How many Shih Tzus are available for adoption in Melbourne?
As of November 2026, Shih Tzus are uncommon in Melbourne rescue, only 1 is listed right now across 1 rescue on LocalPetFinder. They are usually adopted quickly, so it is worth applying early or setting an alert.
Where can I adopt a Shih Tzu near me in Melbourne?
LocalPetFinder lists Shih Tzus available for adoption from rescues across Melbourne and Victoria. Every listing links straight to the rescue that has the dog, and the application is handled by them, not by us.
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Shih Tzus typically live 12 to 16 years.
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?
Adult Shih Tzus need about 35 minutes of daily exercise. Adolescent dogs (under 2 years) typically need 45 minutes, more than mature adults.
What are common health concerns for Shih Tzus?
Breed-associated conditions to ask the rescue about include Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, Eye injuries and corneal ulcers, Hip dysplasia. See the citations in the health section above for authoritative information on each. This is an editorial summary, not medical advice, so check with your vet for individual guidance.
How much does it cost to adopt a Shih Tzu in Australia?
Adoption fees are set by each rescue, so check the fee on the rescue's own listing. For example, RSPCA Victoria lists $500 to $1,000 for an adult dog and $650 to $1,000 for a puppy, set per animal (read November 2026). Fees change, so check with the rescue; this is reference only, not a quote. The fee usually covers desexing, vaccinations and microchipping; ask the rescue what its fee includes.
Are these Shih Tzus for sale in Melbourne?
Not for sale, for adoption. Every Shih Tzu here comes from an Australian rescue, a shelter or an owner rehoming them, not a breeder or pet shop. Each rescue sets its own adoption fee and shows it on the listing, and the fee usually covers desexing, vaccinations and microchipping when age-appropriate. For example, RSPCA Victoria lists $500 to $1,000 for an adult dog and $650 to $1,000 for a puppy, set per animal (read November 2026). Fees change, so check with the rescue; this is reference only, not a quote. A breeder sets its own price, so ask for it in writing and compare what is included. If you searched "shih tzu for sale melbourne" or "shih tzu puppies for sale", adopting gets you a dog a rescue has already vetted.
Where can I buy a Shih Tzu in Melbourne, and should I?
You can buy from a registered breeder, and for some families that is a reasonable choice, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable Shih Tzu breeder sets its own price and often has a waitlist, while a rescue Shih Tzu comes with desexing, vaccinations and microchipping usually covered by the adoption fee shown on its listing. For example, RSPCA Victoria lists $500 to $1,000 for an adult dog and $650 to $1,000 for a puppy, set per animal (read November 2026). Fees change, so check with the rescue; this is reference only, not a quote. Be cautious of cheap shih tzu-for-sale ads on Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, which are frequently backyard breeders or puppy-farm resellers with unvetted, sometimes sick animals and no health guarantee. If you do buy, insist on seeing where the puppies were raised and getting vet records, and check the breeder against your state's pet-sale rules. Adopting a rescue Shih Tzu also gives a dog in need a home.
Are there free Shih Tzus in Melbourne, or shih tzus under $500?
Adoption is the closest honest answer, and it is not free. Each rescue sets its own fee and shows it on the listing, so whether a rescue Shih Tzu comes in under that depends on the rescue and the dog. For example, RSPCA Victoria lists $500 to $1,000 for an adult dog and $650 to $1,000 for a puppy, set per animal (read November 2026). Fees change, so check with the rescue; this is reference only, not a quote. What the fee buys is work already done: desexing, vaccinations and microchipping are usually included, so ask the rescue what its fee covers. Be wary of genuinely free shih tzu listings. An animal advertised free to a good home has usually not been vetted, and free rehoming ads are the route flippers and unregistered breeders use to move animals with no health guarantee and no recourse. Paying a rescue fee buys you a dog someone has already examined, treated, and been honest with you about.
Are there Shih Tzu puppies in Melbourne, or only adults?
Rescues list both, and each listing on this page shows the dog's age. Puppies do come through, usually as accidental litters or with a surrendered mother. Setting an alert beats refreshing the page. It is also worth asking whether you actually want one: an adult arrives with a temperament a foster has already observed and described, where a Shih Tzu puppy is a prediction.
Where can I find a Shih Tzu near me in Melbourne?
Start with the listings on this page, which pull from rescues and shelters serving Melbourne and are refreshed regularly. If nothing suits today, listings change as animals arrive and are adopted, so setting an alert beats checking back. It is also worth widening to nearby suburbs and towns, and asking a rescue whether it will adopt to homes outside its own council area.
