Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Exeter, Ontario

Hi, I'm Tobby! 🐾 I'm a happy, friendly boy with a big heart and an even bigger love for people. I get along well with dogs, cats, kids, and even seniors, so I'm the kind of pup who fits into lots of different families. I'm house-trained, walk nicely on a lead, travel well in the car, and although I know how to use a crate, I'd much rather be close to my people. I'd love a home with a yard where I can play, explore, or just sit and enjoy the sunshine before coming inside for cuddles. Like many rescue dogs, I'm still learning that being alone is okay. I love my humans so much that I can get quite vocal when they leave, so I'm looking for a patient family who can help me build my confidence and gradually get used to alone time. A home where someone is around for much of the day, or where I won't be left alone for long periods, would be my perfect match.My adorable tongue-out smile and slightly funny jaw are part of what makes me unique! It doesn't stop me from enjoying my meals, playing, or living a happy, normal life.*located in Cobourg*** Special notes***During his dental procedure prior to intake the veterinarian made an unexpected discovery: Tobby has an old fracture in his lower jaw that had likely occurred some time before he was seized due to neglect After a thorough examination and reviewing his dental radiographs, our veterinarian determined that surgery is not required. In brachycephalic breeds such as Shih Tzus, some looseness in this area of the jaw is relatively common, and even when there has been an old injury, many dogs do very well without surgical repair.

**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

**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: Mildred! 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/. Mildred is a three-year-old cream-colored Shih Tzu with the most charming overbite you've ever seen. Her adorable smile is just one of the many things that make her impossible not to love. When she's excited, she stands proudly on her hind legs, showing off the sweet and silly personality that makes everyone smile. As a former puppy mill mama, Mildred spent much of her life caring for others. Now it's finally her turn to be cared for. She is discovering all the wonderful things that come with being a cherished family member and embracing them one day at a time. Mildred is house-trained with regular outdoor breaks and settles comfortably in her crate at night and when left home alone. She has enjoyed learning to walk on a leash and is becoming a wonderful walking companion. She strolls along on a loose leash and loves exploring new sights and smells. Car rides still make her nervous, but with patience, practice, and plenty of positive experiences, her confidence continues to grow. Mildred would be happy as an only dog, soaking up all the love and attention she missed out on for so many years. She would also do well with a calm, friendly canine companion who could help build her confidence and provide companionship. Because she is sensitive to sudden movements and unfamiliar people, she would do best in a home with children over the age of 12and up who can respect her boundaries and allow her to settle in at her own pace. Due to her past, Mildred is cautious around new people and especially wary of men. She needs time and patience to feel safe, but treats are the way to her heart. While she will happily accept snacks from visitors, she still prefers to keep a comfortable distance while learning that people can be trusted. Right now, Mildred has chosen a favorite person and is happiest by her side. She follows her from room to room, curls up by her feet, and loves snuggling beside her on the couch. She will bond strongly with her people. Mildred would like a woman as one of her primary care givers and if there are men in the home they will need to be patient and fully understanding that their relationship with Mildred will take time to form a bond, she will need to trust them and this will take some time. Sadly her experience with men has not been a positive one prior to coming into foster care so she needs to learn that men are kind. As her confidence grows, more of her joyful personality shines through every day. One of her foster family's favorite moments is coming home to Mildred's enthusiastic welcome—complete with tappy feet, happy zoomies, a wagging tail, and pure excitement. It's a heartwarming reminder of how far she has come and how much love she has to give. Mildred's wish list for her forever home is simple: a calm, quieter home where she can feel safe and settle into a predictable routine, a toy box she can happily empty throughout the house, a sunny spot where she can relax and soak up the warmth, a comfortable couch for afternoon snoozes, and most importantly, a patient family that understands trust is something she is still learning. A busy household with lots of activity and constant comings and goings would be overwhelming for her. She doesn't need perfection—just kind, loving people who will give her the time and reassurance she deserves. Mildred is quiet in her crate at night but can do some fussing during the day so best for her to be in a detached home or semi-detached that has good noise barrier. She also requires a secure fenced in yard for doing her business. She won’t reliably do all her business while out on a walk so needs the safety of a secure fenced yard to go into after her walks to finish up. Mildred will need a quiet outside environment as well; a small town, rural setting, or quiet subdivision is needed for her to feel safe and not be overwhelmed. She also would not like to live on a busy road. She is not suited for big city living. Having spent 3 years living in a barn, she is gradually learning about the world outside and we don’t want to scare her or overwhelm her with too much hustle and bustle and noises. In return, you'll have the privilege of watching a brave little dog blossom. Every tail wag, playful zoomie, and small step forward is a reminder of just how grateful she is to be loved. After years of breeding and living in difficult conditions, Mildred is finally ready for a life filled with comfort, security, toys, sunshine, and unconditional love. She deserves a soft bed, a safe home, and a family who will cherish her for the rest of her days. The beautiful thing about Mildred is that any love she receives, she gives back tenfold. Name: Mildred ID # PDR1518 Age: 3yrs Gender: female Spayed: yes UTD vaccines: yes Breed: ShihTzu Colours: white and cream Coat length: med House trained: yes Special needs: no OK with kids: teens OK with cats: yes Ok with dogs: yes Status: adoptable Microchip: yes Size: small Location: Waterloo,Ont Adoption fee: $800