to meet any cats while in our care, but she pays little attention to squirrels and birds in the yard, so we suspect she'd do just fine with a cat sibling after a proper introduction. Bao is a bit cat-like herself, independent enough to enjoy her own space, but always happy to curl up beside her people when it's time to relax. Shes quite content to sleep in her crate during the day while her humans go to the office, provided she gets a bathroom break mid-day. From experience, I can also say she's an excellent work-from-home buddy, happily sleeping in her bed by your feet and snoring away while you work. Shes used to a quiet home with a predictable routine. She doesnt bark much, so shed be more than happy to live in an apartment/condo. She hasnt spent any time with children outside of being introduced while on walks so shed do best with older children (over 10yrs of age) who respect her autonomy. She's still working on building a good leash-walking relationship. Between recovering from her surgeries and the hot summer weather, there haven't been as many opportunities to get out and practice. Like many Shih Tzus, Bao has a shortened, brachycephalic muzzle, so she'll always appreciate shorter walks and extra care on hot, humid days. When she first arrived, our walks were quite short and she'd simply plop herself down, expecting to be carried when she'd had enough. As she's started feeling better, her stamina has grown too, but don't expect marathons from this short-legged little lady. She's far more interested in stopping to investigate all the wonderful smells of the world than setting any speed records. Since her first weeks with us were extenuating circumstances with her bladder, shes having to relearn the skills of doing her business outside. Her new family will have to be patient and consistent with her training. She responds quite well when you verbally correct her behaviour, but it doesnt mean she wont keep testing the waters to see if youll change your mind. Bao finds comfort in her crate filled with cozy blankets. We often find her sleeping in there even when were home. Her new family should be prepared to continue to provide that option for her. She has always slept through the night in her crate next to our bed, snoring away until we wake her up in the morning. Dont be fooled, given the chance shed gladly accept the invitation to sleep in bed with her humans if you had room for her to sprawl out. Now that Bao is feeling better physically, shell continue to bloom into a smart little lady. Shes still trying to figure out what she likes and what she doesnt, so commands and tricks will come with time and patience and the right amount of treats. I have a feeling that group training classes will be good for her, you can see her watching the world and taking in the confidence of other dogs. Bao's grooming needs are refreshingly low. Her coat is kept short, which really suits her, and she tolerates having her little grinch toes shaved and trimmed. We make a point of gently handling her ears, face, and paws so she's comfortable being groomed and examined. Bao would, however, like to lodge a formal complaint against baths and being wet in general, we've explained to her that sometimes it's simply a part of life and an unavoidable necessity. Bao is healthy, happy, and feeling better than she has in a very long time. She still has a few small bladder stones that her family and veterinarian will need to monitor. They could not be removed at this time. She'll go home with her prescription urinary diet, and her new family should work with their veterinarian to develop the long-term nutrition and treatment plan that's right for her. While we're hopeful the remaining stones will continue to dissolve, it's possible she could require another surgery in the future if they become lodged or problematic. Her teeth are now clean and healthy, her ears are free of infection, and she has an excellent appetite. Bao truly is a treasure waiting to be discovered. All she's asking for is a safe place to call home, kind people to love, and that you save her a cozy spot on the couch. In return, you'll get a lifetime of loyal companionship, a professional belly-rub enthusiast, and a chorus of snores that will fill your home with happiness. Name: Bao ID # PDR1543 Age: 4yrs Gender: female Spayed: yes UTD vaccines: yes Breed: ShihTzu Colours: grey and white Coat length: med House trained: yes Special needs: yes, vet food, see bio OK with kids: older OK with cats: yes Ok with dogs: yes Status: adoptable Microchip: yes Size: small Location: Mitchell, Ont Adoption fee: $700

**IF THIS LISTING IS STILL POSTED THIS DOG IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION. NO NEED TO EMAIL ASKING IF THE DOG IS AVAILABLE. PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS BIO THOROUGHLY AS INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY IS CONTAINED IN THIS LISTING** Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle. We at PDR believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process. To apply for adoption and for more information on our process and requirements, visit our website at https://pounddog.ca/adoption-info/. Ready or not, here comes Magpie! Magpie is a 7-year-old ShihTzu with beautiful black and white markings and the worlds cutest underbite. She weighs about 12lbs and is pure, unadulterated joy. Her fluffy little tail rarely stops moving and she must have been a tap dancer in a previous life because she puts on quite the show. The world outside the house is still a bit scary but with time and patience she will continue to blossom into the best little dog youve ever met! Magpie spent the first 7 years of her life as a breeding mama in a large-scale breeding operation. In that previous life she did not have the benefit of proper care or socialization so moving into a house was a scary step for her. In the time she has been with me she has learned to FULLY embrace her new life and wakes up every day with excitement and acceptance. Strangers are still a bit scary, but it doesnt take long for her to turn a stranger into a friend. Magpie is looking for a forever home where her new family can help her continue to build her confidence through patience and consistency. Magpie would do well in any type of home environment. She would love a yard to wander around but as long as she has a safe place to do her business, she will be fine. She has just mastered stairs so a multi-level home would not be a problem for her. She is a very quiet dog and until recently the only time she ever made noise was a bit of whining when she wanted to be out of the crate with the other dogs in the house. Im proud to say that she has found her voice this past week and will now give a very excited AWOO WOO WOO while she is waiting for breakfast! Its adorable and not at all loud so apartment or townhouse living will not be a concern. Magpie walks very well on the leash and stays right beside her handler. She gets a few small walks a day, weather permitting, and really enjoys her time outside. She is not a dog who requires endless amounts of exercise but the continued exposure to the world is very good for her confidence. Magpie has been a perfect house guest. A typical morning for Magpie looks like this: wake up with a wildly wagging tail, outside with my friends for a potty break, AWOO WOO WOO, lick foster moms pants, run up the stairs to the couch, lick the couch, jump off the couch and lick a foster sibling, run to the kitchen to check on breakfast, drain a bowl of water, lick the cabinet and repeat! She is just happy to be here and were happy to have her. Magpie loves to push her face against me when were sitting together and if there is an inch between me and the back of the couch, she is determined to fit into that inch of space! She wants to be with her family and to lick everything and everyone. When Magpie came into rescue care she was horribly matted and had to be shaved down to free her from that discomfort. She was nothing but cooperative throughout that process and has been an angel to groom since. Bathing her is simple and her professional groomer fell in love with her gentle and sweet nature. It will take time for her coat to fully recover from the years of neglect, but she will get there with continued grooming now that she is on a high-quality diet. House training Magpie was quick and easy, and she has not had an accident in the house. She is also crate trained and is relaxed in her crate. Magpie is crated whenever I am out of the house or unable to properly monitor her. On days when I work in the office, she is used to being crated in the morning and again in the afternoon with a potty break at noon. She eats in her crate and sleeps in her crate without any complaint. Transitioning into a house using a crate helped her to decompress and learn to feel safe and it will be important to continue this routine for her as she moves to her forever home. She also rides in the crate in the car for her safety and is a quiet and cooperative passenger. Magpie is being fostered in a home with multiple dogs, and she gets along with them all without issue. She would benefit from having a canine sibling in her forever home as they act as great role models for her, but she would also be fine in a home without other dogs. Any other dogs in the home have to be patient enough to deal with Magpies excitement as she sometimes bumps into the other dogs. When we are out walking, she is unaffected by other dogs and shows mild interest in little neighbourhood creatures like squirrels and rabbits. She has not been tested with cats, but I think she would be fine in a home with a cat if said cat was dog-savvy and could tolerate the love and licks from a happy little ShihTzu. Magpie has little exposure to children, but she would likely be fine in a home with kids who could be taught how to handle her kindly and respectfully. Homes with children over the age of 10 would be appropriate. She would also thrive in an adult only home. Magpie will benefit greatly from formal training, and this will be mandatory for her new family. This experience will help her continue to build her confidence and form strong bonds with her family. In foster care she has not learned any formal commands, but she has learned how to be a polite and patient dog in the home. Since coming into rescue Magpie has been spayed, vaccinated and microchipped and her parasitic blood testing all came back negative. She has a moderate amount of tartar on her teeth which is to be expected, given her life so far. There is nothing that needs immediate attention with her teeth, but her new family should be prepared for her to require a dental procedure in the next year. The bigger concern for Magpie is relating to her heart. She was found to have a murmur and further investigation revealed that she has early degenerative mitral valve disease, which is a common age-related heart condition in dogs. Her heart rate and blood pressure have been tested and are within normal ranges and with very mild enlargement of the heart, Magpie falls into stage B2 of the disease. She has had further testing and has been started on heart medication for this disease, as this medication has shown to be beneficial. Magpie has no physical symptoms and is the happiest dog around. Her new family needs to be ready to keep monitoring this disease with her vet and keep up with medication requirements. Magpie needs to avoid excessive exercise, keep an ideal body weight and see her vet regularly. Magpie the ShihTzu is the sweetest, happiest little dog I have ever had the pleasure of fostering. She entered rescue with a healthy amount of fear but it did not take her long to leave her old life in the rear view. She needs a home where her family can stay on top of her medical needs while giving her a life full of love and encouragement. Its easy to want to coddle a dog like Magpie, but she is looking for a supportive family who can guide her to the confident little girl she is meant to be. She loves the couch, her little adventures around the neighbourhood and squeezing into tine spots behind your back. Shell lick everything you own and then bond fiercely to you! She needs better care now then she has ever had the privilege of receiving but her payment will be beautiful tap-dancing routines in the kitchen while you both AWOO WOO WOO. Shes the next great love of someones life could that be you? Name: Magpie ID # PDR1533 Age: 7yrs Gender: female Spayed: yes UTD vaccines: yes Breed: ShihTzu Colours: black and white Coat length: med House trained: yes Special needs: yes, see bio OK with kids: older OK with cats: yes Ok with dogs: yes Status: adoptable Microchip: yes Size: small Location: Kitchener Adoption fee: $700

April is a 3-4 year old Shih Tzu weighing 12 pounds.  She came to us as a puppy mill survivor and is ready for the next and final journey in her quest for a forever home. April came into the rescue with a huge bladder stone causing her an immense amount of pain and discomfort.  The rescue got her into see a vet immediately and surgery was performed to remove the stone and spayed her at the same time.  She got better and has transformed into a very energetic and affectionate companion. Although she is still skittish and runs away from her foster mom, you can tell that she wants to trust.  Her tail is always wagging.  April will need leash training as she has not had any experience walking with one. Her housetraining needs on going support. A home with a fully fenced yard is a must. She has been introduced to a few dogs and is quite friendly towards them.  She is extremely interested in the resident cat, a lot more interested than the cat is in her.  She may be a bit too intense for a cat. She likes to chew on her toys and doesn’t know the difference between her toys and a pair of reading glasses, so it would be advised to keep these things out of her reach. April is on a special diet to prevent stones from re-occurring and has to have drops in her eyes daily. She is pretty good at getting her eye drops put in. If you’re interested in giving April a home please fill in an application for our review:   https://www.speakingofdogs.com/adoption/dog-adoption-application-2/ For those interested in adopting one of our puppy mill release dogs, please be aware that these dogs often require extra patience, structure, and ongoing support. Their temperaments and behaviours can vary widely, and for the best outcome, adoptive homes MUST have access to a fenced yard and understand that rehabilitation is a gradual process. Many of these dogs have not yet experienced living in a home, regular interaction with people, leash walking, housetraining, or even having a name. All of these new people, environments, and activities can be scary for them and many are flight risks while they adjust.  Leash walks may not even be a safe option for them initially which is why having access to their own fenced yard is essential.  They need a patient adopter who can meet them at their comfort level and gently help them learn how to be a companion animal.   Due to time constraints, we cannot respond to every email asking for more information on a dog. Please carefully review the bio for the dog and our adoption process https://www.speakingofdogs.com/adoption/adoption-process/.  If you are still interested in adopting, please fill out the adoption application form at the bottom of that page. August 22, 2026, 4:18 pm

Hilda is being fostered in the Barrie area Hilda is a sweet, sensitive 10 year old Shih Tzu who is learning that the world can be a kind and safe place. While she has made progress in foster care, Hilda is still a very fearful dog who will need a special adopter with patience, understanding, and a heart for letting her adapt at her own pace and build confidence slowly. After several months in foster care, Hilda has settled into a routine, but she remains easily startled by unfamiliar sights and sounds. When she feels unsure, her instinct is to retreat to a safe space where she can regroup. Her foster family's bedroom has become her sanctuary, and having a quiet place of her own is very important to her sense of security. Hilda is not a dog who enjoys handling and cuddles. Instead, she shows her affection in quieter ways. As she learns to trust, gentle ear rubs, chin scratches, and head pats, are sometimes accepted. Trust is something Hilda offers slowly, but when she does, it feels truly special.  She loves to follow her foster parents around and keep an eye on what they’re doing; if they toss her a treat as she watches them, she is one happy girl! Because of her sensitive nature, Hilda is looking for a calm, adult-only home. She would thrive best in a peaceful environment with someone who understands that progress comes in small steps. Hilda is very good with other dogs and takes comfort in their presence, making a canine companion a potential benefit in the right home. Another important adoption requirement for Hilda is a securely fenced yard. She loves spending time outdoors, but due to her startle response, walks on a leash are not something she is comfortable with. Cars, bikes, and passing people can be frightening for her, and she is a flight risk. A fenced yard may always be her preferred way to enjoy the outdoors. Hilda is pee-pad trained and sometimes prefers using her pad, especially when she's feeling uncertain. One of her endearing and funny quirks is how happy she gets once she's done her business. It is often followed by the "Happy Hilda Dance!" Hilda may never enjoy busy outings, leash walks, or constant physical affection, and that's okay. What she offers instead is the quiet joy of watching a cautious dog slowly learn to trust, and the knowledge you are giving her the safe, understanding home she deserves. Due to time constraints, we cannot respond to every email asking for more information on a dog. Please carefully review the bio for the dog and our adoption process https://www.speakingofdogs.com/adoption/adoption-process/.  If you are still interested in adopting, please fill out the adoption application form at the bottom of that page.August 22, 2026, 4:18 pm

Bella is being fostered in the London area. Bella is an approximately 10-year-old, 20-pound terrier mix who has proven herself to be a pretty great little houseguest. She's affectionate, playful, funny, and ready to find a person of her own. Housetraining may be Bella's super skill. She hasn't had any accidents in foster care and will reliably head outside when she needs to go, even when it's raining. She would like it officially noted, however, that skywater is unpleasant and she should receive credit for her bravery. Bella enjoys being close to her people and settles nicely at home. At night, she sleeps in her foster human's bed, but she's no bed hog. She finds herself a comfortable corner, curls up, and sleeps soundly until morning. She's also been working on her walking skills and is a quick study. Bella is enjoying walks in quieter areas where she isn't regularly encountering other dogs, and her loose leash walking is coming along nicely. Her new person will need to continue that practice and gradually help her learn to comfortably walk past other dogs. Busy neighbourhood sidewalks and lots of close encounters aren't quite her speed yet. New people arriving at the house are very exciting and Bella's enthusiasm currently involves barking and jumping. Out in the world, people are much less exciting. She can comfortably walk past strangers and wait while people are talking. Bella has been friendly with the dogs in her foster home and enjoys having a canine playmate. We suspect she's somewhat dog selective, so she doesn't need to live with another dog, but she may enjoy sharing her home with a compatible friend. She's more of a "choose your friends" dog than a dog-park social butterfly. She loves exploring the yard, chasing squirrels, playing, and then settling in for a cozy evening. She's playful and would love someone who thinks playing in the backyard is an evening well spent.  Bella would do best in a suburban or rural house, with a securely fenced yard. Apartment or condo living isn't a good fit for her, as elevators, hallways, shared entrances, and frequent close encounters with other dogs would make everyday life difficult. Bella appreciates people who pay attention to what she's communicating. In her previous home, she was reported to bite when startled while resting or handled unexpectedly. We haven't seen this behaviour in foster care, but because of that history, Bella is looking for an adult home where her signals and personal space will be respected. She has also been treated for Giardia and has since had multiple negative fecal tests. Bella isn't looking for someone who expects her to know all the rules about living with humans. She'd like a person who will keep building on what she's already learned while appreciating what she already does exceptionally well: live happily in a home, make people laugh, enjoy a good adventure, and curl up in a remarkably small portion of the bed. She's been a fun foster dog. Now she's ready to be someone's Bella. Due to time constraints, we cannot respond to every email asking for more information on a dog. Please carefully review the bio for the dog and our adoption process https://www.speakingofdogs.com/adoption/adoption-process/.  If you are still interested in adopting, please fill out the adoption application form at the bottom of that page.      August 22, 2026, 4:18 pm