No Shih Tzus in St. John's right now
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Shih Tzus in St. John's, right now
We aren't tracking any adoptable Shih Tzus in or near St. John's at the moment. Listings update regularly as Newfoundland rescues take in new dogs, and a Shih Tzu in St. John's typically gets adopted within days of being posted. Browse the full Newfoundland dogs list to see Shih Tzus in other Newfoundland cities, or save this page and check back soon.
Adopting a Shih Tzu in Newfoundland and Labrador
Shih Tzus are affectionate toy companions, usually 9 to 16 pounds, bred for centuries purely to be lap dogs, and it shows: they are gentle, friendly, and want little more than to be with their people. They suit singles, seniors, families, and apartment living equally well. This page pulls every adoptable Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu cross from the Newfoundland shelters we cover into one place, refreshed regularly.
Shih Tzus and their crosses (including the popular Shichon and Shih Poo mixes) reach Newfoundland rescue through owner surrenders, often when the grooming proved more than expected. Their size and temperament make them adopted quickly, so set an alert.
Grooming, health, and temperament
The long, low-shedding double coat is the main commitment: without regular brushing it mats fast, so plan on brushing several times a week or keeping the dog in an easy-care "puppy cut," plus a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks. Shih Tzus are calm, adaptable, and generally good with children and other pets, needing only modest exercise, a couple of short walks and indoor play.
As a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed, Shih Tzus can have some breathing and heat sensitivity, so avoid over-exertion in warm weather (rarely an issue in Newfoundland) and keep them lean. Also watch eye health, dental disease, and ear cleaning. Newfoundland rescues provide a veterinary assessment before adoption.
Looking more broadly? Browse every adoptable dog across the province on Dog Adoption Newfoundland and Labrador.
Shih Tzu Adoption FAQ — St. John's
Where can I adopt a Shih Tzu near me in Newfoundland?
Shih Tzus and their crosses come into Newfoundland rescue through owner surrenders, and St. John's shelters see them from time to time. This page aggregates every adoptable one from the Newfoundland shelters we cover; set an alert because their gentle, apartment-friendly nature makes them adopted fast.
Are Shih Tzus good family dogs?
Yes. Shih Tzus are gentle, affectionate, and adaptable, and they generally do well with children, seniors, and other pets. They are companion dogs first and want to be part of the household. They need only modest exercise, so they suit a wide range of homes. Ask each rescue about the individual dog's history and do a proper meet first.
How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need?
A fair amount. The long double coat does not shed much but mats quickly without care, so plan on brushing several times a week and a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks. Many owners keep a shorter "puppy cut," which is far easier to maintain, especially through Newfoundland's wet weather. Add regular eye, ear, and dental care.
Should I buy or adopt a Shih Tzu in Newfoundland?
Adopt. Shih Tzus and their mixes appear in rescue, and adopting an adult means the temperament and any health issues are already known. Adoption fees run roughly $300 to $500 and include spay or neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip, versus well over $1,500 from a breeder. A rescue Shih Tzu is just as loving and far cheaper.
Are these Shih Tzus for sale in St. John's?
Not for sale, for adoption, which is usually the better deal. Every Shih Tzu here comes from a St. John's-area rescue or shelter, not a breeder, pet store, or classified seller. Adoption fees are typically a few hundred dollars and already include spay or neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip, versus roughly $2,000 to $5,000+ to buy a Shih Tzu from a breeder. If you searched "shih tzu for sale St. John's," adopting gets you a healthy, vetted dog for a fraction of the price.
Where can I buy a Shih Tzu in St. John's, and should I?
You can buy from a registered breeder, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable Shih Tzu breeder typically charges $2,000 to $5,000+ and often has a waitlist, while a rescue Shih Tzu costs a few hundred dollars fully vetted and may be available now. Be cautious of cheap "for sale" ads on classified sites and marketplaces, which are frequently backyard breeders or puppy-mill resellers with unvetted, sometimes sick animals and no health guarantee. If you do buy, insist on meeting the parents, seeing where the litter was raised, and getting vet records. For most St. John's families, adopting a rescue Shih Tzu is cheaper, faster, and gives a dog in need a home.