So, you are looking for a Shih Tzu puppy but you are not quite sure yet how to go about it. Even if you do, “which most people will” there are some key things which you must take into consideration before you buy a puppy. Such as the cost, choosing the right breeder, feeding and basic care, and maintenance costs. So before you begin your search. You should consider these points. We will cover all that in this post. We have an ongoing discount, on our Shih Tzus for sale. Click here to learn more about the discount on our Shih Tzu puppies for sale.
Firstly, let’s talk about shih tzus. The Shih Tzu dog breed originated from Tibet and is believed to be bred from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. They make really great pets. With low maintenance cost, easygoing temperament, smart and easy to train. Shih Tzus are also recommended by therapists as emotional support or amazing therapy dogs.
For first-time dog owners, the Shih Tzu dog breed would be the most ideal option. As exciting as it is, when buying your first pet. You must be cautious too. Ensuring that you follow the right procedure and stay safe. Even if you only want one within a close proximity. The points mentioned would be helpful. Without further ado, let’s dive into it.
The Cost, Shih Tzu Puppies For Sale
The cost of the Shih Tzu puppy differs from one Shih Tzu breeder to another. Shih Tzu breeders charge different prices for various reasons. Does it mean that the more you pay for your Shih Tzu puppy the better quality you get? Or the less you pay for your shih tzu dog the less quality you end up with? Absolutely not! Although most Shih Tzu breeders who charge very high often take really good care of their puppies. It is about an 80% guarantee that you will end up with a Shih Tzu dog you would love. You must consider this when on the hunt for a new companion.
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However, you need not worry. We will cover everything on choosing the right shih tzu breeder. Whether you are paying high or low. If you follow these guidelines. You have a 100% guarantee of ending up with the perfect Shih Tzu dog. Shih Tzus costs up to $3,500 or even $4,000 and as low as $500 or $650.
Why Some Shih Tzu Dogs Are Expensive
Let’s dive into some of the factors that may cause the price of Shih Tzu dogs to be higher than others. When searching for Shih Tzu puppies for sale. It is very important that you note down all these points. So as to guide you in your search and help you make the right decision. Remember, buying a Shih Tzu puppy is a lifelong commitment. Therefore, you must be willing to put in that extra effort. So as to ensure that the day you pick up your puppy or welcome your puppy home. Would be one you will always look back to and smile.
Breeder Reputation
This point just had to come in first. A Shih Tzu breeder who has successfully built a very good reputation will obviously charge more. The reason is that they have so many people on their waiting list and they get lots of inquiries about their shih tzu dogs. Therefore, it is normal that the Shih Tzu breeder does not only set a high price for their Shih Tzu puppies but is also picky. This means, you may be able to afford the puppy but the Shih Tzu breeder might not see you as a good fit. Click here or on the image below to view our Shih Tzu puppies for sale ready to go.
The Pedigree Of The Shih Tzu Dog
This simply means that the dog, parents, grandparents, great grand parents etc were purebred. Not only that but you can also trace their lineage going back up to several generations. So, a breeder who has a good reputation and an outstanding pedigree will definitely charge you high for their puppies.
Coat Color and Pattern Of The Puppy
The coat color of the Shih Tzu puppy greatly influences the price. Some coat colors are more expensive than others. For instance, the Liver Shih Tzu can cost up to $3,500, Red, up to $1,500, Silver, $1,000, and white $750. Do you see how something very little can have a great effect on the price? So the total cost of the Shih Tzu puppy is not dependent on only one factor but multiple. The white Shih Tzu which generally costs $750, if sold by a reputable breeder with a great pedigree. Will definitely not cost $750. Chances are, it will be more expensive. Maybe up to $2,500.
Age and Training
The age and training of the Shih Tzu puppy can also influence the price. For instance, if the puppy has been potty and crate-trained trained, understands a few words or actions. Such as performing an action to inform you when they want to potty or go for a walk. If a puppy is able to do these very basic things, then the breeder will ask for a high price. Potty training a dog is not an easy task and not every shih tzu breeder puts in that dedication. Generally, puppies are more expensive than full-grown dogs. Most people would prefer to buy a puppy so they can start creating beautiful and loving memories right from when their little paws are not yet firm on the ground. So, the age and training really affect the asking price of the puppy. Although not always, however in most cases. Breeders who put in more time in raising their puppies tend to charge high.
Where To Find Shih Tzu Puppies For Sale
You can easily find a puppy by doing a Google search, on Instagram, or Facebook. Also, it could be through a referral. You can make inquiries from friends and family if they can refer you to a Shih Tzu breeder. So let’s look at and analyze the various methods of searching for shih tzu puppies.
Search Engines
A quick search on search engines such as google.com and Bing will land you on some shih tzu breeders. You can then get in contact with them and either visit the breeder or have the puppy delivered to you. It is important to do your research and contact as many breeders as you can till you find one you feel a bond with.
Social Media
Social media is a place that has been recently used for more than just interacting with friends and family. On Facebook, for instance, there are so many groups you can join. Just by doing a random search on Facebook. You would be able to find some shih tzu breeders. Be careful though, as Facebook has very untrustworthy breeders since basically anyone can put up fake posts. The same goes for Instagram, you can easily find shih tzus for sale on Instagram by doing a quick search or using hashtags.
Classifieds
There are a number of classified websites you can go to when searching for a puppy. The most popular and yet most risky is Craigslist lol. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend someone who is looking for a pet to do so on Craigslist. It is well known for so many fake breeders and generally, people you can’t really trust. All you have to do is search for Shih Tzu puppies for sale on Craigslist. You will get results based on your location. A classified website I’ll recommend is hoobly. There are so many classifieds. You just need to do a quick search on Google and you will stumble on tons of them!
Referrals
After Google, this is by far the absolute best option for you. Try asking friends and family if they know of any Shih Tzu breeders they can refer you to. Firstly, you have assurance since the person referring you must have probably bought a Shih Tzu puppy from them before or knows someone who did. You would want to ask about their overall experience with the breeder.
Who To Buy A Shih Tzu Puppy From
Now that you know where to go when searching for a Shih Tzu puppy. Let’s look at who you should or can buy from. There are three options when searching for shih tzu puppy. You either buy the shih tzu dog from a shih tzu breeder, a shelter/rescue, or a shih tzu owner looking to rehome their new litter. We will analyze each of these options and then I will give you my opinion on the best option.
A Shih Tzu Breeder
Finding a good shih tzu breeder is usually not an easy task. There are so many points you must check before making that final decision. Such as, how interactive the breeder is, their temperament, relationship with their dogs, and policy on visits. All of these will be elaborated upon in the following paragraphs.
How Interactive Is The Shih Tzu Breeder?
A shih tzu breeder who is very interactive is definitely one you should buy your shih tzu puppy from. Such as responding to all your questions, and asking more about you and your lifestyle. The basic things to ensure that their shih tzu dog will be going into a great home. A breeder who asks many questions and is very concerned about the new home of their puppies is a breeder you should buy your shih tzu puppy from.
The Shih Tzu Breeder’s Temperament
A shih tzu breeder who is very evasive to your questions, easily gets upset, is rude, or maybe blunt. Is one you should avoid. Buying a new puppy is a fun and amazing experience not only for the buyer but also for the breeder. As a breeder, trust me! I know exactly what I mean. When I have a new litter that is ready to go. I’m always very excited and look forward to meeting their new owners. Just from communicating with someone, I can easily tell if they would be a great fit or not.
Their Relationship With Their Dogs
I love my dogs, I love my dogs so much! I never stop talking about them. You want to go for a breeder who has a great relationship with their dogs. They see them as their pets too and not just business or money-making creatures. Such breeders are absolutely cruel and usually do anything to get their hands on your money as fast as they can. When you do something out of love, you go for what is best. When you just want the money, you go for what is cost-effective. Some Shih Tzu breeders have a very poor diet plan for their dogs. This greatly affects their health as they grow. They are unwilling to take out time and make a nice homemade recipe that is healthy and rich in nutrients. So, just because the breeder has Shih Tzu puppies for sale does not mean they are the best option. Look out for their relationship with their dogs!
I’ll use a very practical example. Some farmers use very toxic fertilizers and pesticides on their crops. It increases output but all of those toxic chemicals are bad for you. This farmer is profit-driven and cares less about the consumer or the crops they are growing.
On the other hand, there is another farmer who loves plants so much. He grows his crops mainly for home consumption and sometimes shares with friends and family. He may also take some to the farmer’s market to sell. Such a farmer will only use organic fertilizer and pesticides. Well, because he consumes his crops and actually cares about his plants. The exact same thing applies here. For instance, I only breed once a year.
Do They Offer A Health Guarantee,
A shih tzu breeder who is confident of their breeding program would not be opposed to selling their puppies with a health guarantee. For instance, all of my puppies come with a lifetime health guarantee against congenital defects. They also come with all health records. I do this because I am very confident in my breeding program. You can always check my available page to find out if I have Shih Tzu puppies for sale ready to go.
If the breeder in question does not offer a health guarantee, you can simply ask for it and then see what their response would be. You would want to take the puppy for a vet check to ensure that the puppy is in great health. I personally recommend this. Anyone who buys a Shih Tzu puppy from me must take the puppy for a vet check within the duration of 1 week. This is to verify the health records I provided and show that the puppy was in great health at the time of purchase.
Their Policy On Visits
A Shih Tzu breeder who accepts visits is definitely one you should consider. Most often, some breeders raise their puppies in horrible conditions. Which makes their puppies pick up some infections due to their poor sanitary conditions. A breeder who refuses to let you come over for pickup is one you should be wary of. However, it is advisable not to jump to conclusions. Some breeders raise their puppies in their homes. So, they might not feel very comfortable welcoming so many random strangers into their homes.
Just like me for instance, when I had a litter of Shih Tzu puppies for sale. At first, I used to permit visits. But, each time I had a new litter I’ll have so many people coming over most of who are not even ready to buy. This exposed my family a lot and it was not very healthy for the puppies. As their immune system are not fully developed yet. So, I only permit visits for those who have made a deposit or put down a deposit to be added to the waiting list. Even then, you are allowed to meet just your puppy.
Should You Depend Solely On This?
Although it is a good option to work with. You should, however, not be very dependent on this alone. A breeder might accept that you come over for pick up and have a look at their Shih Tzu puppies for sale. But, they only clean up on the day of pickup. So, upon arriving you might think they raise the puppies in such great conditions. But in reality, they do not. This is why you must use all key points to help you out in picking the right Shih Tzu breeder
Advantages Of Buying From A Shih Tzu Breeder
These are some of the advantages of buying your Shih Tzu puppy from a Shih Tzu breeder when on the hunt for a Shih Tzu for sale. You can either go for a local Shih Tzu breeder or go for a breeder or an out-of-state breeder. Both of these have pros and cons. We’ll analyze them and then get to a conclusion on which would be the best option for you.
Buying A Shih Tzu Puppy From A Local Breeder
When looking for a Shih Tzu puppy. Some people prefer to limit their search locally. This has its ups and downsides. For starters, if you only want a puppy from a breeder in your local area. The chances of finding one becomes very slim. Even if you do find a shih tzu breeder near you. What if he does not have the best shih tzus for sale or his asking price is too high? Let us dive into the pros and cons of limiting your search to shih tzu puppies for sale near me.
Advantages
- When you buy a Shih Tzu puppy in your local area, you can easily pick up the puppy. This allows you to bond and interact with the puppy before making your decision.
- If the Shih Tzu breeder is near you. You get to save money on gas as compared to if you had to pay for a shipping fee or personally drive for hours to pick up the puppy.
- Meeting the Shih Tzu breeder near you gives you the opportunity to tell if they are a good choice or not. You are able to interact with them and observe them. Also, you get to find out the conditions under which they raise their puppies.
Disadvantages
- Limiting your search to breeders near you limits your chances of finding the ideal Shih Tzu breeder. What if the only good breeders are out of state? Does that mean you would rather settle for less when you could actually get the best?
- You may find a breeder near you but their asking price is more than you can afford. Therefore your entire search would have been in vain
- It is not every breeder you come across who will want you to have their shih tzu puppies. Some might for personal reasons not find you as the best option for them.
From the points above, we can observe that limiting your search to shih tzus for sale near me will not be the best option for you. If you are searching for one close to you, it would be best for you to keep an open mind. I have come across some people who only wanted a puppy in their local area. But after communicating with me. They just realized I was the best option. I’ve had people come over from out of state and others whom I shipped my puppy to them.
Buying A Shih Tzu Puppy From An Owner
Buying a shih tzu puppy from a shih tzu owner is by far one of the cheapest yet most risky routes to take. Most especially if you do not know the owner. Most people who are looking to rehome their new litter will often charge you a small rehoming fee. You could spend about $300. Keep in mind that, they are not licensed breeders so the experience might be a little different. Let us analyze the pros and cons.
Advantages
- You can end up with an inexpensive Shih Tzu puppy for sale. Spending as little as $300.
- You stand the chance of creating a new friend. Who knows, after buying the puppy you just might end up making a new friend. Maybe even a life partner, many beautiful love stories started this way.
- If your hunt for a Shih Tzu puppy is limited to an owner only. There is a high probability you might find a Shih Tzu owner in your local area.
Disadvantages
- You might not get a health guarantee. This is very important. It is possible to ask, but they can just tell you no and sell their Shih Tzu puppy to someone else.
- Since the owner is not a breeder. There is a high chance they did not put in as much effort or dedication in raising the litter. So, you might spend less for the puppy but in the long run, spend more on vet bills. You definitely do not want that.
- You can easily find a Shih Tzu owner on classified websites such as Craigslist or social media offering Shih Tzu puppies for sale. I am sure you know the reputation Craigslist has when it comes to puppies for sale.
- Most owners would not want you to come to their home. Therefore, you do not get to see where the puppies were raised.
Shih Tzus For Sale From Shelter/Rescue
If you are looking to save a dog. Then this would be your best option. When searching for a puppy. Some people are really just hoping to save a dog out there. If that’s you, by all means, go for it. You are doing a very good thing because those dogs are just lost. I sometimes volunteer at my local shelter. However, if you want a Shih Tzu pup and you think this would be the cheaper option for you. Then what awaits you is doom. Let’s get into the upsides and downsides.
Pros
- You get to find a puppy which you wouldn’t need to break the bank to afford the puppy.
- Those rescue dogs are sometimes in pretty bad condition and just need love and care. So, you are doing a good thing by saving one.
Cons
- If your aim was to spend less when searching for Shih Tzu puppies for sale. You might instead end up spending more on vet bills.
- Not everyone has the guts to look after a needy dog. You might just end up sad or depressed constantly seeing your new dog in a bad condition. It builds resentment over time in some people they end up taking the dogs back. Truly heartbreaking.
- If you want a Puppy and you absolutely believe this is a good call. You might end up with a shih tzu dog that has an underlying health issue. Which might infect your other dog at home. That is if you have one. Also, dogs carry some diseases which are transferable to humans. So this is not a cost-effective option. Only go for this if you have a big heart and you are ready to go all in.
Tips On Building A Solid Search When Looking For A Shih Tzu Puppy
We have discussed the key points to implement when looking for a Shih Tzu puppy. It is a rational thing, to desire the best quality at the best price. So, you might want to follow these few bonus tips and guidelines.
Write Down How Much You Want To Spend On The Puppy
Having a fixed budget or budget limit really narrows down your search on shih tzu puppies for sale and makes it easier. By so doing, you know where to go to and who to go to. An average budget would range from about $700 to $1,300. With this budget, there is a very high probability that you will find a good breeder and end up with an amazing Shih Tzu puppy.
Just like if you want to buy a house or car. Setting a fixed amount on how much you are willing to spend narrows down where you will search. You won’t go for a brand-new car if your budget is $3,000. You won’t go for a mansion if your budget is $100,000. So, knowing how much you are willing to spend on the puppy really gives you a kickstart.
Is Your Search For Shih Tzu Puppy Restricted To Local Or Not?
Setting a radius you hope to find a puppy makes your search easy. Taking the points we previously mentioned, that is, the advantages and disadvantages of wanting to buy a shih tzu puppy locally only. So, use that and then decide on what to go for. My best advice would be to keep an open mind and not restrict your search to a small radius.
Tips On Being A Good Buyer While Looking For Shih Tzus For Sale
Did you know that most great breeders do not have a problem with, people showing interest in their puppies? They instead have more people interested they end up having a problem of choice. That is, who should take home their shih tzus for sale? If you want the breeder to choose you. There are some key things the breeder would like to see that you can implement. Such as your commitment, and temperament. They will be discussed in the following paragraphs. We will also discuss how to get the best price from any breeder.
Your Commitment To The Shih Tzu Puppies
It is highly essential that the breeder sees your commitment and dedication to the puppy. When breeders put up their puppies for sale. They usually get so many inquiries. So, the question you should ask yourself is, what makes me different? There are a few ways by which you can show the breeder that you are committed.
- Share as much relevant information about yourself. Things like, if you have previous experience with Shih Tzu or know someone who owns a Shih Tzu. Your current lifestyle and how getting a Shih Tzu puppy would make it better.
- Although most Shih Tzu breeders would provide you with information on feeding and basic care. You want to however make them know that you have done some extensive research yourself. Ask the breeder as many questions as you can too.
- Every breeder wants to ensure that their shih tzu puppies will be properly cared for. If you have previously owned or currently own a Shih Tzu puppy or any other dog. Sharing the vet records with the breeder gives them a clear picture. As for those who have never owned a dog before. You can simply search for vets in your local area. Informing the breeder that you already have a vet who will look after your shih tzu puppy if there is a need for medical attention. As you look for Shih Tzu puppies for sale. You want to be fully committed.
Your Temperament
Just like you would observe the breeder’s temperament, they too will observe yours. This is not something you can fake. But it is possible that on a bad day, you may be a little on the edge. The breeder will pass their judgment based on your attitude on that specific day. Whereas, normally, that is just not you. So, it is really important to give off that positive energy
Before Looking For A Puppy, Prepare Your Home
When expecting a baby, what do most people do? They baby-proof their home, get a new crib, paint the baby’s room, and lots more. The same thing applies in this situation. Before you begin your search. Ensure that your home is well prepared. Buy some basic items such as puppy chew toys, a bed, a blanket, and some puppy clothes. Imagine contacting a breeder and not just telling them but showing them all the items you have bought for a puppy you do not even have yet. This shows how committed you are and how much you will spoil the Shih Tzu puppy once the purchase is complete.
These are the basic things you need to know when looking for a Shih Tzu puppy. Check out our available Shih Tzu puppies page to find out if we have puppies ready to go. We also have an amazing Shih Tzu community you would enjoy. It’s just Shih Tzu owners being proud Shih Tzu owners. Sharing tips among each other, playing games, and celebrating holidays.
Thank you for reading and even if you do not end up buying your shih tzu puppy from me. I wish you the best in your search. Thanks for reading!