Why don't you try let your shih tzu have a look at the kittens and see how he reacts? Last time I gave up a kitten up for adoption for Hun's friend and her shih tzus got along real well with the kitty.

Not all dogs are friendly or hostile towards cats. Best thing is to let them see cats and see how they react. My two big sakais are ok with cats but the 3 shih tzus are not really cat-friendly. They won't kill bu they don't want to friend with cats either.

Buy kitten kibbles for them. If you think they're having trouble eating it coz it's too hard, try soaking the kibbles in milk or water to soften it. I use to feed my cat's kittens like that.

As for kittens being afraid of dogs - at first they might be afraid but if the dogs never harm them, they will learn to know that it's ok.

Last time the cat that I rescued from the market is already terrified of dogs but now he's friends with my two dogs. Just make sure that you're shih tzu is not agressive towards the kittens.