Abigail

Available

3-7 years|Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso|Female|Small|Fort Montgomery, NY

♿️ Special needs🤗 Affectionate☺️ Gentle🧠 Smart🙈 Shy

Abigail

Available

3-7 years|Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso|Female|Small|Fort Montgomery, NY

♿️ Special needs🤗 Affectionate☺️ Gentle🧠 Smart🙈 Shy

Abigail is a spayed adult Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mix located in Fort Montgomery, NY. She has a long black, white, and gray coat that requires regular grooming, and weighs around 15-16 pounds. Abigail is up to date on her vaccinations. While she is still working on house training, her sweet personality shines through. She will require continued dental care due to her past, including soft food only. Abigail's ideal home understands the regular upkeep for her hair and is committed to her lifelong care.

About Abigail

Abigail came to rescue after surviving some truly hard times. Pulled from a high-risk, overcrowded shelter, she arrived frightened and in rough shape, likely dumped after being used for breeding. Her gentle nature and willingness to try again with people have shone through, even after all she's endured. Abigail wants to trust, and each day she opens up a bit more, responding to kindness with the hope and affection she was denied for so long. Her soulful eyes and earnest requests for attention are unforgettable. She’s a Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mix with hair, not fur—it grows indefinitely, so she needs professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. She's spayed and up to date on vaccines. At age 6, she's on the smaller side, around 15-16 lbs, with a soft long coat marked by black, white, and gray. Abigail is still working on house training; her background means she never had the chance to learn properly before. She requires special ongoing dental care due to damage from years in a metal crate, including only soft food and no hard chews. Abigail can be shy with new people and needs patience to build trust. She likes affection and being near her humans, but doesn’t need to be in your lap all the time. She prefers a quiet home—adults only, ideally dog-savvy, and should not be crated under any circumstances. While she coexists with laidback dogs, she’s happiest as the only dog or with calm canine companions. She needs her own space during meals and is happiest when her humans are home most of the day; full-time workers away from home won’t be the right match. Abigail thrives with routine, calm, and gentle guidance. She’ll need foundational training with a professional to ensure a confident start in her new life. She’s overcome so much and deserves a home that looks at adoption as a lifetime promise. If you appreciate resilience, sensitivity, and genuine gratitude, Abigail could be your perfect match. This could be the start of something paw-some.

Questions about Abigail

What type of living environment is this breed usually best suited for?
Abigail, a Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mix, thrives in a quiet, loving home with adults who appreciate her sensitive nature. Her breed typically prefers calm environments, making her a great fit outside of busy urban settings.
How much outdoor space does this breed typically need?
Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mixes like Abigail don’t require extensive outdoor space. Regular walks and light playtime in a small yard or on-leash in parks are usually enough for her exercise needs.
Is this breed typically suitable for homes with children?
Abigail’s breeds are generally gentle, but because Abigail is timid and still learning to trust, she needs an adult-only home. Her ideal adopters are adults who understand her background and sensitivities.
Is this breed usually better for first-time or experienced owners?
Given Abigail’s background and emotional needs, she’s best suited to experienced dog owners who are patient, gentle, and familiar with providing structured guidance and ongoing grooming.
Does this breed typically get along with dogs?
Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mixes often do well with other laidback dogs. Abigail, specifically, only gets along with calm, non-competitive canine companions and can be happiest as an only dog.
Does this breed typically get along with cats?
Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mixes can coexist with cats with proper introductions, although Abigail’s listing focuses on her interactions with dogs and people, so a slow introduction would be best if a cat is present.
Does this breed typically get along with small animals?
These breeds usually have low prey drive and can coexist peacefully with small animals, but supervision and careful introduction are always important. Abigail would likely be gentle, especially in a calm home.
How does this breed typically behave with strangers?
Abigail’s breeds tend to be reserved at first, warming up with time. Abigail herself is shy with strangers but becomes affectionate once trust is built, so patience is key.
How long can this breed typically be left alone?
Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mixes do not like long hours alone. Abigail, especially, fares best with her person present most of the time, so work-from-home or retired adopters are preferred.
What level of training does this breed usually require?
Both breeds are intelligent and benefit from basic obedience training. Abigail will need foundational sessions with a professional trainer to help her adjust and gain confidence.
What size range does this breed generally fall into?
Abigail is a small dog, just like most Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mixes, weighing in around 15-16 pounds, making her well-suited for most living spaces.
What is the typical lifespan of this breed?
Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mixes usually live between 12 and 16 years. With the right care and attention, Abigail can look forward to many more happy years.
How much does this breed typically shed?
Abigail’s breed has hair, not fur, so she sheds very minimally. Regular grooming is required, as her coat grows continuously.