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Shih Tzu puppies and dogs in Smithfield, North Carolina

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

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Adopt a Shih Tzu near you in Smithfield, North Carolina

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Or, how about these Shih Tzus in cities near Smithfield, North Carolina

These Shih Tzus are available for adoption close to Smithfield, North Carolina.
We'll also keep you updated on LiLi's adoption status with email updates.
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LiLi

Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso

Female, Senior
Middlesex, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Li Li is a 14-year-old Shih-Tzu mix with a heart full of love. She was deeply cherished by her owner, who, heartbreakingly, was deported. Before leaving, she made sure to reach out to us with one final wish—that Li Li would be safe, loved, and find a new family to call her own. We made that promise, and now we’re hoping you can help us keep it. ❤️ Li Li is a gentle, sweet senior girl who deserves nothing more than a soft place to land and someone to love her through her golden years. She is currently located in Middlesex and is soaking up all the care and comfort we can give her while she waits for her next chapter.  She has mammary masses and this is something we are watching but our vet feels this is not a problem at this time. Before she can go to her furever home, Li Li will need to be spayed. We are looking for sponsors to help cover the cost of her procedure so we can get her ready for adoption as soon as possible. ✨ Could you be the one to give Li Li the happy ending she deserves? If you’re interested in adopting, please complete our adoption application here: https://rainbowbridgerescue.org/applications/ Adopters must complete the adoption form to be considered.  We do not transport our dogs, must be local or willing to travel to fetch her. If you’re not able to adopt, please consider sponsoring Li Li’s spay—every dollar helps us keep our promise to her and her mom. Let’s come together and show Li Li that even after loss, love is still waiting. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.April 7, 2026, 12:09 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Ben's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Ben

Ben

Shih Tzu

Male, 10 yrs 3 mos
Middlesex, NC
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
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Meet Ben — A Resilient Little Lovebug Looking for His Forever Lap Ben is a Shih Tzu who was found as a stray in heartbreaking condition — completely blind, severely underweight, and heartworm positive. The vet estimates he’s around 10 years old… but honestly, that’s anyone’s guess (we like to joke he must have been a weatherman in his past life ). He could be older, he could be younger — what we do know is that Ben acts much younger than his age! Despite being blind, Ben is incredibly smart and adaptable. His sense of smell and hearing are amazing, and he navigates his world with confidence. He plays with the other dogs in his foster home and loves being part of the action. If he hears you walk by, he immediately rolls over and demands belly rubs — it’s basically his signature move. ❤️ Ben is the ultimate companion dog. He wants to be near his person, on their lap, getting face rubs, belly rubs, and all the love. Because of this, he needs a home where someone is home most of the day — ideally someone who works from home or is retired. Home preferences: Best as an only dog or in a home with female dogs only Currently working on marking behavior Needs a calm, loving home that understands blind dogs and senior care No transporting — adopter must be local or come to him Medical: Currently undergoing heartworm treatment Will complete treatment and be neutered in early February Will be available for adoption at the end of February Location: Durham, NC Adoption Fee: $300 Transportation: We do not transport dogs Ben has been through so much, yet he is still joyful, affectionate, playful, and full of love to give. He doesn’t let blindness define him — he lives with confidence, curiosity, and a whole lot of heart. If you’re looking for a devoted lap dog who will adore you endlessly, Ben might just be your perfect match. Apply here: https://rainbowbridgerescue.org/applications/Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.April 7, 2026, 12:09 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Oscar Asparagus's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Oscar Asparagus

Oscar Asparagus

Shih Tzu

Male, 4 yrs 3 mos
Raleigh, NC
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
Oscar Asparagus has been through the wringer, but you wouldn't know it based on his positive attitude. He is just the nicest guy you'll ever meet! Oscar came to us needing his eye removed, treatment for a deep abscess that went to his skull and was incredibly malnourished. Oscar was starving and had learned to eat his own feces to survive. He wasn't potty trained so we think his previous home environment was pretty bad. But Oscar is resilient! Initially Oscar didn't have the bladder strength to hold his potty for more than a few hours during the day and had to have a potty break in the middle of the night, but now he can hold it like a pro! Oscar would prefer a home with someone who is around most of the day, but we think he'd be ok, if his adopter has another pet in the home. Oscar Asparagus does not appreciate being crated during the day, but doesn't mind sleeping in his crate at night, although he'd probably prefer to sleep in bed with you. Oscar loves other dogs. He hasn't met a cat yet, but had no reaction to the adoptable cats in cages at Unleashed. Oscar has been a joy to foster. He's very affectionate and will even let you hold him like a baby. He just wants to be near his person and is a bit of a ham so be prepared to be amused. As a Shih Tzu, Oscar A. needs an adopter committed to getting him groomed every 6 weeks and maintaining his coat with regular brushing. We had to have him shaved down because he was so matted, so we don't want that happening again. If you want the sweetest boy in the world to be you new best friend, apply to be Oscar Asparagus's person today! You can apply for Oscar directly on our website www.allgooddogsrescue.org. His adoption fee is $350.
We'll also keep you updated on BALDY's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of BALDY

BALDY

Shih Tzu

Female, 3 yrs
WILSON, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
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We'll also keep you updated on Cream Cheese's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Cream Cheese

Cream Cheese

Shih Tzu Maltese

Female, Adult
Cary, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Cream Cheese “Cream Puff” – a soft, squishy little soul with a heart as gentle as her name. Quick Facts: Breed: Shih Tzu / Maltese Mix Age: 8 years Weight: 8 lbs House-Trained: Working on it Crate-Trained: Not needed – can be left alone without a crate Good with Dogs: Yes, she would do best in a home with another dog Good with Cats: Not tested Good with Kids: No – adult-only home preferred Energy Level: Medium Fence Required: Yes Special Traits: Snuggly lap dog, gentle play style, bonds deeply, medical needs require special care Medical Note: Cream Puff has severe bradycardia and will need to remain on Vetmedin for life. She does well with her medication and will need an adopter comfortable managing ongoing veterinary care. Why You’ll Love Cream Puff: • Total snuggle bug who loves laying by her person or a doggy companion • Gentle, easygoing play style and sweet demeanor • Forms strong bonds and thrives with companionship • Small, soft, and affectionate with a calm presence • Utterly endearing quirks that make her impossible not to love About Cream Puff’s Breed: Shih Tzu and Maltese mixes are known for being affectionate companion dogs who thrive on closeness with their people. They tend to be gentle, people-focused, and happiest when curled up beside someone they trust. Cream Puff embodies that classic lap-dog nature—soft, loving, and deeply attached to her humans and canine friends. Cream Puff’s Story & Personality: Cream Puff is a tender little lady who is still finding her footing as she settles into foster care. She’s currently working on potty training and confidence-building, and she needs patience while she decompresses from recent changes. She does not use pee pads and typically needs to be carried outside, which is something her foster is actively working on with her. She has a bit of separation anxiety right now and feels safest when she’s near her person or another dog. Despite her quirks and medical needs, her foster is completely smitten—describing her as “just the bee’s knees.” Cream Puff is a loving, loyal companion who wants nothing more than to feel safe, supported, and adored. Cream Puff’s Ideal Home: • An adult-only household • Another dog in the house to play with • A fenced yard to help her feel secure during potty training and transitions • A calm, patient adopter willing to continue confidence-building and training • Another friendly dog in the home, or a person who is home most of the time • An adopter comfortable managing lifelong cardiac medication Ready to Welcome a Little Lovebug with a Big Heart? Cream Puff may come with a few extra needs, but she gives back tenfold in love, devotion, and sweetness. If you’re looking for a gentle companion to cherish and care for, this tiny girl will reward you with endless affection. Comprehensive details are provided in the dog's description. To ensure a smooth process, please submit a completed application through our website at: http://crisisdogsnc.org/dog-adoption/. Please note that questions via email or social media channels may not receive a response without a completed application. As part of our commitment to responsible adoption practices, we require excellent veterinarian references and conduct virtual home visits. Additionally, your prior or current dog must be on year-round heartworm prevention. We assist with coordinating transportation by both land and air whenever feasible. All assessments regarding breed and age are conducted by licensed veterinarians. We look forward to assisting you in finding your perfect canine companion!March 7, 2026, 9:26 am
We'll also keep you updated on Gizmo's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Gizmo

Gizmo

Shih Tzu

Male, 4 yrs 1 mo
Youngsville, NC
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
(DOB 02/20/2022)  Gizmo is a 4-year-old, 15-pound Shih Tzu with a curious, happy spirit. He’s looking for a home with adults or older children (10 & older), and a fenced yard would be ideal—he loves being outside exploring alongside his people. He rides well in the car, happily alternating between relaxing and sitting up watching the world go by. Gizmo is a sweet, social little guy who enjoys meeting new people and soaking up attention. He loves lap time, belly rubs, and being close to his humans—he’ll happily follow you from room to room and shower you with kisses. He has shown some playful nipping when excited and may need gentle guidance, so only homes with no children or older children will be considered. He gets along well with other dogs and enjoys greeting them, though he does guard his backyard if he sees people or dogs walking by.  If the dogs come near, he just sniffs them from the fence and wags his tail.   His behavior with cats is unknown. Gizmo is mostly house-trained and will use a doggy door or go out regularly, though he may have accidents if left alone too long. He’ll benefit from continued consistency with training. He enjoys walks but may pull a bit at first, and his curiosity means he should be watched around open doors. This little guy loves his meals (a puzzle bowl helps slow him down!), enjoys treats, and has fun with squeaky toys without destroying them. He’ll play fetch—on his terms—and at night, he’s happiest curled up in bed with his people. As part of Gizmo’s $300 adoption fee, he will be neutered, microchipped, up to date on age-appropriate vaccines, and current on his monthly flea/tick and heartworm preventatives. If you have questions about this sweet pup, you can email: Dogteam@pawsforlifenc.org. If you wish to adopt Gizmo, you can complete an application online for him under the Adopt a Pet Tab on our website: www.pawsforlifenc.org. ##2679100##

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Shih Tzu shelters & rescues in Smithfield, North Carolina

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

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

21.5 miles

Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue

10371 Smith Road, Middlesex, NC 27557

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

26.4 miles

All Good Dogs Rescue

40394, Raleigh, NC 27604

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

28.7 miles

Wilson County Sheriffs Office Animal Enforcement

2506 Tucker Ct, WILSON, NC 27893

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, farm animals, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Rescue

30.3 miles

Crisis Dogs NC

Cary, NC 27519

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

36.1 miles

Paws For Life NC

PO Box 338, Youngsville, NC 27596

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

45.9 miles

Hope Animal Rescue

Durham, NC 27704

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

48.2 miles

Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary

Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Pet Types: cats, 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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