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Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Gaithersburg, Maryland

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

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Adopt a Shih Tzu near you in Gaithersburg, Maryland

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Or, how about these Shih Tzus in cities near Gaithersburg, Maryland

These Shih Tzus are available for adoption close to Gaithersburg, Maryland.
We'll also keep you updated on Virgil's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Virgil

Virgil

Shih Tzu

Male, 12 yrs
Rockville, MD
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Virgil! Virgil is equal parts distinguished gentleman and tiny, snuggly marshmallow. Virgil is the kind of dog who looks at you like he’s been waiting his whole life for exactly this moment — this couch, this lap, this person — and once he finds it, he plans to stay there. He is affectionate, quiet, cuddly, and surprisingly spry when the occasion calls for it, though his preferred activity is being as close to you as physically possible at all times. If you are sitting, he would like to be in your lap. If you are lying down, he would like to be in your bed. If you are moving around the house, he will be nearby, gently supervising. Virgil is a chill guy who doesn’t ask for much beyond kindness, consistency, and a soft place to land. He enjoys time outside, soaking up fresh air, playing with toys, and going along for the ride. He does well in the car and loves accompanying his foster mom on outings and adventures. Virgil loves attention, thrives on affection, and we have not yet identified anything he really dislikes, which feels both impressive and slightly suspicious. Virgil arrived to us severely matted and had to be shaved down, but his coat will grow back in full with time. He is housebroken and uses pee pads inside. Since he's not leash-trained, a home with a fenced-in yard is important for his safety and comfort. He does well when left alone and is not destructive, but he will need a home that can provide routine and guidance as he continues to learn how to be a dog in a home after spending so much time on the streets. Virgil also comes with some medical needs that his future family should be prepared to support. He has heart disease with a pronounced murmur and is on daily medication to help manage it, along with treatment for a cough. He also has some muscle loss in his back end that can cause discomfort. Despite all of this, he remains sweet, loving, and very much interested in enjoying life’s simple pleasures, like snacks, snuggles, and being adored. He would do best in a calm, quiet home without young children, with someone who is home most of the time and ready to give him the attention and affection he's missed out on for so long. Virgil's wishlist is simple: kindness, affection, attention, fresh air, and getting out and about to see the world. Virgil is a gentle, loving little dog who is now ready for his next chapter. His hair will grow back, his routine will come together, and with the right person, his world will finally make sense. Apply today to meet Virgil! He can't wait to snuggle with you and finally have a home of his own. Virgil is approx 12 years old and 11 lbs. Fostered in Gaithersburg, MD Please apply at MirisHaven.org
We'll also keep you updated on Magic's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
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Magic

Shih Tzu

Male, 9 yrs
Rockville, MD
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs special attention, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Magic! Magic is here to gently, quietly, and very effectively steal your heart without making a big fuss about it. Magic was adopted from a local shelter in 2024 with bright, healthy eyes, embarking on the kind of fresh start every shelter dog hopes for. Fast forward to 2026, and Magic was back at the shelter - this time with severely matted and with horrifically damaged eyes, the result of severe, prolonged neglect. Because his eyes were not functional and causing him unimaginable pain, we quickly rushed Magic into surgery to have them removed. Now 100% pain free and in his glow up era, Magic is blossoming in his foster home. He is calm, sweet, gentle, and deeply snuggly. He is the definition of a soft presence, happiest curled up beside his person, following them from room to room, or settling in close for some well-deserved affection. Magic is also, quite literally, magical in how he navigates the world. While he is completely blind, he approaches life with quiet determination and a surprising ability to adapt. He’s still learning his surroundings and may occasionally bump into things, but his confidence is growing. His foster mom has started calling him Wreck-It Ralph because he’s taken up interior design…by force. Furniture has been moved and pathways are merely suggestions. With a consistent environment and a little guidance, we expect Magic will bloom into a more independent little explorer. For now, he relies on his people for reassurance and would love a home that’s patient, predictable, and willing to help him learn the layout of his new world. Magic is an easygoing companion, perfectly content with short outings, cozy time indoors, and plenty of naps. He enjoys being outside even if he’s still figuring things out. When he's in the mood, he will use his nose to guide his explorations. Sometimes, he'd rather just stand still and listen to the birds. Magic also absolutely loves food. He's currently enjoying three meals a day, which he takes very seriously. He will also happily station himself near the kitchen while you cook, just in case his supervisory presence is required. Magic would do best in a calm, quiet home with at least one other dog to help guide and comfort him, a fenced-in yard for safe exploration, and people who are home most or all of the time. He thrives on companionship and would love a family that enjoys snuggling as much as he does. He is mostly housebroken but may need a belly band as he settles in. While he can be crated and does fine when left alone, he may get a little creative with his environment if given the opportunity. He also needs to be carried on stairs and will benefit from a home set up with his mobility and safety in mind. Magic has been through a lot, but underneath it all is an incredibly gentle, loving little dog who just wants to feel safe, comfortable, and be close to his people. He will follow you, find you for pets, curl up beside you, and quietly remind you that some of the very best dogs are the ones who ask for the least and give the most in return. Magic is not flashy or demanding. He is soft, steady, and full of quiet love. And for the right person, that kind of magic is everything. Magic is approximately 9 years old and 18 lbs. Fostered in Rockville, MD Please apply at MirisHaven.org
We'll also keep you updated on Hershel's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Hershel

Hershel

Shih Tzu

Male, 12 yrs
Rockville, MD
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Hershel was seized by animal control when a warrant was served on his owner. Fortunately, they called on Miri's to swoop in and help him out. He was covered in mats and had a raging ear infection, but he's feeling so much better now! Hershel is the lappiest of lap dogs. He will immediately climb into your lap if you sit down. If he can't sit in your lap, he'll lay near or under your chair so that he's close by in case the lap becomes available. Hershel loves going up to people and dogs for pets and sniffs. He's pretty cute, so he pretty much expects that everyone would (should!) stop and give him attention. He's pretty fearless around other animals and not aggressive, but also not looking to play after he says hello. He would be happy to have a canine companion to cuddle with. Hershel is housetrained, good on the leash and in the car, and fine when left home alone. He is hoping his new family will be home a lot, so he can sit on them. And also to let him out for some regular sniffing and pottying. Because he is quiet, he would do well in an apartment or condo, although he'd also be thrilled to have a house with a yard. Hershel can do short walks but would prefer to be carried up/down stairs. He seems to have limited hearing but doesn't let that stop him. He's a quiet, sweet, calm little mouse. If that sounds good to you, come meet him soon. He can't want to snooze on your lap! Hershel is approx 12 years old and 12 lbs. Fostered in Alexandria, VA Please apply at mirishaven.org
We'll also keep you updated on Willie's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Willie

Willie

Shih Tzu Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)

Male, 8 yrs 1 mo
Potomac, MD
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
The perfect little companion for someone who wants a loyal shadow by their side. Willie is an 8-year-old, 7.8-lb Shih Tzu with a calm, loving personality and wonderful manners. He’s easy on a leash, great in the car, and perfect in public. Whether it’s errands, a pup cup run, or quietly visiting friends, Willie is happiest simply being near his person. He was found alongside two other little dogs on the side of the road by a man on a motorcycle. They had clearly been surviving outside for quite some time — covered in fleas and buried beneath painfully matted coats. Despite all of that, Willie remains incredibly sweet and trusting. He ignores other dogs and prefers focusing on his humans. Willie is truly the definition of a perfect little old soul dog — calm, affectionate, portable, and ready to spend the rest of his life being loved. If you’re looking for a tiny companion who will happily follow you anywhere, Willie is waiting. Willie is neutered and up-to-date on vaccines. The adoption fee for this dog is $250 which includes routine vetting and spay/neuter. PetConnect Rescue cannot guarantee the exact breed of any animal in our care. The breed listed is based on any background we may have been provided, and the general appearance of the animal at the time they enter our system. For more information, please email Katherine at kberger@petconnectrescue.org. **If you're viewing this on Petfinder, please visit www.petconnectrescue.org to complete our non-binding application.**
We'll also keep you updated on Beau's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Beau

Beau

Shih Tzu

Male, Adult
Silver Spring, MD
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
*** COURTESY POST ONLY *** Meet Beau, a little bundle of fur with a big personality! This adorable 9-lb Shih Tzu has had a rough start in life, but that hasn't dampened his spirits. He just needs a little time to warm up and show his true colors.  In his foster home, Beau has shown his foster mom just how loving he can be. He enjoys following her around, snuggling up close, and giving kisses. Beau is a curious boy who loves to watch the world go by from the comfort of a windowsill. He's also a pro at napping and can imitate a buzz saw with his snoring!  Beau is a well-mannered boy who walks nicely on a leash and enjoys car rides. He's even housetrained! He seems to get along with other dogs, but he would prefer a quiet home with experienced dog owners who can give him the time and patience he needs to settle in and feel safe.  If you're looking for a loyal companion to shower with love and cuddles, Beau could be the perfect match for you. He's a little charmer with a big heart, and he's just waiting for his forever family to find him. Could you be the one to give Beau the happy ending he deserves? Beau is a COURTESY POST only and not available for adoption through AHOTO.   Beau is adoptable through Caring Hearts Rescue. Click on his application link here: https://fs8.formsite.com/Caringhearts/form1/index ##2687645##
We'll also keep you updated on Milo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Milo

Milo

Shih Tzu Jack Russell Terrier

Male, Adult
Bethesda, MD
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Not good with dogs, Needs experienced adopter, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Milo is a loving and attention thrived dog, he loves to be around his person, once he build that relationship! Of course, he is loving and loves to cuddle, play with his favorite ball and receive attention. Milo has had a difficult time connecting with a new person he was not raised with. He has been with me since a puppy stage during the pandemic & his transition has been rough, because of behavioral issues and struggles with rouse guarding his personal “me” it has come to the unfortunately conclusion that he would be happier in a space with someone who is alone or a couple adopting him together, two people establishing and building a relationship with him simultaneously. He is typically friendly but does get nervous around bigger dogs which can resort to barking but sometimes shows curiosity towards dogs his size or smaller. He is very anxious about being alone due to him being g with someone throughout the day but this has been an area training and mindful ness has improved!

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Shih Tzu shelters & rescues in Gaithersburg, Maryland

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

4 miles

Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue

Rockville, MD 20850

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

8.3 miles

PetConnect Rescue

PO Box 60714, Potomac, MD 20859

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

8.3 miles

A Home of Their Own Animal Rescue

Silver Spring, MD 20906

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

12.4 miles

K-9 Lifesavers

Silver Spring, MD 20904

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

13.2 miles

Hatton Animal Rescue Foundation

Glenelg, MD 21737

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

17.6 miles

Critter Cavalry Rescue - DC

Washington, DC 20009

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

17.6 miles

Rescue Riders Cooperative N.VA/DC

Leesburg, VA 20101

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

17.8 miles

Worthy Dog Rescue

Vienna, VA 22181

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

19.7 miles

CHARM Rescue

8556 Davis Rd, Columbia, MD 21045

Pet Types: cats, dogs, small animals

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Rescue

19.7 miles

Tara's House Animal Rescue, Inc. - Columbia Chapter

8775 Centre Park Drive, #258, Columbia, MD 21045

Pet Types: dogs

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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 basics

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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.

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