Not confirmed since October 23, 2026

Alfie

Shih Tzu · Unknown · Adult · 5 years

Hello my name is Alfie. I am a handsome little Shih-tzu who has come to Preston because my owner could not take care of me any longer. Thankfully, the team at Preston took me in and are looking to find me a home just as loving as my first.I was quite hairy when I came to Preston. Luckily for me, the team have an ex-dog groomer working for them now and she gave me the most wonderfully refreshing haircut. I was a very good boy for my groom although I can be sensitive about some areas. Regular grooming is something my new family will have to keep on top of.Because I have lived with my dad all my life, I do not like to be left alone and I am struggling in kennels. My new family will need to have the patience to help me settle into my home and build up my time alone =)I really enjoy my toys and happily play by myself =) I will need a nice big toy box though =) I like to take all my toys out and make a mess. I can be a little precious about my toys but am happy to trade one out for another to keep play going! I do not know any commands but I walk lovely on the lead =) and I am house trained =) I am currently on supplements for a medical condition and in the future it is possible I will need medication. My new family will have to be prepared for this. I get on well with other dogs but because I love my food and toys so much, a pet free home is best. An adult only home is best for me too.*This assessment is ongoing and subject to change*

Size

Large

Age

Adult · 5 years

Location

🇬🇧United Kingdom

Shelter

RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Living with Alfie

✓Good with dogs
✕Good with kids

Cared for by RSPCA Preston & District Branch · United Kingdom Learn about Shih Tzu →

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Listed 1 week ago

Bringing Alfie home

What you'll need for Alfie in week one.

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About Alfie

What life with Alfie looks like

Alfie is a large adult shih tzu dog waiting at RSPCA Preston & District Branch in United Kingdom.

An adult dog fits most household rhythms once the first couple of weeks of adjustment pass. A larger dog like this one needs daily off-leash time when possible — a fenced yard or regular access to safe walking trails. Plan a "decompression fortnight" — quiet routine, no visitors, no off-leash adventures — to let them settle.

🇬🇧Adopting from United Kingdom

UK shelters work under the Pet Travel Scheme (post-Brexit, the EU pet passport is not valid; a UK Animal Health Certificate is required for travel into the EU). Most UK rescues focus on domestic placements but some work with EU partners.

United Kingdom, United Kingdom — browse more dogs in United Kingdom.

Frequently asked

Adopting Alfie, answered.

How do I contact the shelter about Alfie?: Use the phone, email, or website link in the sidebar of this page. RSPCA Preston & District Branch handles screening and the adoption contract directly — TailHarbor doesn't broker the conversation. When you reach out, mention you saw Alfie on TailHarbor so they know which animal you're asking about.
Can I adopt Alfie if I live in another country?: Yes, in most cases. Rescues across Europe routinely place animals abroad — RSPCA Preston & District Branch will tell you what they need (EU pet passport, rabies titer, transport coordination) and whether they handle transport themselves or refer you to a partner. UK adopters: post-Brexit travel into the EU requires an Animal Health Certificate. Transport is usually a separate cost, so ask for the exact figure before you commit.
Is Alfie already vetted, vaccinated, and chipped?: Most dogs on TailHarbor leave their shelter with sterilization, current vaccinations, microchip ID, and an EU pet passport included in the adoption fee. The vet status on this page reflects what the shelter has reported — ask them directly if you need details on specific vaccines, recent bloodwork, or chronic conditions.
What happens if Alfie isn't the right fit?: Every reputable rescue accepts an animal back if the adoption genuinely doesn't work — that's part of the standard contract. Talk it through with RSPCA Preston & District Branch early rather than rehoming privately; they know Alfie and can place them more successfully than a second-hand listing can.
Why does the description sometimes read awkwardly?: TailHarbor translates shelter descriptions into English from the source language (EN). Translation is imperfect — names of streets, donors, and shelter-specific terms occasionally slip through unidiomatically. For the cleanest read, click the source link to see the shelter's original page.