Adopt

Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Rhode Island

Looking for a Shih Tzu puppy or dog in Rhode Island? Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Shih Tzu near you.

Picture of Shih Tzu

Adopt a Shih Tzu near you in Rhode Island

Below are our newest added Shih Tzus available for adoption in Rhode Island. To see more adoptable Shih Tzus in Rhode Island, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria!
Photo of Milo OS FORD_OS changed mind (SL)

Milo OS FORD_OS changed mind (SL)

Shih Tzu/Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Male, Puppy
Saunderstown, RI
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
Adoption Donation   $ 699 Located: RI (Transportation costs included to the Northeast , plz ask for more details) Age: approx  7 months as of 8/17/26 Weight:  11  lbs. Milo is a 7 month 11lb shih tzu mix. He's the sweetest little guy...he likes to snuggle up on the couch, and wants to be around his people.  As long as you're in his sight he's happy...he follows around us like a little shadow.  He's great in the car, and enjoys going on walks.     Milo does get a little anxious and tends to bark when everyone is out of sight, and he is afraid of stairs, so he'll probably do best in a one story home unless someone is prepared to give him time to get comfortable going up and down stairs.     We believe he'd be a very happy only dog with owners who are around enough to give him the attention he deserves. He was a bit much for the older dogs in his previous household and could be possessive about his owners.  He doesn't show much interest in playing with other active dogs, although he's fairly tolerant and in the right situation may be able to form a nice relationship with a furry buddy.   If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an application on our website  www.fohari.org  and email my foster parent for more information: nickrude_2000@yahoo.com Please verify the location and readiness of this dog with us.  Because we save lives from various locations through out the United States, some dogs may not be in New England yet, nor ready for immediate adoption.   nickrude_2000@yahoo.com Our adoption application can be found here: https://fohari.org/application/  Our Adoption Process:   Go to our website and select the animal you are interested in. ALL animals are in foster homes as we do NOT have a  shelter where you can visit. Some animals are in foster care in New England, and some are located in other states. If the initials following the animals name are a state, then that is the state where the animal is located. If initials are not a state, then those are the initials of the foster home outside of New England and you will not be able to meet the animal ahead of time. Complete our online application You will be contacted by phone or email by the foster parent  or a member of our adoption team and will have the opportunity to find out more about the animal, and ask any questions that you have to ensure the animal is a good fit for your household. If the animal is local, you can meet the animal, but you would not be able to take the dog home until you are approved to adopt.  From our end, we will check references and schedule a home visit.  If you live in an apartment, or a condo, we will need to verify permission to own the animal from your landlord or condo board. Please let your vet’s office and references know we will be contacting them. If your  references are positive, we will schedule a home visit by a volunteer. Please try to accommodate the home visit volunteer as most  have busy schedules. Delays in the visit will result in a delay in the adoption. Once you are approved, you will receive an e-mail with your  adoption contract attached. This e-mail will have details about pick up, the balance of the adoption fee that is owed, etc. Please email your signed & witnessed contract and pay your adoption fee in full, and for any animals located out of state, you will be contacted for details about transport to New England. Once you have paid your adoption fee in full and sent back your contract, you can make arrangement to pick up your animal from the foster home or from transport depending on where the animal is located. Please bring a harness, collar, ID tag and leash when you are picking up the dog unless otherwise instructed by the foster parent. Our extensive approval process is intended to ensure the best fit between our animals and adopters. Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) reserves the right to deny any adoption application with or without disclosure of cause. Your adoption fee helps to cover the cost of all age appropriate vetting and transportation. FOHARI.ORG makes no explicit or implicit guarantees in reference to the health, temperament and/or the breed of the animal. The animal is adopted ‘as is’, and the adopter assumes all responsibility for treatment of any and all existing conditions or any other conditions of physical or temperament changes that may occur. FOHARI.ORG will provide the animal with the basic vaccines, heart worm test and sterilization of dogs and cats before adoption if the age and current health of the animal permits. While FOHARI.ORG makes every effort to place only healthy animals, FOHARI.ORG cannot guarantee the health of any animal, and shall not be held responsible for any medical expenses that may be incurred. Rescuer will provide information received from the veterinarian exam, observations on the temperament of the animal and a best guess of the breed. Friends of Homeless Animals Inc. (FOHA) ASK ABOUT OUR TRAINING REBATE! Thanks for caring How to Help:  If you would like to HELP any of our special rescued dogs by making a donation or to place a deposit for a dog, you can use this secure & safe site on Paypal - please click on symbol below:     How to Contact us:  By phone between the hours of 10 AM and 7PM at 401-234-4499 By Email at friendsoha@yahoo.com Enter the dogs name in the subject line. Thank you! FRIENDS of HOMELESS ANIMALS, INC.  is a RHODE ISLAND NON PROFIT 501 (C)(3) RESCUE August 21, 2026, 1:13 pm
Photo of Winston

Winston

Shih Tzu

Male, 9 yrs 10 mos
Barrington, RI
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
Winston is a sweet, loving 10-year-old Shih Tzu mix weighing about 15 pounds who is looking for a new forever home. He was adopted six years ago, but after his family experienced some significant losses, they ultimately realized they were no longer able to give Winston the attention and structure he needed.Winston is settling back into rescue life, and we’re getting to know him again. So far, he has been a very nice boy who enjoys his leash walks and being close to his people. He especially loves sitting on his human’s lap and being by their side. At times, he may be a little too eager to stay close and can become a bit of a “trip hazard,” but that’s just Winston’s way of saying, “I want to be wherever you are!”After spending the past six years as an only dog, he may do well with a calm, confident canine companion who won’t overwhelm him, but be there to help him stay calm. He has no issue being home without his human for a few hours.Winston does have some quirks that his new family will need to understand. He is leash reactive and can bark when he sees people or hears unfamiliar noises. Because of this, an apartment or condo environment would not be a good fit for him. His ideal home would be somewhere quieter, preferably with a yard, and with an adopter who is comfortable managing leash reactivity and continuing to work with him in a positive way.He does pull a bit on walks, but at 15 pounds, he is very manageable. And don’t let his age fool you! Winston is still an active little guy who enjoys getting out and exploring.Like many senior dogs, Winston may have some mild arthritis in his hind end, and he has been receiving monthly Librela injections to help keep him comfortable and moving well. He remains surprisingly active and enjoys his walks.Winston is looking for someone who will appreciate him for who he is: a loving, loyal little companion who wants to be near his person, enjoy his walks, and have a comfortable, peaceful place to call home.Winston would do best with:● A quieter home rather than an apartment or condo● Someone experienced or comfortable with leash-reactive dogs● A family who enjoys walks but understands his senior-dog needs● A patient adopter who will give him time to settle in● Potentially, a calm, compatible dog companionWinston has already had a few chapters in his life. Now he’s hoping for his final chapter: a loving forever home where he can relax, be spoiled, and spend his golden years right beside his favorite person.All known information about the animal is listed above. We do our best to give accurate information, but most of our dogs are rescues and do not come with a known historyName: WinstonBreed: Shih Tzu/Crossbreed   (Breed mix is not guaranteed-no DNA testing done).Sex: MaleAge: Almost 10 yo (estimated)Weight: 11 lbsSpayed/Neutered: YesVaccinations: Up to dateHeartworm: Negative on recent testingMicrochipped: YesBASED ON OUR OBSERVATIONS:Good with Children: UnknownGood with Dogs: YesGood with Cats: UnknownAdoption Fee: $250.00Location of dog currently:    MassachusettsIMPORTANT INFORMATION - Paws New England is a foster-based rescue; our dogs reside in various locations throughout the South and New England.  Adoption fees cover pre-adoption veterinary costs (including vaccinations, spay/neuter when age-appropriate, and heartworm testing/treatment when necessary), a microchip, and transportation to New England, if necessary. The adoption fee is set at a level that enables adoption; they do not cover our costs. Thank you for your generosity and interest in our dogs!Donations for our young, healthy puppies and dogs support their fellow canines of advanced age or suffering from injuries and abuse, whose donations are reduced but whose veterinary costs are typically much higher. We appreciate your understanding that your newly adopted dog will help others in need.IMPORTANT INFORMATIONPaws New England is a foster-based rescue - our dogs reside in various locations throughout the south and New England. Adoption donations cover pre-adoption vet costs (including vaccinations, spay/neuter when age appropriate, and heartworm testing/treatment when necessary), a microchip, and transportation to New England if necessary.Donations for our young, healthy puppies and dogs support their fellow canines of advanced age or suffering from injuries and abuse whose donations are reduced but whose veterinary costs are typically much higher. We appreciate your understanding that your newly adopted dog will help others in need. Paws New England abides by the dog importation regulations set forth in the states of MA, CT, NH and RI.
Photo of Gizmo in RI

Gizmo in RI

Shih Tzu

Male, Young
Cranston, RI
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
Age:   approx 2 years old   Weight: 10  lbs My adoption fee is $ 675  which includes transportation charges to the Northeast. Check out Gizmo!  This little guy has arrived in Rhode Island and is ready to meet you!  Gizmo is approximately 2 years old and weighs around 10 pounds.  He is a Shih Tzu mix and as cute and charismatic as he can be!!  Gizmo is terrific on leash and would thrive with a couple good walks each day, in addition to a chance to explore a backyard if possible, but his TRUE PASSION seems to be water!  He has been in and out of the baby pool since arriving in Rhode Island!  Gizmo is doing very nicely with the other dogs in his foster home and seems to never meet a stranger!  He seems mostly ok with being crated and we are assessing his housetraining skills and will report bac   If you serious about adopting, the first step is to fill out an adoption application on our website:   https://www.smalldogrescuene.org/August 19, 2026, 7:17 pm
Photo of Zeus Goose

Zeus Goose

Shih Tzu

Male, Adult
Saunderstown, RI
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, House-trained,
Story
Adoption Donation   $ 450 Located: RI    Age: approximately 4 1/2 years old Weight: 20   lbs. NO KIDS, ADULT ONLY HOME    Meet Goose, a delightful Shih Tzu mix with a heart as big as his playful spirit! This handsome pup is seeking the perfect adopter to share his love for outdoor adventures and playtime. Goose is a non-shedding bundle of joy who is house trained and walks well on a leash. His entertaining personality shines through as he revels in being outside, engaging in exercise, and indulging in play with stuffed animal toys larger than himself. A true companion for an active adopter, Goose is always ready for an exciting walk or a game of fetch. While he's not a big barker, his alert nature comes to life when he senses something worth barking at. He does have a quirk – you see, Goose had a very traumatic experience with grooming and doesn't tolerate some forms of touch. With patience, lots of treats and positive reinforcement we're confident that he'll make progress. He's looking for an ADULT ONLY HOME with an experienced adopter who understands the need to go slow with grooming and handling. Goose will be happiest with a fenced-in in yard and will thrive with an adopter who is home alot. If you're ready to welcome Goose into your heart and home, get ready for a lifetime of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments with this wonderful companion!If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an application on our website  www.fohari.org  and email my foster parent for more information: save4pawz@gmail.com Please verify the location and readiness of this dog with us.  Because we save lives from various locations through out the United States, some dogs may not be in New England yet, nor ready for immediate adoption.   Our adoption application can be found here: https://fohari.org/application/  Our Adoption Process:   Go to our website and select the animal you are interested in. ALL animals are in foster homes as we do NOT have a  shelter where you can visit. Some animals are in foster care in New England, and some are located in other states. If the initials following the animals name are a state, then that is the state where the animal is located. If initials are not a state, then those are the initials of the foster home outside of New England and you will not be able to meet the animal ahead of time. Complete our online application You will be contacted by phone or email by the foster parent  or a member of our adoption team and will have the opportunity to find out more about the animal, and ask any questions that you have to ensure the animal is a good fit for your household. If the animal is local, you can meet the animal, but you would not be able to take the dog home until you are approved to adopt.  From our end, we will check references and schedule a home visit.  If you live in an apartment, or a condo, we will need to verify permission to own the animal from your landlord or condo board. Please let your vet’s office and references know we will be contacting them. If your  references are positive, we will schedule a home visit by a volunteer. Please try to accommodate the home visit volunteer as most  have busy schedules. Delays in the visit will result in a delay in the adoption. Once you are approved, you will receive an e-mail with your  adoption contract attached. This e-mail will have details about pick up, the balance of the adoption fee that is owed, etc. Please email your signed & witnessed contract and pay your adoption fee in full, and for any animals located out of state, you will be contacted for details about transport to New England. Once you have paid your adoption fee in full and sent back your contract, you can make arrangement to pick up your animal from the foster home or from transport depending on where the animal is located. Please bring a harness, collar, ID tag and leash when you are picking up the dog unless otherwise instructed by the foster parent. Our extensive approval process is intended to ensure the best fit between our animals and adopters. Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) reserves the right to deny any adoption application with or without disclosure of cause. Your adoption fee helps to cover the cost of all age appropriate vetting and transportation. FOHARI.ORG makes no explicit or implicit guarantees in reference to the health, temperament and/or the breed of the animal. The animal is adopted ‘as is’, and the adopter assumes all responsibility for treatment of any and all existing conditions or any other conditions of physical or temperament changes that may occur. FOHARI.ORG will provide the animal with the basic vaccines, heart worm test and sterilization of dogs and cats before adoption if the age and current health of the animal permits. While FOHARI.ORG makes every effort to place only healthy animals, FOHARI.ORG cannot guarantee the health of any animal, and shall not be held responsible for any medical expenses that may be incurred. Rescuer will provide information received from the veterinarian exam, observations on the temperament of the animal and a best guess of the breed. Friends of Homeless Animals Inc. (FOHA) ASK ABOUT OUR TRAINING REBATE! Thanks for caring How to Help:  If you would like to HELP any of our special rescued dogs by making a donation or to place a deposit for a dog, you can use this secure & safe site on Paypal - please click on symbol below:     How to Contact us:  By phone between the hours of 10 AM and 7PM at 401-234-4499 By Email at friendsoha@yahoo.com Enter the dogs name in the subject line. Thank you! FRIENDS of HOMELESS ANIMALS, INC.  is a RHODE ISLAND NON PROFIT 501 (C)(3) RESCUE August 21, 2026, 1:13 pm
Special Needs
Photo of Arlo

Arlo

Shih Tzu

Male, 4 yrs 1 mo
Providence, RI
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Needs special attention,
Story
No, he's not a bobble head doll. We understand how the mistake could be made and agree that if he were a bobble head doll, he'd be a very cute one and we'd all need some version of the Arlo doll sitting on our dashboard and cheering us up with a wobble of his head whenever we get stuck in traffic. As it is, Arlo is a dog and unfortunately there's only one of him - which means only one family will be lucky enough to take him home and call him theirs. Arlo's slightly goofy fluffy-head-skinny-body groom came about as a result of severe matting that needed sedation and careful work by our vet team to resolve. He is a dog that will need regular grooming to prevent any future issues. The good news is that Arlo is looking and feeling better than ever and he's rocking this new haircut like it's the newest style. Arlo is very sweet, friendly, and playful with his people. He loves to roll around on the turf, romp about with his toys, and fall onto his back at the slightest hint that a belly rub might come his way. He can be a little shy around strangers and so would do best in an adult only home without too many visitors. Arlo hasn't had experience with other animals before, but he's up for meeting an resident dogs to see if it's a good fit for him. Arlo is in our special adoption program which sets adopters up for success with pre and post adoption counseling. If you are interested in Arlo, please complete an adopter's profile at parl.org and email Claire at cshamgochian@parl.org to schedule a meet and greet.
Photo of Gizmo Clark

Gizmo Clark

Shih Tzu

Male, Adult
Saunderstown, RI
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
Adoption Donation   $399 Located: RI (Transportation costs included to the Northeast , plz ask for more details) Age: approx. 9 years old Weight: 20  lbs. Gizmo is a handsome 9-year-old Shi Tzu / Terrier mix who may take a little time to warm up to new people - but once he does, you're his person. You'll have a playful sidekick who loves being by your side.  Gizmo is a fetch master and could probably teach a class or two! he also enjoys short walks and has plenty of playful energy, while still appreciating the comforts of home. Most of all Gizmo loves being around his people and wants to be part of the action. He seems to enjoy the company of other dogs. He has not been tested with cats. Gizmo is housebroken as well!   Gizmo is looking for someone who has the patience to give him the time he needs to build trust at his own pace. In return you'll get a funny, playful, affectionate little guy with a whole lot of personality and plenty of love to give. Could Gizmo be your forever friend?  If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an application on our website  www.fohari.org  and email my foster parent for more information:  fhsadvisor2001@hotmail.com Please verify the location and readiness of this dog with us.  Because we save lives from various locations through out the United States, some dogs may not be in New England yet, nor ready for immediate adoption.   Our adoption application can be found here: https://fohari.org/application/  Our Adoption Process:   Go to our website and select the animal you are interested in. ALL animals are in foster homes as we do NOT have a  shelter where you can visit. Some animals are in foster care in New England, and some are located in other states. If the initials following the animals name are a state, then that is the state where the animal is located. If initials are not a state, then those are the initials of the foster home outside of New England and you will not be able to meet the animal ahead of time. Complete our online application You will be contacted by phone or email by the foster parent  or a member of our adoption team and will have the opportunity to find out more about the animal, and ask any questions that you have to ensure the animal is a good fit for your household. If the animal is local, you can meet the animal, but you would not be able to take the dog home until you are approved to adopt.  From our end, we will check references and schedule a home visit.  If you live in an apartment, or a condo, we will need to verify permission to own the animal from your landlord or condo board. Please let your vet’s office and references know we will be contacting them. If your  references are positive, we will schedule a home visit by a volunteer. Please try to accommodate the home visit volunteer as most  have busy schedules. Delays in the visit will result in a delay in the adoption. Once you are approved, you will receive an e-mail with your  adoption contract attached. This e-mail will have details about pick up, the balance of the adoption fee that is owed, etc. Please email your signed & witnessed contract and pay your adoption fee in full, and for any animals located out of state, you will be contacted for details about transport to New England. Once you have paid your adoption fee in full and sent back your contract, you can make arrangement to pick up your animal from the foster home or from transport depending on where the animal is located. Please bring a harness, collar, ID tag and leash when you are picking up the dog unless otherwise instructed by the foster parent. Our extensive approval process is intended to ensure the best fit between our animals and adopters. Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) reserves the right to deny any adoption application with or without disclosure of cause. Your adoption fee helps to cover the cost of all age appropriate vetting and transportation. FOHARI.ORG makes no explicit or implicit guarantees in reference to the health, temperament and/or the breed of the animal. The animal is adopted ‘as is’, and the adopter assumes all responsibility for treatment of any and all existing conditions or any other conditions of physical or temperament changes that may occur. FOHARI.ORG will provide the animal with the basic vaccines, heart worm test and sterilization of dogs and cats before adoption if the age and current health of the animal permits. While FOHARI.ORG makes every effort to place only healthy animals, FOHARI.ORG cannot guarantee the health of any animal, and shall not be held responsible for any medical expenses that may be incurred. Rescuer will provide information received from the veterinarian exam, observations on the temperament of the animal and a best guess of the breed. Friends of Homeless Animals Inc. (FOHA) ASK ABOUT OUR TRAINING REBATE! Thanks for caring How to Help:  If you would like to HELP any of our special rescued dogs by making a donation or to place a deposit for a dog, you can use this secure & safe site on Paypal - please click on symbol below:     How to Contact us:  By phone between the hours of 10 AM and 7PM at 401-234-4499 By Email at friendsoha@yahoo.com Enter the dogs name in the subject line. Thank you! FRIENDS of HOMELESS ANIMALS, INC.  is a RHODE ISLAND NON PROFIT 501 (C)(3) RESCUE August 21, 2026, 1:13 pm

Search for a Shih Tzu puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Shih Tzu puppies and adults Shih Tzu in Rhode Island.

Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Rhode Island cities

Shih Tzu shelters & rescues in Rhode Island

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Shih Tzu puppies in Rhode Island. Browse these Shih Tzu rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations

Shelter

Providence Animal Rescue League

34 Elbow St., Providence , RI 02903

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

More an arrow icon

Rescue

PAWS NEW ENGLAND

Barrington , RI 02806

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Small Dog Rescue of New England Inc.

Cranston , RI 02920

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Walkers Way Rescue

Cranston , RI 02921

Pet Types: cats, dogs, reptiles, small animals

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Beebe Humane Society RI Transport

Email Only, Greenville , RI 02828

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Friends of Homeless Animals of RI, Inc.(FOHA)

Saunderstown , RI 02874

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

If you're not seeing what you're looking for, try our shelter and rescue search. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

magnifying glass with cat and dog

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 information

clipboard with list

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.

Learn More an arrow icon