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The shih tzu is one of the most amazing breeds of dog, with a history as colorful and luxurious as its fancy coat, having served as beloved companions to Chinese royalty. These “Lion Dogs,” as they’re called, make for charming little pets that shower you with affection and a touch of stubborn mischief.
The Lion Dog may not be the easiest breed to find for adoption at your local shelter considering how popular they are, but it’s not impossible. In this guide, we explain how to adopt a shih tzu in Maryland. We cover the adoption process in detail, how you can set yourself up for success in Maryland, and more.
Shih Tzu Adoption in Maryland
Finding a shih tzu for adoption and bringing it home, especially if it’s a rescue dog, can be a bit challenging because almost every dog person out there wants one. Even if one shows up at a shelter, it’s not likely to stay there for long.
For this reason, you should consider casting a wider net by looking in the entire DMV triangle rather than just Maryland. Many rescues operate between DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, so you’ll have more options to consider this way.
Unlike other breeds that have breed specific rescue facilities where you could adopt one, the shih tzu adoption in this region is decentralized. This means you’ll need to reach out to any and all rescues in the area to check for available dogs.
Once you’ve found a match, you’ll submit an application for the rescue to review. After that, you’ll have a chance to meet the dog and see how your personalities click. If everything goes well, you’ll be able to bring your new companion home.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shih Tzu in Maryland?The adoption fee for a shih tzu usually ranges from $100 to $600, with puppies usually costing toward the higher end. Adopting is often cheaper than buying from a breeder and includes the benefit of prepaid medical care. Keep in mind that the adoption fee isn’t the only cost. Shih tzus have high grooming needs and may require care for brachycephalic health issues, along with regular veterinary visits, making ongoing expenses something to plan for. |
How Should I Train a Shih Tzu?Despite being one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, these dogs can pack a big punch. They can be tough to housebreak and pick up bad habits quickly. Training them requires a strict, consistent routine from day one. Use positive, reward-based training only. If they go where you’ve told them to, immediately give a treat and praise to reinforce the behavior. Punishment doesn’t work with shih tzus and can even make stubbornness worse. If you’re a new owner and need extra help, we recommend exploring our online courses for small breeds to guide you through training. These courses are a great way to learn how to train your dog from the comfort of your own home. |
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Find the Right Shih Tzu in Maryland for You
They may not look like it, but shih tzus can be a lot of work. From the effort of finding one at a shelter near you to caring for its training, grooming, and veterinary needs, there’s a lot of ground to cover. This can be especially difficult if you’re new to dog ownership.
That said, this adventure will be worth all the effort it requires. You’ll be saving a life and gaining an incredible little dog that showers you with affection in every waking hour.
