Shih Tzu Rescue & Breeder Directory (USA & Canada)

Looking for a Shih Tzu? This directory lists Shih Tzu rescues and breeders in the United States and Canada. Every listing is checked against a public record, such as the IRS charity list or a national Shih Tzu club’s breeder list. Each card shows where the information came from and when we last checked it.

We do not sell rankings. Listings appear in alphabetical order, and no one can pay to be added to this list or to move up in it.

How we verify listings: A US rescue must focus on Shih Tzus, show recent adoption activity on its website or adoption page, and appear on the IRS list of charities eligible for tax-deductible donations (Pub. 78). A breeder must be listed by a national breed club, such as the Canadian Shih Tzu Club, whose members follow a Code of Ethics, and must publish its own kennel website. We list businesses, not private individuals. We only show information the rescue or kennel publishes on its own website. We show a city or province, never a home address or personal phone number. We re-check every listing at least every 6 months. The AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program and the American Shih Tzu Club breeder referral are the standards we use for US breeders.

Safety first: A listing here is not an endorsement. Always visit, ask questions and read any contract before you pay. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that pet scammers often ask for payment by gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency or wire transfer, which makes refunds almost impossible. Search the seller’s name with words like “review” or “scam”, and report suspicious sellers at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Adopting a Shih Tzu From a Rescue

Shih Tzu rescues take in dogs that were surrendered, found as strays or pulled from shelters. Many of the rescues in this directory place dogs in foster homes first, so the foster family can learn about the dog’s health and personality. Most ask you to fill in an adoption application before you meet a dog.

Each rescue sets its own rules, fees and service area. Some adopt only within their state. Read the adoption page on the rescue’s website before you apply. If you are adopting an older dog, our guide on common health problems in Shih Tzus can help you prepare questions for the rescue and your vet.

Senior gray and white Shih Tzu with a pink bow outdoors — Rescues often have adult and senior Shih Tzus looking for homes.

How to Choose a Responsible Shih Tzu Breeder

A good breeder is easy to check. Ask these questions before you commit to a puppy:

Club membership. Is the breeder a member of the American Shih Tzu Club, the Canadian Shih Tzu Club or a regional Shih Tzu club? These clubs ask members to follow a Code of Ethics.
Health testing. For the Shih Tzu, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the breed club recommend an eye exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and a patellar luxation (kneecap) evaluation for breeding dogs. Hip and heart exams are optional. Ask for the parents’ results. A dog that completes all the required tests receives a CHIC number, and its results are public on the OFA website.
AKC programs. Breeders in the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program pledge that their breeding dogs are health tested as the breed’s parent club recommends, and they complete continuing education.
Meeting the dogs. A responsible breeder is glad to let you meet the puppy’s mother and see where the puppies are raised.

Five Shih Tzu puppies with black, white and gold coats sitting together on a white background — Ask to see health test results for both parents of a litter.

The American Shih Tzu Club also warns buyers about pet stores and about puppies sold as “imperial” Shih Tzus. The breed standard does not recognize a separate imperial size. Our guide to how much a Shih Tzu should weigh explains the normal size range.

Get Listed or Update a Listing

Listing is free. Use this form to add a Shih Tzu rescue or breeder, claim or update a listing, or report a closure or an error. We check every request against public records before anything is published. We may decline a listing that does not meet the criteria above.

Shih Tzu resting on the lap of a person in a plaid shirt who is holding a tablet — Take your time. A good rescue or breeder will welcome your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you verify the rescues in this directory?

Each US rescue must focus on Shih Tzus, show recent adoption activity on its website or adoption page, and appear on the IRS list of charities eligible for tax-deductible donations (Pub. 78). Each card shows the rescue’s EIN so you can check it yourself on IRS.gov.

Why are there no US breeders listed yet?

We only list a breeder when we can confirm a clear standard, such as membership in a national breed club with a Code of Ethics. We are verifying US breeders one by one. Until then, the American Shih Tzu Club breeder referral list is the best place to start.

Can a rescue or breeder pay to rank higher?

No. Listings are free and appear in alphabetical order. No one can pay to be added to the directory or to move up in it.

How do I add or correct a listing?

Use the form on this page. Tell us how we can verify the rescue or breeder, such as an EIN, a Canadian charity number or a breed club membership. We check every request before anything is published.

Does a listing mean Shih Tzu Pedia recommends the rescue or breeder?

No. A listing means we confirmed the information in a public record on the date shown. It is not an endorsement. Visit, ask questions and read any contract before you pay.

Sources

This directory is for general information. Listings are compiled from public records and the organizations’ own websites on the date shown. They are not endorsements, and Shih Tzu Pedia is not responsible for any agreement between you and a rescue or breeder. Details can change, so confirm them directly before you apply or pay. If you see an error, please tell us with the form above. For health questions, talk to your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.