There are no Shih Poos currently listed with Calgary-area rescues. New dogs arrive regularly through Calgary shelters and southern-Alberta intake — this page refreshes automatically as they do.
Browse all available Calgary dogs →Gear for your Shih Poo
The essentials we'd set up for a new Shih Poo, starting with the decompression crate.
Decompression Crate
A safe den for the first three days — sized to feel secure, not empty.
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Pet Water Fountain
Moving water nudges a nervous or picky dog to actually drink.
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Fetch Ball & Launcher
Throws a ball far enough to actually tire out a retrieving dog, hands-free.
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Dog Dental Care Kit
Keeps a small breed's crowded teeth healthy - the #1 health problem in toy dogs.
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About Shih Poos in Calgary
A Shih Poo is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, one of the most popular small "designer" mixes in Canada. Most weigh 8 to 18 pounds and stand under a foot tall, with the Poodle parent bringing a wavy, lower-shedding coat and the Shih Tzu parent bringing a calm, affectionate, people-focused temperament. Shih Poos are companion dogs first: they want to be near their person, adapt beautifully to apartments and condos, and typically live 13 to 17 years. Because there is no breed standard, coat, size, and energy vary from dog to dog, so a foster home's notes on the specific dog matter far more than the "Shih Poo" label.
Shih Poos turn up in Calgary rescues for the reasons most small companion dogs do: an owner's health or housing changed, a "designer puppy" bought on impulse outgrew the novelty, or the grooming and dental upkeep proved more than expected. They can develop separation anxiety when left alone for long stretches, and the Poodle side means a bright dog that needs a bit of daily engagement. For singles, seniors, remote workers, and families with gentle older children who want a low-shedding, portable lap dog, a Shih Poo is a genuinely good match.
Every Shih Poo listed below comes from 15+ Calgary-area rescues and refreshes regularly. Small, low-shedding mixes like Shih Poos are in high demand and get claimed fast, so apply through the rescue right away if you spot a match. Purebred-labelled Shih Poos are rarer in rescue than other Shih Tzu and Poodle crosses, so it is worth setting an alert and browsing related mixes too.
Looking at all small dogs in Calgary?
Browse every available small dog from 15+ Calgary rescues — including Shih Poos, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, Cavaliers, Boston Terriers, and small mixes — in one place. Listings refresh regularly.
Browse all Calgary small dogs → Read the small dog adoption guide →Shih Poo adoption & care guides
Shih Poo Adoption FAQ
Where can I find a Shih Poo for adoption in Calgary?
Shih Poos come into Calgary rescues through owner surrenders and small-dog rescue transfers, though they are in high demand and tend to be claimed quickly. Browse all currently available Calgary Shih Poos and Shih Tzu/Poodle mixes on this page (listings update regularly) and apply through the rescue named on each dog. Adoption runs roughly $300 to $600 and includes spay or neuter, vaccinations, deworming, and a microchip. If none are listed right now, set an alert and check the Shih Tzu and Poodle-mix pages too, since a Shih Poo is a mix of both and may be tagged either way.
Are Shih Poos hypoallergenic?
Shih Poos are often marketed as hypoallergenic because of the Poodle parent, but no dog is fully hypoallergenic. The Poodle side gives many Shih Poos a lower-shedding, lower-dander coat that people with mild allergies tolerate better than a heavy-shedding breed. Coats vary dog to dog, though (some take after the Shih Tzu more), and severe allergies or asthma can still react. Before adopting, spend a couple of hours with the specific dog, ideally in your home, then wait 48 hours for any delayed reaction. Some Calgary rescues will arrange a trial foster period specifically for allergy compatibility, so ask.
Are Shih Poos good apartment dogs?
Yes, Shih Poos are one of the better small breeds for apartment and condo living. They are small, adaptable, and content with a couple of short daily walks plus indoor play, and most Calgary buildings allow them under small-dog weight limits. The main thing to manage is barking and separation anxiety: Shih Poos bond closely and can be vocal or anxious if left alone for long days, so crate training, enrichment, and a gradual alone-time routine matter. A calm, people-present home suits them best.
How much grooming does a Shih Poo need?
Grooming is the biggest ongoing commitment with a Shih Poo. The wavy Poodle-cross coat does not shed much, which means it keeps growing and mats easily without upkeep. Plan on brushing several times a week and a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks (roughly $60 to $110 per visit in Calgary), plus regular ear cleaning (both parent breeds are prone to ear infections from hair in the canal) and dental care. Keeping the coat in a shorter "puppy cut" makes home maintenance much easier, especially through Calgary winters when snow and salt cling to a long coat.
What health issues should I know about with a Shih Poo?
Shih Poos are generally sturdy small dogs, but they can inherit issues from either parent, so ask each rescue for the dog's known history. Common areas to watch are dental disease (small mouths crowd teeth, so annual dental care matters), eye problems and some heat or breathing sensitivity in dogs that take after a flatter-faced Shih Tzu, luxating patella (slipping kneecaps, common in small breeds), and ear infections from the floppy, hairy ears. Calgary rescues provide a veterinary assessment before adoption and disclose known conditions. Keeping a Shih Poo lean, on top of dental and ear care, and out of extreme summer heat prevents most of the avoidable problems.
Should I buy or adopt a Shih Poo?
For most Calgary households, adopting is the better choice. Adoption fees run $300 to $600 and include spay or neuter, vaccinations, deworming, microchip, and a basic vet workup (roughly $700 to $1,200 of care), versus $1,500 to $3,500 or more from a "designer" breeder. Be cautious with breeder listings: "Shih Poo" has no breed standard or registry, so there is no pedigree to pay a premium for, and "teacup" or "rare colour" listings often signal unethical breeding and fragile-dog health problems. Most rescue Shih Poos are adult dogs with an established, foster-evaluated temperament, past the chewing and house-training stage. Buying makes sense only if you have a specific documented reason; for a pet companion, a rescue Shih Poo (or Shih Tzu / Poodle cross) is dramatically cheaper and just as loving.
Need to rehome a Shih Poo?
If you can no longer keep your Shih Poo, you can list them for free on LocalPetFinder. Your dog stays in your home until you find the right family, you screen who applies, and there is no surrender fee. Not sure yet? Our guide to surrendering a dog in Canada walks through every option first.
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