Because of Shih Tzu’s sheer popularity, it actually can be very easy for you to find one for sale anywhere. However, it is essential that you look for a responsible breeder to ensure that you are getting a healthy, socialized, and well-raised Shih Tzu puppy.
It might be overwhelming to start your search with so many breeders out there and that is why I wrote this article to help you.
After going through so many breeders, I came up with a list of ten reputable Shih Tzu breeders where you can find your future furry companion.
RECOMMENDED READING: It has become a norm to see dog breeders marketing their available litter thru websites, social media pages, and ads. If you are looking for Shih Tzu puppies for sale online and are not sure how to identify a puppy scam from a legitimate breeder, read our ultimate puppy buying guide. It offers useful tips on how to safely transact via the internet and to identify scam red flags.
10 Places to Find Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale
The Shih Tzu breeders in this list are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or their local kennel clubs, meaning they all follow strict standards and guidelines for breeding, so you can be sure of the health and quality of puppies they breed.
1. Lotus Shih Tzu – Texas
Lotus Shih Tzu is a breeder based in Denison, Texas and they have been breeding since 2009. Annette Lewis, the founder of Lotus Shih Tzu, is a member of the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) and serves as a secretary of a local kennel club.
All of her Shih Tzus are all AKC Champions and have champion pedigrees. To protect the welfare of her dogs, she only breeds a limited number of litters per year in her home in Texas.
She practices Early Neurological Stimulation for her puppies and makes sure that they are well-socialized before they are given to their furever parents on the 12th week.
She is recognized as a Breeder of Merit by the AKC and she also participated in their Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program which promotes continuing education for breeders. This ensures that her Shih Tzu puppies are bred professionally and with care.
To inquire about a Lotus puppy, you can simply send her an email or check out her Facebook page. You can also check their website for pictures of the cute Shih Tzu puppies she has bred.
Lotus Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:
Website: Lotus Shih Tzu
Phone: 903-624-9197
Email: lotuskennels@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
2. Falling Star Shih Tzu – Missouri
Falling Star Shih Tzu is a breeder based in Missouri and was established in 1985. Founder Troy Clifford Dargin fell in love with the breed when he was in Junior High School and even dedicated a whole summer to learning about Shih Tzus before getting his own.
They have traveled in several countries with their dogs and have had over 55 home-bred Champions. He is also an AKC judge and is recognized as a Breeder of Merit by the AKC.
You can find pictures of their puppies for sale on their website. You can also find information on what they consider the best dog food, shampoo, and even grooming tools, based on many years of experience.
Note that they only release puppies at three months of age, in accordance with the ASTC ethics code. If you are interested in purchasing a Shih Tzu puppy from them, you can send them an email or fill out the contact form on their website.
Falling Star Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:
Website: Falling Star Shih Tzu
Phone: 417-335-0414
Email: puppies@shihtzus.biz
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3. Ultra Shih Tzu – New Jersey
Ultra Shih Tzu’s owner and breeder, Eileen Nicholas, has been showing and breeding Shih Tzus for over thirty years. As a testament to how she enjoys showing dogs, she has bred over 100 AKC Champions already.
All her puppies are bred in her home and she only breeds with AKC champion sires and dams, so you can be sure that her puppies are of excellent pedigree. She has been a member of the ASTC since 1989 and is also an AKC Breeder of Merit.
When you purchase a puppy from Ultra Shih Tzu, you will leave with the puppy’s health records and a written health guarantee.
She also provides a puppy information packet on how to care for your new Shih Tzu pup and a list of your must-haves and where to find them.
She encourages buyers to visit their new puppies even before the 12th week to start the bonding process. If you are interested in a puppy from them, you could contact her through email, phone, or the contact form on their website.
If you’re lucky enough to go home with an Ultra pup, you are more than welcome to stay in touch with them and send pictures and updates.
Ultra Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:
Website: Ultra Shih Tzu
Phone: 201-485-8334
Email: ultratzu@aol.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
4. Fantasy Shih Tzu – Wisconsin
Susan Kilgore, owner and breeder of Fantasy Shih Tzu, was introduced to the breed way back in 1985. She knew from the beginning that the Shih Tzu was the breed for her and has since enjoyed showing and breeding her dogs.
Her love for the breed is evident, having served on the ASTC Board of Directors and as an ASTC approved judge mentor. She is also recognized as an AKC Breeder of Merit.
When purchasing a Shih Tzu pup from Fantasy Shih Tzu, she ensures that you will have the best start possible.
You will get the puppy’s health and vaccination records, a three to four-day bag of puppy kibble, a can of puppy food, toy(s), as well as training and educational materials about the breed.
This Shih Tzu breeder only breeds two to three litters per year to ensure quality. You can contact her via phone or email for any inquiries about available puppies or get on the waitlist.
Fantasy Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:
Website: Fantasy Shih Tzu
Phone: 920-896-3017
Email: tzupower1@gmail.com
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
5. Sapphire Shih Tzu – Montana
Sapphire Shih Tzu’s owner Debi Bucholz has been showing her dogs as an owner/handler both in the US and Canada. As a breeder, her goal is to breed the best quality puppies for both structure and temperament.
She is also a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, so her puppies get lots of behavioral training before they go to their forever homes.
For example, the puppies are already exposed to various sounds from nature and people. They will be trained to be comfortable being handled, and house training is also started.
When you buy a pup from this Shih Tzu breeder, she will be giving a baby blanket and toy that smells like your puppy’s mom and siblings. Your pup will also have a chew bone, some dog food, and samples of supplements she recommends for Shih Tzu pups.
As an AKC Breeder of Merit, her Shih Tzu puppies for sale will come with a health guarantee, an AKC limited registry, a spay/neuter requirement and lifetime support for the puppy owner.
For inquiries, you can simply contact her through phone and email. If you are already interested in purchasing or getting on the waitlist, you will be required to answer a questionnaire first.
Sapphire Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:
Website: Sapphire Shih Tzu
Address: 301 Cardinal Lane Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: 406-270-5382
Email: jsapphireshihtzu@hotmail.com
6. Dan Su Shih Tzu – Louisiana
Dan Su Shih Tzu is a small home-based breeder based in Louisiana. Owner Dana Gayle Strain has been breeding and showing her Shih Tzus for over 15 years.
All her puppies are raised in a home environment and her goal is to breed healthy Shih Tzu puppies with excellent structure and temperament. She is also an AKC Breeder of Merit and participated in the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program.
She encourages prospective owners to visit the puppies in her home before purchasing. However, if you are too far, this Shih Tzu breeder has a private puppy nanny service who can hand carry your Shih Tzu pup on most airlines to the closest airport at your location.
For inquiries about the puppies and the purchase process, you can simply contact her via phone or email. Check out her puppies in action in this video:
Dan Su Puppies Playing<a href="https://youtu.be/BULDRiauiBM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FBULDRiauiBM%2F0.jpg" alt="Dan Su Puppies Playing" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Dan Su Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:
Website: Dan Su Shih Tzu
Phone: 985-206-9699
Email: dgstrain@bellsouth.net
Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook.
7. Shih Tzu by Martha – North Carolina
Shih Tzu breeder Martha Watson has been showing and breeding Shih Tzus in her home in North Carolina since 2000. She takes pride in breeding show-quality puppies.
They planned their breeding program to breed Shih Tzu pups with good temperament, a healthy immune system and structurally sound bodies. She is also an AKC Breeder of Merit.
To purchase a puppy, you can contact them via phone or email. They will then provide information about available pups or upcoming litters. If you are interested, you can give a deposit of $200 to secure a place on the waiting list.
After a particular puppy has been selected and confirmed, half of the purchase price is due to reserve that puppy. By 11 to 12 weeks, they will arrange the time and location for you to pick up your puppy.
For long distance purchases, they can provide contact information for a puppy nanny service which you can arrange at your own expense.
Shih Tzu by Martha Breeder Information and Details:
Website: Shih Tzu by Martha
Phone: 828-443-2235
Email: marthasplace2001@yahoo.com
8. Su Chen Shih Tzu – New Mexico
P Susan Cheney of Su Chen Shih Tzu began breeding pups in 2000. After retirement, she chose to pursue her dream of owning and breeding Shih Tzu and has bred over 35 AKC Champions.
As an AKC Breeder of Merit, all her puppies come with a limited registration and adoption agreement. They will provide a complete history of vaccinations and worming treatments, along with a free 60-day enrolment in the AKC puppy health insurance.
All their pups are checked by a vet at ten weeks old and are up-to-date in vaccinations before they go to their new homes at 12 weeks. They also offer a one-year health guarantee against life-threatening issues.
You can contact her through email, phone, or through the contact form on their website for current adoption fees and reservations.
Please note that they prefer to place puppies in homes where they will not be left alone all day, so be prepared to share something about yourself during the adoption process.
This Shih Tzu breeder has a no-shipping policy, but she will gladly help you make arrangements for hand delivery.
Su Chen Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:
Website: Su Chen Shih Tzu
Phone: 505-465-0098
Email: psuchen@hotmail.com
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9. Bar-Lar Shih Tzu – Alabama
Barbara Ann Ewer and her husband Larry Ewer started Bar-Lar Shih Tzu 30 years ago and has since owned and bred over 50+ champions. Their dogs have been shown all over the United States and abroad.
Their Shih Tzu dogs and puppies are raised in their home and follow a routine that gives them plenty of exercises, play, and socialization with humans and other dogs.
You can even see pictures of the puppies’ living spaces and play areas on their website. She and her husband are recognized as a Breeder of Merit by the AKC.
Their puppies are sold with a spay/neuter contract and AKC limited registration and they only release puppies that are 4 ½ months old.
If you are interested in owning a Bar-Lar Shih Tzu pup, you can fill out the inquiry form on their website and they will email you with pictures and information on what they currently have.
Bar-Lar Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:
Website: Bar-Lar Shih Tzu
Phone: 334-272-8440
Email: barlar325@gmail.com
Special Note: You can find them on Facebook.
10. Stacey B’s Shih Tzu – Florida
Stacey Bingham is a breeder, owner and handler of Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terriers. She is located in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.
She raises the puppies in her home, where they have plenty of space for play and socialization. You can see this on her Youtube channel:
www.stacyb.com 2016 02 27<a href="https://youtu.be/f7rJgZ9wxW8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Ff7rJgZ9wxW8%2F0.jpg" alt="www.stacyb.com 2016 02 27" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Her puppies are from AKC Champion sires and dams and are all vaccinated, vet-checked and wormed before they can go to their new families at 12 weeks. She is also an AKC Breeder of Merit and participated in the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program.
For inquiries about Stacey B’s puppies or if you want to join the waitlist, you can simply contact her through email or phone. She also has a list of recommended supplies on her website to ensure a stress-free transition of the puppy to your home.
Stacey B’s Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:
Website: Stacey B’s Shih Tzu
Phone: 209-814-5437
Email: staceybing@comcast.net
Special Note: They also have a YouTube channel.
All the Shih Tzu breeders included on our list passed our standards. However, if you want to verify their legitimacy, read our ultimate puppy buying guide for some proven tips on how to safely find a breeder online or how to find a puppy for sale while avoiding scams.
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Other Sources for Shih Tzu Puppies
For reputable breeders, the health of their dogs and puppies comes first. However, because Shih Tzu is a popular toy dog breed, there are usually waitlists.
Here are some other places you can find Shih Tzu puppies for sale:
AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is a site that only allows listings from AKC-registered litters. You can also see which breeders are recognized as Breeders of Merit so you can take your pick among good breeders who have met strict breeding standards.
Puppies.com – You will find hundreds of listings for Shih Tzu pups for sale on this site. And you can even search for one near your location. However, I do recommend that you still practice due diligence before making your purchase as there is not much information about the breeders.
PuppySpot – This platform works with the AKC and American Humane in their mission to promote the welfare of dogs. This is on top of the fact that they do very strict screenings of all the breeders that they allow to put listings on their site. So, you can be sure that you will find a good Shih Tzu breeder here.
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How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
A purebred Shih Tzu puppy can cost around $1,000 to $3,000, depending on its gender, color, age, or lineage. For example, there are rare Shih Tzu colors, so these pups are a bit more costly.
Show-quality puppies are also more expensive, so talk to your breeder if you are just looking for a pet or you are interested in showing your dog in the future. This may also be a question your breeder will ask you.
Good breeding practices are also costly, so expect that healthy, good-quality pups will not come cheap.
As you would notice, most if not all Shih Tzu breeders have their puppies vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and etc. The cost of the puppy also usually includes AKC registration.
But aside from these, there are some initial expenses you would have when getting a dog. Here is an estimate of the things you have to buy before welcoming your new pup home:
Please note that this is only an estimate to guide you. Of course, it would largely depend on where and what products and brands you will be buying.
My advice is that you talk to your breeders about what they already feed and use on their dogs, so you can be sure that they are good for your Shih Tzu puppy.
Aside from the ones listed above, you also have to consider the cost of vet checks, other vaccinations and worming treatments. Shipping costs are also usually not included in the cost of the puppy, so it would be best to look for a breeder near you.
How to Find Shih Tzu Puppies in Your Area?
If you still cannot find a good Shih Tzu breeder near you, here are some other things you can do:
Check out the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) breeder referral. As a national club for the breed, they have contacts and a network of members who are also breeders. You can check out their website for the contact details of these breeders.
Try looking in online communities. There are lots of groups dedicated to the breed on social media sites like Facebook. You can talk to current Shih Tzu owners about breeders they can refer. But of course, as with anything online, you have to take extra caution and do your homework before approaching any breeder.
Adopt from a rescue or shelter. There are way too many Shih Tzu dogs in need of a new home in rescues or local shelters. This can also be a very good option for you as it costs a lot less than purchasing a puppy and you will also be helping a dog get a new lease on life.
Final Thoughts
If you do a quick web search, I’m sure you will find cheap Shih Tzu pups for sale. You might be wondering if it’s worth it to go through all the hassle of finding a reputable breeder and paying upwards of a thousand dollars for a Shih Tzu pup.
The simple answer is good quality does not come cheap. Good breeders will do everything they can to make sure that all their dogs and puppies are in perfect health and are raised well to become good companions to their future families.
So if you are looking for a Shih Tzu pup to add to your family, prepare to go through a process! Search for good breeders, go through puppy applications, learn as much as possible, and be ready to enjoy life with a tiny, lovable companion.
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