Shih Tzus are one of the breeds everyone wants to take home. Thus, it doesn’t come as a surprise if you see yourself searching for one as well.
With their adorable appearance, friendly traits, and loyal character, they certainly are one of the best pets to have.
If you’re looking for a Shih Tzu puppy to take home, you can only get the best from a reputable breeder. Now, don’t worry if you don’t know where to find such.
We have a couple of listings below where you can start looking. This way, you’ll have a starting point and lead in finding a good breeder.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Contents
- 1 Lists of Shih Tzu Breeders
- 2 How to Choose a Good Shih Tzu Seller and Breeder
- 2.1 Insists on visiting the dog’s future home
- 2.2 Shows all the paperwork
- 2.3 Tells you any health problems
- 2.4 Asks more questions than you
- 2.5 Not in a hurry to send off
- 2.6 Provides you with past customers’ record
- 2.7 Requires expectations on both sides
- 2.8 Doesn’t sell enough puppies to make it worthwhile
- 2.9 Sends puppies properly
- 2.10 Works only with one or two breeds
- 2.11 Shows breeding experience
- 3 What Is the Average Price of a Shih Tzu Puppy in a Breeder?
- 4 Pros and Cons of Getting a Shih Tzu Puppy From a Breeder
- 5 Summary
Lists of Shih Tzu Breeders
As I said, finding the best Shih Tzu puppy for you means you need to find a reputable breeder.
Moreover, it would be best to find one near you, so you won’t have to drive for hours just to visit in person. This way, you’ll also avoid high shipping costs if you want your pet delivered.
Below is a rundown of Shih Tzu Breeders’ Listings in some US states. You can go ahead and scan each and see if you belong on one. If not, you may find a listing near your area.
Northeast Region
- Shih Tzu breeders in Massachusetts (MA)
- Shih Tzu breeders in Pennsylvania (PA)
- Shih Tzu breeders in New York (NY)
- Shih Tzu breeders in New Jersey (NJ)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in New Hampshire (NH)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Maine (ME)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Rhode Island (RI)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Delaware (DE)
Northwest Region
Midwest Region
- Shih Tzu breeders in Illinois (IL)
- Shih Tzu breeders in Wisconsin (WI)
- Shih Tzu breeders in Michigan (MI)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Ohio (OH)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Indiana (IN)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Minnesota (MN)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Missouri (MO)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Kansas (KS)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Iowa (IA)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Nebraska (NE)
South Region
- Shih Tzu breeders in North Carolina (NC)
- Shih Tzu breeders in Georgia (GA)
- Shih Tzu breeders in Texas (TX)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Tennessee (TN)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Connecticut (CT)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Oklahoma (OK)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Mississippi (MS)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Arkansas (AR)
Southeastern Region
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Virginia (VA)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Kentucky (KY)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Alabama (AL)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in South Carolina (SC)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Florida (FL)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Louisiana (LA)
Western Region
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Montana (MT)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in California (CA)
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Colorado (CO)
Southwestern Region
Mid Atlantic Region
How to Choose a Good Shih Tzu Seller and Breeder
A great Shih Tzu only comes from a good seller and breeder. Thus, you may want to consider getting it from the best in picking your pet.
You will know a good breeder and seller from the following characteristics:
Insists on visiting the dog’s future home
A good breeder would want to see where the Shih Tzu will spend its days. Further, he’ll see if there will be problems so that he or she can address them even before you get your pet.
Shows all the paperwork
A good breeder will want you to see the pup’s pedigree and health clearances.
Tells you any health problems
A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred.
Asks more questions than you
A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her.
Not in a hurry to send off
A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money.
Provides you with past customers’ record
A good breeder will show you references, even of people who bought puppies from him or her. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs.
Requires expectations on both sides
A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her.
Doesn’t sell enough puppies to make it worthwhile
A good breeder doesn’t breed too many puppies to earn so much. He or she won’t even accept credit cards.
Sends puppies properly
A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it.
Works only with one or two breeds
A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species.
Shows breeding experience
A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized conformation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events.
What Is the Average Price of a Shih Tzu Puppy in a Breeder?
In general, Shih Tzu puppies come at quite a high price. In general, an average Shih Tzu puppy would cost about $500-$1000. It will also vary depending on the region where you would start looking.
Shih Tzus are pricey because they are popular, which means it has a high demand and it’s quite difficult to breed. These dogs are also expensive because they come with unique features.
Aside from their cute and adorable appearance, they also make lovely pets for all kinds of people.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Shih Tzu Puppy From a Breeder
If you’re still thinking about getting a Shih Tzu Puppy from a breeder, here’s a rundown of the pros and cons. Reading this will help you weigh down your preference for getting a puppy from a breeder.
Pros of getting a Shih Tzu Puppy from a breeder
- The breeder will give you all information you need to know about your future pet.
- The breeder has recognition from AKC. Thus, you can ensure your pet is of good quality and received proper care and attention.
- The breeder is likely to have great connections with a particular vet. Thus, you’ll have no problem with your pet’s health concerns.
- The breeder will give you tips in taking care of your puppy. Moreover, it will be in constant connection with you to update how your pet is doing.
Cons of getting a Shih Tzu puppy from a breeder
- Breeders usually offer puppies at quite an expensive cost. It’s due to the efforts it gave to breed that puppy.
- Many people get pets only from breeders. Thus, you may be waiting for a while to get yours.
- Since breeders usually don’t breed many puppies in a year, don’t expect to get yours right away.
- Breeders are usually busy people. Thus, you may find it hard to contact a breeder if you still have none of their puppies.
Getting a puppy from the breeder is the ideal decision. If you plan on getting yours at a pet store, you may probably miss essential benefits, such as expert advice and personal contact, in case you need one.
Summary
In general, a new puppy means an added responsibility. For this reason, it would be best to prepare yourself for extra tasks.
A great start in exercising that responsibility lies in your patience in searching for a good breeder. With the list above, you’ll have a list of options. Still, it’s in you to weigh down the options and choose the best that suits your preference.
Moreover, once you get your puppy, make sure to give it the love and support it needs. As long as you do, you’ll indeed have a great companion for the years to come.