There are no Shih Tzus currently listed with Edmonton-area rescues. New dogs arrive regularly through Edmonton shelters and northern-Alberta intake — this page refreshes automatically as they do.
Browse all available Edmonton dogs →Gear for your Shih Tzu
The essentials we'd set up for a new Shih Tzu, starting with the slicker & deshedding brush.
Slicker & Deshedding Brush
Tames shedding and prevents painful mats.
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Escape-Proof No-Pull Harness
Gentle control on the first walks — built so a spooked dog can't back out of it.
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Orthopedic Dog Bed
A supportive memory-foam bed for tired joints — and it fits right inside the crate.
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Pet Water Fountain
Moving water nudges a nervous or picky dog to actually drink.
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Enzyme Stain & Odour Remover
The first few weeks come with accidents — get the smell gone, not masked.
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About Shih Tzus in Edmonton
Shih Tzus are friendly, easygoing lap companions bred for one job — to keep people company. They are content indoors with light exercise, which makes them a comfortable fit for Edmonton apartments and long winters.
They have a slightly flat face, so they tire faster and handle heat and deep cold less well than longer-nosed breeds — keep exercise gentle and weather-aware. The long coat needs regular grooming; many adopters keep a short “puppy cut” to make Edmonton winters and upkeep easier.
Eye care matters too, since their large eyes are prone to irritation. For an adopter who wants a low-exercise, affectionate companion and is ready for routine grooming, a rescue Shih Tzu is a gentle, low-drama dog — seniors are especially easy to love.
Shih Tzu adoption & care guides
Shih Tzu Adoption Edmonton: Rescues, Costs, Free-Puppy Warning
Edmonton Shih Tzu adoption guide. Rescue paths, $300-$600 fees, Bichon-Shih and Shih-Poo mix reality, free-puppy Kijiji scam warning, $600-$1200/year grooming, BOAS heat-sensitivity, dental care.
Edmonton Pet HealthShih Tzu Health Issues Edmonton: Eyes, Airway, Teeth
Edmonton Shih Tzu health: prominent-eye disease (ulcers, dry eye, proptosis), brachycephalic airway and heat intolerance, toy-breed dental disease, patellar luxation, ear and skin allergies, renal dysplasia, anaesthesia precautions, and week-one pet insurance.
Edmonton Pet LivingShih Tzu Grooming Edmonton: Coat, Mats, Face Care
The Edmonton Shih Tzu grooming reality: daily brushing to prevent mats, face and eye-area hygiene and tear staining, the puppy cut vs long coat choice, professional grooming schedule and cost, bathing, ears, and nails.
Shih Tzu Adoption FAQ — Edmonton
Are Shih Tzus good apartment dogs in Edmonton?
Very — small, quiet enough, and low-exercise, they suit condos and long winters well. The main commitment is grooming and eye care, not space or activity. Short walks plus indoor company usually meet their needs.
Do Shih Tzus handle Edmonton’s climate?
They are sensitive at both ends because of the flatter face — they overheat in summer effort and chill in deep winter cold. Keep exercise short and gentle year-round, with a coat in extreme wind chill and cool times of day in summer.
How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need?
A lot if kept long — daily brushing and a groom every few weeks to prevent mats. Many Edmonton owners keep a short puppy cut, which cuts upkeep and makes snowy, salty winters far easier. Eye and face cleaning is a daily habit.
Are Shih Tzus good with kids and pets?
Generally yes — they are tolerant, friendly, and get along with children and other pets when introduced calmly. They are small and do best with gentle handling. Foster notes cover each dog’s comfort with kids and animals.
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 →