Benji
About 9 years old • Maltese X Shih Tzu
Cheeky
About 5 years old • Maltese X Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are one of the most affectionate small breeds you will find in Sydney rescue. They were bred to be companion dogs for Chinese royalty, and the temperament still shows: a Shih Tzu wants nothing more than to be near its person, on the couch, in your lap, asleep on your feet. Their energy needs are modest and they suit older owners, apartments and quieter households.
Sydney Shih Tzu rescue numbers spike around elderly-owner life events. Many of the breed end up in NSW shelters when their long-time owners go into aged care or pass away. The dogs are usually well-loved, house-trained, socially confident, and looking for a calm second home.
A note on health: Shih Tzus are mildly brachycephalic (short muzzle), so they feel summer heat and humidity more than longer-nosed breeds. Keep walks to cooler hours, watch them in the car, and do not let them overexert. The long coat needs daily brushing or a short pet clip; matted Shih Tzu coats are painful and a common rescue intake reason. Browse the Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu crosses listed below from rescues and shelters across Sydney and New South Wales.
Get notified when a Shih Tzu is listed
We will email you when a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu cross becomes available for adoption in Sydney, from a rescue or an owner rehoming.
Need to rehome a Shih Tzu?
If you can no longer keep your Shih Tzu, listing it for rehoming on LocalPetFinder connects it directly with adopters across Sydney and NSW, and keeps it out of a shelter. It is free.
List your dog for rehoming →Shih Tzu Adoption Guides
The pre-adoption reading list specific to Shih Tzus in Sydney and NSW.
Shih Tzu Adoption in Sydney
Where to adopt a Shih Tzu in Sydney, what it costs versus a breeder, and why so many (often seniors) end up in rescue.
Shih Tzu Health Issues to Plan For
Brachycephalic breathing and heat, the prominent eyes, dental disease, patella, back and kidney issues, plus Sydney tick care.
Shih Tzu Grooming & Coat Care in Sydney
The dense double coat, the practical puppy cut, the topknot and eye-area care, and how to prevent painful matting.
Shih Tzu Adoption FAQ
Where can I adopt a Shih Tzu near me in Sydney?
LocalPetFinder lists Shih Tzus available for adoption from rescues across Sydney and New South Wales, including the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, Western Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Rescues that regularly take in dogs of this type include RSPCA NSW at Yagoona and Animal Welfare League NSW at Kemps Creek, alongside foster-based groups. Listings update regularly, so browse the Shih Tzus above and apply directly through the rescue.
Are there Shih Tzu rescues near Sydney?
Yes. Several Sydney and NSW rescues regularly have Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu crosses, including RSPCA NSW, Animal Welfare League NSW, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Monika's Doggie Rescue and Maggie's Rescue, plus breed-focused foster networks. A dedicated single-breed rescue is not always active, so the fastest path is to set an alert here and watch the general rescues. Use LocalPetFinder to see which rescues currently have Shih Tzus available near you.
Where can I adopt a Shih Tzu puppy in Sydney?
Purebred Shih Tzu puppies are uncommon in Sydney rescue and are usually adopted very quickly, so the best strategy is to set an alert here and be ready to apply fast. Most Shih Tzus in rescue are young adults, older dogs, or Shih Tzu crosses, and these make just as loving a pet as a purebred puppy while often being calmer and already part house-trained. A rescue puppy or young dog costs a few hundred dollars fully desexed, vaccinated and microchipped, against several thousand from a breeder with a waitlist. If you searched "shih tzu puppies sydney" or "shih tzu puppies for sale", browse the Shih Tzus above and set an alert for new arrivals.
Are these Shih Tzus for sale in Sydney?
Not for sale, for adoption, which is usually the better deal. Every Shih Tzu here comes from a Sydney or NSW rescue, not a breeder or classified seller, and the adoption fee already includes desexing, vaccination and microchipping. That fee is typically a few hundred dollars, against often several thousand from a breeder with none of the vet work done. If you searched "shih tzu for sale sydney", adopting gets you a vetted dog for a fraction of the price.
Where can I buy a Shih Tzu in Sydney, and should I?
You can buy from a registered breeder, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable breeder often charges several thousand dollars and may have 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 a known hotspot for scams and backyard breeding. The ACCC Scamwatch has documented deposit scams for pets that do not exist. For most Sydney families, adopting a rescue Shih Tzu is cheaper, faster and gives a dog in need a home.
Are Shih Tzus good for first-time owners?
Yes, often. The combination of low energy, friendly temperament and easy size makes Shih Tzus a forgiving first dog. Reward-based training works well, the breed is generally not pushy or reactive, and the exercise commitment is modest (thirty to forty-five minutes a day). The coat care is the one part new owners often underestimate; budget for a short pet clip every six to eight weeks if you do not want to brush daily.
Do Shih Tzus handle Sydney summer well?
Not as well as longer-nosed breeds. The shortened muzzle reduces cooling efficiency, and the heavy coat traps heat. Walk early and late in summer, keep aircon or a fan running on hot days, and never leave a Shih Tzu in a parked car. Watch for early heat stress signs (excessive panting that does not settle, bright red gums) and act immediately if you see them.
Are Shih Tzus good with kids?
Yes, with respectful children. The breed is patient, gentle and tolerant of attention. The size mismatch with very young children is the main consideration; older kids who understand small-dog handling are a better match. Each rescue listing notes how the specific dog has gone with children in foster care.
Are Shih Tzus good apartment dogs?
Yes, among the best of the small breeds for apartment living. Their low energy, easy temperament and quiet baseline (less barky than Pomeranians or Chihuahuas) all suit unit life. Daily walks are still needed; strata approval is still required.