10 Best Shih Tzu Breeders (2024 Updated)

A Shih Tzu is a common household pet and one of the most famous breeds. Due to their popularity, they became the go-to companions of dog lovers. If you’re interested in one, be sure to look for reputable Shih Tzu breeders.

Reputable breeders will ensure that you get healthy, well-raised Shih Tzu puppies. Meanwhile, dogs in puppy mills or raised by backyard breeders are highly likely to have been in poor conditions.

It could be challenging to look for Shih Tzu puppies for sale, especially since many breeders are out there. This article will help you narrow down your choices and decide which breeder is right for you.

10 Best Places to Buy Shih Tzu Puppies

If you are actively looking for Shih Tzu breeders, you should always check their reputation, including whether the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes them.

Breeders from the AKC are the most reliable since they follow the guidelines for breeding. This gives you peace of mind that you’re getting a high-quality Shih Tzu puppy.

Below are the ten best Shih Tzu breeders in the United States.

1. Wen Dee – New Jersey

Wendy Hill’s passion for dogs traces back to her childhood when her parents raised a litter of puppies sired by a champion.

However, her love for Shih Tzu ignited in 1992 after she encountered a special pup with beautiful hair weighing around 10 pounds named Yum Yum.

This encounter led Wendy to purchase her first “show puppy” and become a dedicated student of the breed.

Over time, she has acquired knowledge of the breed’s history, health, care, and conformation.

Even today, as an AKC judge and mentor, Wendy continues to learn from the incredible people she has met through the world of dogs.

She is affiliated with the Shih Tzu Fanciers of Greater Baltimore and the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC), serving as a member of both organizations.

Wen Dee Breeder Information and Details

• Website: Wen Dee
• Address: Glassboro, NJ 08028
• Phone: (856) 625-5395
• Email: wdshihtzu@gmail.com 

2. Lotus Shih Tzu – Texas

Founded in 2009, Lotus Shih Tzu is a Denison, Texas-based Shih Tzu breeder established by Annette Lewis. She is a member of the ASTC and a local kennel club secretary.

The AKC has awarded her entire litter of Shih Tzus top honors, and they all come from winning bloodlines.

She restricts the number of litters she produces in a year to ensure the health and well-being of her Shih Tzu puppies.

She ensures that her puppies are well-socialized and engages in early neurological stimulation before handing them over to their new families at the end of the 12th week.

You can easily ask her if she has Shih Tzu puppies for sale by emailing her or going to her Facebook page.

You may also check out their website for images of the adorable Shih Tzu puppies she has bred.

Lotus Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details

• Website: Lotus Shih Tzu
• Address: Denison, TX 75020
• Phone: (903) 624-9197
• Email: lotuskennels@gmail.com 
• Socials: You can reach out to them on Facebook.

3. Falling Star Shih Tzu – Missouri

Falling Star Shih Tzu is a Missouri-based breeder that was established in 1985.

Founder Troy Clifford Dargin fell in love with Shih Tzus in Junior High School. Then, he spent a summer learning about them before getting one.

They have over 55 home-bred Champions, and they have taken their dogs with them on trips to several different countries. He is also a judge for the AKC, and the organization has awarded him the Breeder of Merit.

You can view pictures of available Shih Tzu puppies for sale on their website. They also recommend dog food, shampoo, and grooming tools based on their years of experience.

Note that to adhere to the standards outlined in the ASTC ethics code, they do not release puppies before they reach the age of three months.

You can email them or fill out their website form to buy a Shih Tzu puppy from them.

Falling Star Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Falling Star Shih Tzu
• Address: Springfield, MO 65801
• Phone: (417) 335-0414
• Email: puppies@shihtzus.biz 

4. Bar-Lar Shih Tzu – Alabama

Thirty years ago, Barbara Ann Ewer and her husband, Larry Ewer, started Bar-Lar Shih Tzu. Since then, the couple has owned and bred more than fifty champions.

The AKC has given her and her husband the Breeder of Merit title. 

Their Shih Tzu puppies and dogs are raised in their house and given plenty of playtime, exercise, and socialization with both people and other dogs.

They do not sell puppies until they are four and a half months old. Purchasing one of them also comes with a contract requiring the buyer to have the animal spayed or neutered and a limited registration with the AKC.

If you want to purchase a Shih Tzu puppy from Bar-Lar, you can fill out the form on their website. They will email you with photographs and information on their available puppies.

Bar-Lar Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Bar-Lar Shih Tzu
• Phone: (334) 272-8440
• Email: ​barlar325@gmail.com 
• Socials: You can reach out to them on Facebook.

5. Karyon Shih Tzu – Texas

For 36 years, Pat Fletcher has been involved in breeding and showcasing dogs, producing a number of AKC Shih Tzu Champions, such as Top Winning, Top Producing, Group Winners, and National Shih Tzu Specialty Winners.

The breeder also won Best in Show Dogs both in the United States and internationally.

Karyon is dedicated to breeding Shih Tzus with good health, looks, and temperament. They offer show-quality dogs that are capable of becoming affectionate pets.

Although the breeder has been partially retired from showcasing in recent years, they have returned to the scene, and Karyon is continuing to carry on the remarkable legacy that they established.

Karyon Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Karyon Shih Tzu
• Address: Millsap, TX 76066
• Email: karyonpat@aol.com 

6. Shih Tzu by Martha – North Carolina

Martha Watson has been breeding and showcasing Shih Tzus in her North Carolina residence since the year 2000. She focuses on producing puppies of exhibition quality, and she takes great pride in this.

To accomplish this, she developed a breeding plan designed to produce Shih Tzu puppies with excellent temperaments, robust immune systems, and structurally sound bodies.

Furthermore, Martha Watson has been designated as an AKC Breeder of Merit.

You can contact them by phone or email if you want to buy a puppy from this breeder. After that, they will give information about upcoming litters or puppies. 

If you are considering joining the waiting list, you can make a deposit of $200 to reserve a spot.

Shih Tzu by Martha Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Shih Tzu by Martha
• Address: Morganton, NC 28655
• Phone: (828) 443-2235
• Email: marthasplace2001@yahoo.com 

7. Stacey B’s Shih Tzu – Florida

Located in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Stacey Bingham is a breeder, proprietor, and handler of Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terriers. 

She raises the puppies in her home, which gives them plenty of room to meet other people and play.

The breeder’s puppies undergo vaccination, veterinary examination, and deworming before departing for their new homes at the age of 12 weeks.

As an AKC Breeder of Merit, she also participates in the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program.

To inquire about Stacey B’s puppies or be included on the waiting list, you may contact her by phone or email. 

You can also find a list of recommended supplies for bringing the puppy home as easily as possible on her website.

Stacey B’s Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Stacey B’s Shih Tzu
• Address: Port Saint Lucie, FL 34984
• Phone: (209) 814-5437
• Email: staceybing@comcast.net 
• Socials: They also have a YouTube channel.

8. Su Chen Shih Tzu – New Mexico

In the year 2000, P Susan Cheney of Su Chen Shih Tzu started breeding puppies. After she retired, she decided to follow her dream of breeding and owning a Shih Tzu. 

Since then, she has made over 35 AKC Champions. As an AKC Breeder of Merit, all puppies have a limited registration and adoption agreement. 

They will give you a full history of the dog’s vaccinations and deworming, as well as a free 60-day membership to AKC puppy health insurance.

The puppies are examined by a veterinarian at ten weeks old and are updated on all vaccinations before being delivered to their new homes at 12 weeks. 

Additionally, they provide a one-year health guarantee for life-threatening issues.

Su Chen Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Su Chen Shih Tzu
• Address: Pena Blanca, NM 87041
• Phone: (505) 465-0098
• Email: ​psuchen@hotmail.com 
• Special Notes: While this Shih Tzu breeder does not offer shipping, she will be happy to assist you in arranging hand delivery.

9. Jolisse – Florida

Jocelyn Fuertes is a Shih Tzu breeder in Florida. She has been breeding these dogs successfully under Jolisse for over 20 years.

They have won the American Championship and a number of international titles, such as World, International, Cicalam, Las Americas, Latin American, El Caribe, and Puerto Rico.

Their Shih Tzu puppies have limited registration and spay/neuter contracts, but they look and act like real show dogs.

These pets are potty trained before leaving their home at the age of 12 weeks, while their show dogs remain with them for six months or more.

Jolisse Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Jolisse
• Address: Miami, FL 33176
• Email: jolisse@email.com 

10. Sing-Yu Shih Tzu – Arizona

Leanne Rager is from Arizona, and she breeds and shows Shih Tzu dogs. She has been breeding and showing Shih Tzu dogs for more than 40 years.

Sing-Yu Shih Tzu’s top priority is to preserve this wonderful breed’s genetic health and quality.

They conduct regular testing for renal function, thyroid, and Von Willebrand’s disease.

They also perform hip X-rays for an Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certification to ensure the genetic health of their breeding dogs to the best of their ability.

From time to time, Sing-Yu Shih Tzu has puppies for serious show homes and loving pet homes. All pet puppies are placed under strict spay/neuter contracts.

Sing-Yu Shih Tzu Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Sing-Yu Shih Tzu
• Address: Tucson, AZ 85741
• Email: Lrager@comcast.net 

If you want to add a Shih Tzu to your family, choosing reputable breeders can give you confidence in your decision and ensure you’re getting a healthy puppy.

Other Sources to Find Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale

Even though there are many Shih Tzu breeders from whom you can get a puppy, this breed of toy dog is very popular. You will usually have to put your name on a waiting list before you can get one.

The following is a list of some additional resources where you can find Shih Tzu puppies for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is a great resource for finding reputable breeders in your area. The site lets you look for Shih Tzu breeders near you and gives you information about each one, like how to contact them and if they have any puppies for sale.
• Shih Tzu Club of America – The Shih Tzu Club of America maintains a list of reputable breeders on its website. You can look up breeders by state and contact them directly to ask if they have available Shih Tzu puppies for sale.
• PuppySpot – This platform helps the AKC and American Humane protect dogs. They conduct rigorous checks on every breeder who wants to offer their wares on the site. So, you can be sure that you’ll be able to find trustworthy Shih Tzu breeders in this area.

Online marketplaces and classified ads can offer a wide variety of puppies, but it’s crucial to exercise caution and research the seller thoroughly.

Pet stores may also have Shih Tzu puppies for sale, but verifying the source is important as avoiding supporting puppy mills.

Whatever source you choose, prioritize the health and well-being of the puppy and ensure that you’re working with a reputable seller.

How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

A purebred Shih Tzu puppy can range from $1,000 and $3,000. But this figure might vary depending on the puppy’s gender, color, age, or pedigree.

Some Shih Tzu puppies for sale are more expensive than average since the breed produces specific, rare coat colors.

There is also a price difference between pet-quality and show-quality puppies, so discussing your goals with the breeder is important. 

Most Shih Tzu breeders take their puppies to the veterinarian to have them checked out, vaccinated, and treated for worms. Hence, expect to pay a lot for healthy, high-quality pups.

However, these aren’t the only out-of-pocket costs of bringing a dog into your home. The following is a list, with approximate prices, of the items you will need to purchase before bringing your new puppy into the house:

Note that this is just an estimate provided for your reference. 

The type of goods and brands you intend to buy and the store where you plan to make your purchases will all significantly impact the exact cost.

How Do You Find the Best Shih Tzu Breeders in Your Area?

Finding the best Shih Tzu breeders in your area can be challenging, but with proper knowledge, you can make an informed decision.

Look for breeders who are registered with reputable organizations, have a history of producing healthy and well-socialized puppies, and are transparent about their breeding practices. 

Below are some tips when looking for Shih Tzu breeders in your area:

• Do some research. Start by researching Shih Tzu puppies for sale and breeders in your area. Look up reputable websites, forums, or social media groups where you can find information about local breeders. You can also ask friends, family, and local pet stores for recommendations.
• Check for credentials. Look for breeders with the necessary credentials and certifications, such as the AKC registration, which ensures the breeder meets specific standards for ethical breeding practices.
• Read reviews. Read reviews and testimonials from other customers who have bought puppies from the breeder. This will give you an idea of their experience with the breeder and the puppies.
• Visit the breeder. Before making a final decision, it’s essential to visit the breeder’s facility and see the conditions in which the dogs are kept. A good breeder will be happy to show you around and answer any questions you have.
• Interview the breeder. It’s essential to interview the breeder to get a sense of their knowledge and passion for the breed. You should feel comfortable asking them questions about their breeding practices and the care they provide for their dogs.

Regardless of where you find your Shih Tzu puppy, make sure to do your research and only purchase from a reliable source.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Find the Best Dog Breeder?

Start by researching the breed you’re interested in to learn about their temperament, health issues, and other characteristics.

This will help you find breeders who know about the breed and who raise healthy and friendly dogs.

In addition, check breed-specific clubs and organizations. There are clubs and organizations for many different breeds that can help you find good breeders.

How Do You Tell If a Breeder Is a Good Breeder?

Choosing a good breeder is crucial to ensure you get a healthy and well-socialized pet.

For instance, a good breeder tests their breeding dogs for hereditary problems, such as congenital defects, that could pass on to their puppies. 

Reputable breeders are also open about how they raise their dogs and will give you all the information you need to adopt one.

What Questions Should You Ask a Breeder When Buying a Puppy?

It’s important to ask the right questions when buying a puppy from a breeder to ensure you get a healthy, well-adjusted puppy from a reputable breeder.

For instance, ask the breeder to provide information about the parents’ health and temperament and whether the puppy has been screened for genetic disorders.

Asking questions can help you ensure that the breeder you’re considering is reputable and that you’re making an informed decision when choosing your new puppy.

How Do You Know If a Dog Breeder Is Scamming You?

Unfortunately, some dishonest breeders out there are only interested in making money and may scam unsuspecting buyers.

If a breeder cannot provide any information on the health of their dogs, this may be a red flag that they are not performing adequate health checks.

Also, you can judge a breeder’s reliability and consistency by what their past clients say about them. A lack of references may indicate that a breeder is not legitimate.

Final Thoughts

While it’s easy to find inexpensive Shih Tzu puppies for sale with a quick online search, you are likely compromising your future pup and your expenses. The truth is that high-quality dogs are costly.

If you want to add a Shih Tzu puppy to your household, be prepared to go through a thorough process.

This could mean looking for reputable breeders, filling out applications for puppies, and learning as much as possible about the breed.

Searching for the right Shih Tzu breeders might be a time-consuming task. But remember that good breeders ensure their dogs and puppies are healthy and well-raised.

Hence, you don’t need to worry about your pup’s well-being or the money you spend.

We would like to hear your opinion and experiences with Shih Tzu breeders. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!