Where can I adopt a Shih Tzu in Montreal?

Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu crosses come up in Montreal-area rescue with reasonable regularity, they are a popular companion breed and a fairly common one in rescue, including older dogs surrendered when circumstances change. Start with the Montreal SPCA, the best-known organization on the island, and set up alerts so you hear when a Shih Tzu comes in. Beyond the SPCA, many smaller foster-based rescues across greater Montreal take in Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes, and there are small-breed and Shih Tzu/companion-breed-specific rescues in the broader region too. Shih Tzu crosses (Shih-Poos, and other mixes) are also common and worth considering, and broaden the options. Shih Tzus are lovely, affectionate companion dogs well suited to many homes, but the one big commitment to understand is grooming, the breed's long, luxurious coat is high-maintenance and requires significant, regular grooming (covered in our grooming and coat guide), so a good rescue will want to make sure you understand that commitment. On LocalPetFinder you can browse currently adoptable dogs across Montreal-area organizations and filter for small dogs; if a Shih Tzu or suitable mix is available it will show up there, and setting an alert means you hear about the next one. Adopting an adult Shih Tzu, with a known temperament, is often an excellent route, and many rescue Shih Tzus are wonderful, settled companions, so talk to the rescue about the individual dog.

What is the Shih Tzu temperament like?

Shih Tzus are affectionate, friendly, outgoing, and easygoing, they are, above all, companion dogs, bred for centuries to be beloved lap dogs and companions (the name means "lion dog," and they were prized companions in the Chinese imperial court), and their sweet, sociable, people-loving nature is the heart of the breed. Shih Tzus are typically very affectionate and devoted to their people (they love to be with their family, are enthusiastic lap dogs, and thrive on companionship and affection), friendly and sociable (they tend to love everyone, including strangers and other pets, so they are companions rather than watchdogs, though they may bark to alert), and generally cheerful, easygoing, and adaptable, happy in a range of homes. They are usually good with children and other pets, making them lovely family dogs, and their sturdy little build (Shih Tzus are compact and solid for their size, not as delicate as some toy breeds) suits family life reasonably well. A few temperament notes: Shih Tzus are companion dogs that thrive on human company and do not do well left alone for long periods, they can be prone to separation-related issues if isolated, so they need a household that gives them companionship; they can have a stubborn or independent streak, so training benefits from patience and positive methods (and house-training, as with many small breeds, can take patience); and they are moderate-to-low in energy, needing some daily exercise and play but not the intense activity of a working breed, which suits many households and apartment living. Overall, the Shih Tzu temperament, affectionate, friendly, easygoing, and companionable, makes the breed a wonderful, loving companion for many people and families, and it is easy to see why they are so cherished. The main practical commitment, as noted, is the grooming.

How much grooming and exercise does a Shih Tzu need?

Grooming is the big commitment for a Shih Tzu, and understanding it is essential before adopting one, because the breed's coat is high-maintenance. Shih Tzus have a long, dense, luxurious double coat that, if kept long (as in the traditional flowing coat), grows continuously and needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats, plus regular bathing and professional grooming; even kept in a shorter, practical clip (which most pet owners choose, see our grooming guide), the coat needs regular brushing and professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks or so. On top of coat care, Shih Tzus need routine face and eye-area care (the hair around their face and eyes needs attention, and they can get tear staining), ear care (their floppy, hairy ears are prone to ear problems), nail trims, and dental care (small breeds are prone to dental disease). So grooming, both regular at-home brushing and professional grooming, is a real, ongoing, and significant commitment of time and money, and it is the single biggest practical consideration in owning the breed (covered in depth in our grooming and coat guide). Exercise, by contrast, is modest: Shih Tzus are a low-to-moderate energy companion breed, and a couple of short walks and some play a day generally meets their physical needs, which, combined with their small size, makes them well suited to apartment living and to owners who do not want a high-energy dog. They still benefit from some daily activity and mental engagement, but they are not demanding on the exercise front. One important note: because Shih Tzus have a flat (brachycephalic) face, they are somewhat heat-sensitive and can have some breathing considerations, so exercise should be gentle and managed in hot weather (relevant in Montreal's summers), avoiding exertion in the heat. Overall, a Shih Tzu needs significant grooming but only modest exercise, a combination that suits many companion-seeking, apartment-dwelling owners well, provided they are prepared for the grooming.

How much does it cost to adopt a Shih Tzu in Montreal?

Adoption fees at Montreal-area organizations, including the Montreal SPCA, typically run in the range of a few hundred dollars for a dog (often roughly $300 to $600, varying by organization and the animal's age), and that fee usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping, good value versus arranging those separately. In Quebec, an adoption fee is not a purchase price, since 2015, article 898.1 of the Civil Code of Quebec has recognized animals as sentient beings, not property. Adopting is far less expensive than buying: reputable Shih Tzu breeders in Canada typically charge in the range of $1,500 to $3,000 or more for a puppy, and given how common Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes are in rescue, adopting is both economical and helpful. Beyond the adoption fee, budget for the ongoing costs of the breed, and for a Shih Tzu the grooming is a significant, recurring cost: professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks (for the coat the breed requires) adds up considerably over a year, and is one of the defining ongoing expenses of owning the breed, so factor it in. Other ongoing costs include good-quality food (a small dog eats little), routine veterinary care, and dental care (small breeds are prone to dental disease, so this matters). Pet insurance is worth considering given the breed's potential health issues (brachycephalic-related issues, eye conditions, dental disease, patellar luxation, and others). Overall, a Shih Tzu is a moderately-priced dog to own primarily because of the grooming, but adopting rather than buying saves substantially upfront, and rescue dogs come already vetted, spayed or neutered, and microchipped.

Are Shih Tzus good for apartments and families?

Yes, Shih Tzus are very well suited to both apartment living and families, which is a big part of their popularity, with the main practical caveat being the grooming commitment. On apartment living: Shih Tzus are small, low-to-moderate in energy (modest exercise needs, no yard required), adaptable, and, while they can bark to alert, are generally reasonable, all of which make them excellent apartment and condo dogs, well suited to Montreal's many city dwellers. Their main need is companionship, they are people-oriented and do not do well left alone for long stretches, so they suit a household where they are not isolated for very long. On families: Shih Tzus are typically affectionate, friendly, gentle, and sociable, and are usually good with children and other pets, making them lovely family dogs, and importantly, they are a relatively sturdy, solid little dog for their size (not as fragile as the tiniest toy breeds), which suits family life somewhat better, though, as with any small dog, they should be handled with care and interactions with very young children supervised (both to protect the dog and because any dog can be provoked by rough handling). So in terms of temperament, size, energy, and adaptability, a Shih Tzu is a wonderful choice for apartments and families, and this is a real strength of the breed. The main things a prospective owner must be prepared for are the significant grooming commitment (the breed's biggest practical consideration) and the breed's need for companionship, and, given the flat face, some care around heat and gentle exercise. For a household able to provide the grooming and companionship, a Shih Tzu is an excellent, affectionate apartment and family companion.

Is a Shih Tzu a good fit for my household?

A Shih Tzu is an excellent fit for an owner or family who wants an affectionate, friendly, easygoing companion dog well suited to apartment and family life, is genuinely prepared to commit to the significant grooming the breed requires, and can provide the companionship the breed needs, and a less ideal fit for those unwilling to handle the grooming or unable to provide companionship. The breed suits you if: you want a sweet, affectionate, sociable companion dog that is well suited to apartment and city living, good with children and other pets, and does not need intense exercise; you are willing and able to commit to the significant, ongoing grooming (both regular brushing and professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks) and the cost that comes with it (this is the single biggest consideration for the breed, a Shih Tzu is emphatically not a wash-and-go dog); you can provide the companionship this people-oriented breed craves rather than leaving it alone for long stretches; and you can manage the breed's modest exercise needs, its heat sensitivity (given the flat face), and its health needs (including dental care). It is a less ideal fit if you are unwilling or unable to commit to the grooming (which genuinely disqualifies the breed for some people), want a completely low-maintenance dog, cannot provide companionship (given the breed's need for it), or want a high-energy or outdoorsy dog. When adopting, be honest about your willingness to handle the grooming and provide companionship, and talk to the rescue about the individual dog's temperament, coat, and any needs, an adult Shih Tzu with a known temperament can be an especially good match, and given how many Shih Tzus need homes, adopting one is a genuinely good choice for a household prepared for the grooming.

Shih Tzu Adoption in Montreal

The short answer

Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu crosses come up in Montreal rescue with reasonable regularity, so start with the Montreal SPCA, the many smaller Montreal-area foster-based rescues, and small-breed rescues, and set alerts. The breed is affectionate, friendly, outgoing, and easygoing, a devoted companion, usually great with children and other pets, and excellent for apartments (small, low-to-moderate energy). The one big commitment is grooming: the long, luxurious coat is high-maintenance (regular brushing plus professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks). They're people-oriented (don't do well left alone long) and, being flat-faced, somewhat heat-sensitive. Adoption runs ~$300 to $600 vs $1,500 to $3,000+ from a breeder.

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A Shih Tzu in a Montreal setting — The Shih Tzu is an affectionate, easygoing companion, an excellent apartment and family dog for an owner ready for the grooming.

Bred for centuries purely to be a beloved companion, the Shih Tzu is about as sweet-natured and easygoing as dogs come, a devoted little lap dog that fits apartment and family life beautifully. The main thing to understand before adopting one is the coat: that gorgeous fur is a genuine, ongoing grooming commitment. Here is the honest picture, and where to find one in Montreal.

Where to adopt in Montreal

Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu crosses come up with reasonable regularity (a popular companion breed, fairly common in rescue, including older surrenders). Start with the Montreal SPCA and set alerts. Beyond it, many smaller Montreal-area foster-based rescues and small-breed/companion-breed rescues in the broader region handle the breed.

Shih Tzu crosses (Shih-Poos and others) are common and worth considering too. On LocalPetFinder you can browse adoptable dogs across Montreal-area organizations, filter for small dogs, and set an alert. A good rescue will want to make sure you understand the grooming commitment. Adopting an adult Shih Tzu with a known temperament is often an excellent route, and many rescue Shih Tzus are wonderful, settled companions.

Temperament: the sweet companion

Shih Tzus are affectionate, friendly, outgoing, and easygoing, above all companion dogs, bred for centuries as beloved lap dogs. Very affectionate and devoted, friendly and sociable (they love everyone, companions rather than watchdogs), generally cheerful and adaptable, and usually good with children and other pets, with a sturdy little build (not as delicate as the tiniest toys). Notes: they're people-oriented (don't do well left alone long), can be a bit stubborn (patient, positive training; house-training takes patience), and are low-to-moderate energy (suiting apartments).

Overall the Shih Tzu temperament, affectionate, friendly, easygoing, and companionable, makes the breed a wonderful, loving companion for many people and families, and it's easy to see why they're so cherished. The main practical commitment is the grooming (see our grooming and coat guide).

Grooming and exercise

Grooming is the big commitment. The long, dense, luxurious coat, kept long, grows continuously and needs daily brushing plus regular bathing and professional grooming; even in a shorter practical clip (which most owners choose), it needs regular brushing plus professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. Plus face/eye-area care (tear staining), ear care (floppy, hairy ears), nails, and dental. A real, ongoing, significant commitment of time and money, the breed's biggest practical consideration. Exercise is modest, a couple of short walks and play, suiting apartments.

They still benefit from some daily activity and mental engagement, but aren't demanding on exercise. One note: because Shih Tzus are flat-faced (brachycephalic), they're somewhat heat-sensitive with some breathing considerations, so keep exercise gentle and managed in hot weather (relevant in Montreal summers), avoiding exertion in the heat. Overall, a Shih Tzu needs significant grooming but only modest exercise, a combination that suits many companion-seeking, apartment-dwelling owners well, provided they're prepared for the grooming (see our health guide).

What it costs

Route	Typical cost	Includes
Rescue / Montreal SPCA	~$300 to $600	Spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip
Reputable breeder	$1,500 to $3,000+	Puppy

In Quebec, an adoption fee is not a purchase price (animals are recognized as sentient beings). The defining ongoing cost is grooming, professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks adds up over a year, so factor it in, along with food (a small dog eats little), vet care, and dental care (small breeds are prone to dental disease). Pet insurance is worth considering given the breed's potential issues (brachycephalic-related, eye conditions, dental, patellar luxation), see our health guide.

Apartments and families

Shih Tzus are very well suited to both apartments and families. Apartments: small, low-to-moderate energy (modest exercise, no yard), adaptable, and generally reasonable, excellent for city dwellers, with companionship their main need. Families: affectionate, friendly, gentle, and sociable, usually good with children and other pets, and a relatively sturdy little dog (not as fragile as the tiniest toys), which suits family life somewhat better, though handle with care and supervise very young children.

So in temperament, size, energy, and adaptability, a Shih Tzu is a wonderful choice for apartments and families, a real strength of the breed. The main things to be prepared for are the significant grooming commitment (the breed's biggest consideration) and the need for companionship, plus some care around heat and gentle exercise given the flat face. For a household able to provide the grooming and companionship, a Shih Tzu is an excellent, affectionate apartment and family companion.

Is it a good fit for you?

An excellent fit for an owner or family who wants an affectionate, easygoing companion suited to apartment and family life, is genuinely prepared to commit to the significant grooming, and can provide companionship. A less ideal fit if you're unwilling or unable to handle the grooming (which genuinely disqualifies the breed for some), want a completely low-maintenance dog, can't provide companionship, or want a high-energy or outdoorsy dog.

When adopting, be honest about your willingness to handle the grooming and provide companionship, and talk to the rescue about the individual dog's temperament, coat, and needs, an adult Shih Tzu with a known temperament can be an especially good match, and given how many need homes, adopting one is a genuinely good choice for a household prepared for the grooming.

Browse adoptable dogs in Montreal

If you're ready for the grooming, a Shih Tzu is a sweet, devoted apartment and family companion. Refreshed regularly across Montreal-area organizations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I adopt one in Montreal?

Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu crosses come up with reasonable regularity. Start with the Montreal SPCA, the many smaller Montreal-area foster-based rescues, and small-breed rescues, and set alerts. Consider Shih Tzu crosses (Shih-Poos) too. An adult with a known temperament is often an excellent route.

What is the temperament like?

Affectionate, friendly, outgoing, and easygoing, devoted companion lap dogs that love everyone, usually good with children and other pets, and a relatively sturdy little dog. People-oriented (don't do well alone long), a bit stubborn (patient training), and low-to-moderate energy (suiting apartments). The main commitment is grooming.

How much grooming and exercise do they need?

Grooming is significant, the long coat needs daily brushing if kept long (or regular brushing in a shorter clip), plus professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks, face/eye and ear care, and dental care. Exercise is modest (short walks and play), suiting apartments. The flat face means some heat sensitivity, so keep exercise gentle in hot weather.

How much does adoption cost?

Roughly $300 to $600 at Montreal-area organizations (including spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip), versus $1,500 to $3,000+ from a breeder. The defining ongoing cost is grooming (every 4 to 8 weeks), plus food, vet care, and dental care. Pet insurance is worth considering.

Are they good for apartments and families?

Yes, small, low-to-moderate energy, adaptable, and reasonable suit apartments (companionship is their main need), and they're usually good with children and other pets and relatively sturdy, making lovely family dogs. Be prepared for the grooming and the need for companionship, and take some care around heat given the flat face.

Is it a good fit for my household?

Excellent for an owner who wants an affectionate, easygoing companion for apartment or family life, is prepared for the significant grooming, and can provide companionship. Less ideal if you won't commit to grooming (this disqualifies the breed for some), want a completely low-maintenance or high-energy dog, or can't provide companionship.

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