Shih Tzu Dogs Available for Adoption in Eden Prairie, Minnesota

In addition to the following profile for this dog, please first read the Adoption Information at http://www.shihtzurescuemn.org/adopt.html to understand the process, requirements and timeline for adoption. An adoption application can also be found in the Adoption Info section. If, after reading that information, you have any questions, please submit your question via e-mail and it will be answered. Please do not request a phone call. A personal phone call will only be made when an adoption application has been submitted and the foster parent wishes to consider the application. Thank you!


Looking for a little man to keep to be a great companion? Nico could be the one for you!

He is full grown at 4 years and only weighs in at 5.6 pounds.


You won’t find a calmer, sweeter guy who loves to be held and have his tummy rubbed.

But, don’t let him fool you as he does love other little dogs and he will often run and follow them all over the house. He adores his tiny little soft toys. He throws them up in the air and then will grab them and run to hide them under blankets and dog beds! It is so cute.


At night Nico curls up in bed with his own fluffy quilt right next to you. He will go in a dog bed, but really prefers to be next to you or his foster dog brother in your bed!

He is learning to walk on a leash and every day we go out and practice a few times in the yard and throughout the neighborhood. Be prepared to pick him up if you want to walk fast or go on a longer walk…he just can’t keep up and may tire easily at this point. But he will build up some endurance as he becomes accustomed to walking more. He also loves to stop and look at all the people and houses and action a neighborhood provides.


He has learned to go up stairs but with his short little legs it is a chore for him, so his foster mom often will just carry him up. Going down is way too scary for him right now, but he can learn with further practice. Housetraining is a work in progress also, but he does know that he needs to do his business when he goes outside. He is very good about that, so he is taken out first thing in the morning and then about every 4 hours after that. He has had no accidents in the house for several days now! Nico appears to be very smart and wants to learn and please you. He has 1 or 2 treats he loves, and is treat motivated, so he has been easy to work with. Nico currently lives with a Shih Tzu foster brother, who is setting a good example for him in the home. If he has another well behaved and trained dog in the house it will been much easier for Nico to learn tasks and disciplines from him—he follows the other dog’s lead!


Nico would be a good travel buddy as well. He does very well riding in a car. He is used to riding in the seat next to you on a plush blanket secured by a seat belt harness.

He is very healthy and is up to date on vaccines and neutered. His teeth are also in great shape! His only health quirk is that because he is so tiny and has such a pushed in face, he lightly snores a bit, tires easily, and be overcome by high temperatures outside and on walks.


This is what Nico will require in a new adoptive home:

· Patience and calmness to continue all of his training and socialization.

· A quiet home but one in which there could be another small dog for his companionship.

· Someone who is home much of the day or can come home every 4 hours or so; but someone with another little dog for his companionship would be ideal-especially if you had to be gone often. This little guy needs company.

· Because of Nico’s very small size, a quiet, adults only home would be preferred. But applications will be considered if children are over the age of ten and have demonstrated experience in gently interacting with a very small dog.

· Live within 45 miles of Bloomington, MN.

· Commit to coming with Nico to our annual Rescue Reunion Picnic in September.


Nico is neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped, and on heartworm and flea/tick preventative. His adoption fee is $420.00 plus $37.91 sales tax for a total of $457.91.


To meet Nico, please complete an adoption application at the website listed in the first paragraph. Or you can also see him and the other dogs available for adoption from Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota by visiting with us from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon the first Saturday of every month at Chuck & Don’s, 8537 Lyndale Avenue S., in Bloomington.

The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate dog breed known for its distinctive appearance, with a luxurious double coat, a short muzzle, and large round eyes. Originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus are friendly, outgoing, and loving pets. They are known for their playful and charming personality, making them great family pets and suitable for apartment living. With their low shedding coat and adorable face, Shih Tzus are popular among dog lovers worldwide.