One of the best ways to adopt an older Shitzu is to go to the animal shelter. Animal shelters are nothing more than county or city run shelters that take in many animals for a variety of reasons. However, as you may already know, shelters have a wide variety of dogs and they are no guarantee that a Shitzu will be safe in that animal shelter. So, if you’re diligent, you should be able to find one at some other shelter, one may spawn.
In most cases, animal shelters have a close relationship with purebred rescue groups and send any purebred dog to them. So, if you really have your mind set on getting a Shitzu, you might want to start your search with a rescue party. Also, if you are someone who does not mind having a mongrel dog, for example, a Shitzu mixed with another breed, then an animal shelter is for you. One of the best ways to ensure you get a purebred or mixed breed dog is to meet the shelter workers and tell them to call you if that particular dog shows up.
Here are some points to consider if you ever decide to adopt a dog from the animal shelter.
1) When you adopt a Shih Tzu from an animal shelter, it will bring you and your family a lot of joy and some challenges. You may need to start at the very beginning when it comes to homeschooling, socialization, and confidence.
2) The information you receive about the dog will be limited, if any. You may not know the dog’s past, whether he has been abused or has had any medical issues in the past. Shelter workers may be able to give you clues, though, but that’s usually all the help you can expect to receive. Remember, shelters simply don’t have the time or resources to test every dog that walks through the door. So you and your new Shih Tzu will have a few things to work out.
3) You must get approval from the shelter before you can adopt the Shih Tzu. Many shelters (at least the good ones) require application forms that can be quite lengthy. The shelter just wants to make sure the dogs don’t end up back at the shelter.
4) Adopting a Shih Tzu from an animal shelter is much cheaper than buying one from a breeder.
A Shih Tzu just wants to be loved and adore you; therefore, he treats his new dog well, be it a puppy or an older dog. They are also adaptable little dogs and will give you years of joy and satisfaction.