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About Shih Tzus in Calgary
Shih Tzus are one of the most adoption-friendly small breeds in Calgary rescues. Bred as palace lap dogs in 17th-century China, they are calm, affectionate, and naturally suited to apartment life. Adult Shih Tzus typically weigh 9 to 16 lbs, stand 8 to 11 inches tall, and live 10 to 16 years. They form strong bonds with their families, get along well with children and other pets, and are content with moderate exercise (two 20 to 30 minute walks daily). Their calm behaviour makes them a long-time favourite of Calgary apartment dwellers.
Shih Tzus end up in Calgary rescues for predictable reasons: senior owner downsizing or passing (Shih Tzus often outlive their elderly owners), allergies in the household, "puppy was a gift" mismatches, retired breeder dogs from puppy mill closures, and overwhelm with grooming demands. Shih Tzu adoption fees in Calgary commonly range $200 to $500, a fraction of breeder prices. Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, BARCS, and Pawsitive Match all see Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes regularly.
Shih Tzu mixes are at least as common as purebreds in Calgary rescues. The Bichon Shih (also called Shichon, Teddy Bear, or Zuchon) crosses Shih Tzu with Bichon Frise: typically 9 to 15 lbs, lower-shedding, and often labelled "hypoallergenic-friendly" (though no dog is fully hypoallergenic). The Shih Poo (Shih Tzu + Toy or Miniature Poodle) is another popular cross with a curlier, lower-shedding coat. Various small-breed Shih Tzu mixes appear regularly. Read each rescue's temperament notes carefully: mix dogs inherit a blend of parent traits, but the foster's observations matter more than the breed label.
All Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes listed below are sourced from 15+ Calgary-area rescues. Listings update regularly. Because Shih Tzus are popular and small, they often get adopted within days of listing. Set up alerts or check daily during your search.
Looking at all small dogs in Calgary?
Browse every available small dog from 15+ Calgary rescues — including Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, 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 Tzu adoption & care guides
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Shih Tzu Adoption FAQ
How many Shih Tzus are available for adoption in Calgary?
As of September 2026, Shih Tzus are rare in Calgary rescue — only 2 are listed right now across 2 rescues on LocalPetFinder. They tend to get adopted fast, so setting an alert is the most reliable way to find one.
Where can I adopt a Shih Tzu in Calgary?
Shih Tzus appear regularly across 15+ Calgary rescues including Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, BARCS, Pawsitive Match, and Calgary Animal Rescue. Senior-focused rescues like Happy's Place also occasionally take Shih Tzus. The listings on this page aggregate all currently available Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes — updates regularly. The most common Calgary Shih Tzu surrender reasons: elderly owner downsizing, allergies, "gift puppy" mismatches, and grooming-overwhelm. See our Shih Tzu adoption guide for the full Calgary playbook.
Are Shih Tzus good apartment dogs?
Yes — Shih Tzus are one of the best apartment-friendly breeds. Calm temperament, low-to-moderate exercise needs (two 20-30 minute walks daily), small size that fits Calgary condo weight limits (most are 9-16 lbs), and minimal barking compared to Yorkies or Pomeranians. They were bred as indoor companion dogs and are content lounging on a couch most of the day. Two caveats: they do shed (long single-layer coat needs daily brushing) and some have separation anxiety as velcro lap dogs. They handle stairs well and don't need a yard.
Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic?
Often tolerated by people with mild dog allergies, but no dog is fully hypoallergenic. Shih Tzus have a single coat of hair (not fur) with minimal shedding — both reduce dander and saliva-protein exposure. People with mild allergies often tolerate Shih Tzus well. Severe allergies, asthma triggered by dogs, or specific protein allergies (Can f 1) may still react. Bichon Shih (Shichon) and Shih Poo mixes are typically considered lower-allergen due to the Bichon/Poodle parent. Before adopting: 2-3 hour visit with the specific dog, in your home if possible, then 48-hour wait for delayed allergic response. Calgary rescues sometimes arrange "trial" foster periods specifically for allergy compatibility — ask.
How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need?
Significant. Shih Tzus need daily brushing if kept in a long coat (the breed standard show coat reaches the floor), professional grooming every 4-8 weeks ($60-$95 in Calgary), and most pet owners keep them in a "puppy cut" (1-2 inches all over) for easier maintenance. Eye and face care is daily — Shih Tzus have prominent eyes prone to tear stains, mucus buildup, and corneal ulcers if facial hair isn't trimmed back. Topknot or face-tie required if hair grows over eyes. Anal glands need attention every 4-8 weeks. Many owners learn to do home maintenance (face/sanitary trims, bath, brushing) between professional groomings to save cost. See our Shih Tzu grooming Calgary guide for the full protocol.
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Shih Tzus typically live 10-16 years, with many reaching 14-18 with good care. They are among the longer-lived toy breeds, which is one reason they often outlive elderly owners and end up in Calgary rescues. Common Shih Tzu health issues to watch for: brachycephalic breathing problems (short flat snout), eye conditions (proptosis from head trauma, corneal ulcers from facial hair, dry eye), severe dental disease (small jaw + retained baby teeth), intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), renal dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and skin allergies. Annual vet visits and dental cleanings starting around age 2-3 catch most issues early. See our Shih Tzu health issues Calgary guide for the full breakdown of breed-specific conditions and Calgary surgery costs.
Are Shih Tzus good with kids?
Generally yes — Shih Tzus are one of the better small breeds for households with children, especially older kids (6+). They have a sturdy, compact build (less fragile than Yorkies or Chihuahuas), tolerate handling well, and have a calm temperament. Caveats: very young children (under 5) should always be supervised — Shih Tzus can snap defensively if handled roughly, and their prominent eyes are vulnerable to accidental finger pokes. Teach children to respect the dog's space, sleeping area, and food bowl. Calgary rescues fostering Shih Tzus typically note kid-compatibility in their profiles. Bichon Shih (Shichon) mixes are often chosen specifically for families with kids due to their playful, sturdy temperament.
How much does it cost to adopt a Shih Tzu in Calgary?
Adopting a Shih Tzu in Calgary typically costs $300 to $600, and puppies usually carry a premium at $500 to $900. The exact fee varies by rescue, and older dogs are often reduced. That fee is not a purchase price. It covers work already done on the dog: spay or neuter, vaccinations, deworming, microchip, and a basic vet workup, which would cost several hundred dollars more if you arranged it yourself after buying. Buying the same breed from a registered breeder generally runs well over $1,000, usually with a waitlist. Ask the rescue what is included before you apply, since a few include extras like a starter bag of food or a first-month insurance trial.
Are these Shih Tzus for sale in Calgary?
Not for sale, for adoption, which is usually the better deal. Every Shih Tzu here comes from a Calgary rescue or shelter, not a breeder, pet store, or classified seller. Adoption fees are typically $300 to $600, with puppies at $500 to $900 and already include vaccinations, deworming, microchip and spay or neuter when age-appropriate, versus roughly $2,000 to $5,000 or more to buy a Shih Tzu from a breeder. If you searched "shih tzu for sale calgary" or "shih tzu puppies for sale," adopting gets you a healthy, vetted dog for a fraction of the price.
Where can I buy a Shih Tzu in Calgary, and should I?
You can buy from a registered breeder, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable Shih Tzu breeder typically charges $2,000 to $5,000 or more and often has a waitlist, while a rescue Shih Tzu costs $300 to $600, with puppies at $500 to $900 fully vetted and may be available now. Be cautious of cheap shih tzu-for-sale ads on classified sites and marketplaces, which are frequently backyard breeders or puppy-mill resellers with unvetted, sometimes sick animals and no health guarantee. If you do buy, insist on seeing where the puppies were raised and getting vet records. For most families in Calgary, adopting a rescue Shih Tzu is cheaper, faster, and gives a dog in need a home.
Are there free Shih Tzus in Calgary, or shih tzus under $500?
Adoption is the closest honest answer, and it is not free. A rescue Shih Tzu in Calgary typically costs $300 to $600, with puppies at $500 to $900, so the lower end lands under the "$500" people search for and the rest does not. What the fee buys is work already done, the vaccinations, deworming, microchip and spay or neuter, which would cost more than the fee itself if you arranged it yourself, and it is still far below breeder prices. Be wary of genuinely free shih tzu listings. An animal advertised free to a good home has usually not been vetted, and free rehoming ads are the route flippers and unregistered breeders use to move animals with no health guarantee and no recourse. Paying a rescue fee buys you a dog someone has already examined, treated, and been honest with you about.
Are there Shih Tzu puppies in Calgary, or only adults?
Both, but adults far outnumber puppies, and it is worth knowing that before you start looking. Most Shih Tzus arriving in Calgary rescue are adolescents and adults, because that is the age at which first homes tend to give up. Puppies do come through, usually as accidental litters or with a surrendered mother, and they are typically spoken for quickly. Setting an alert beats refreshing the page. It is also worth asking whether you actually want one: an adult arrives with a temperament a foster has already observed and described, where a Shih Tzu puppy is a prediction, and for this breed in particular knowing what you are getting is the more useful thing.
Where can I find a Shih Tzu near me in Calgary?
Start with the listings on this page, which pull from Calgary rescues and shelters and are refreshed regularly, so what you see is what is genuinely available rather than a stale directory. If nothing suits today, that is normal for this breed: rescue intake is intermittent rather than steady, and a breed with none listed this week often has several next month. Setting an alert beats checking back, and it is worth widening to nearby towns, since most rescues serving Calgary will adopt out across a reasonable driving distance rather than only inside one municipality.
Need to rehome a Shih Tzu?
If you can no longer keep your Shih Tzu, 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.
List your dog for free →Free tools for Shih Tzu owners
Need to rehome your Shih Tzu?
If you are on the other side of this page and need to find your shih tzu a new home, we have a breed-specific guide: the rescues worth contacting first, realistic timelines, and how to screen adopters. Listing on LocalPetFinder is free.
How to rehome a Shih Tzu responsibly →Browse More Breeds
Looking beyond Calgary?
Alberta rescues transport between cities and several operate province-wide, so it is worth checking Shih Tzus elsewhere in the province before you give up on a match in Calgary.