For those who are considering getting a Shih Tzu puppy or perhaps those who have purchased one and want to know if they paid too much, the truth is that Shih Tzus are highly prized. That means you can expect to pay more for a Shih Tzu puppy both in terms of the initial price and with all the things you need to ensure the puppy remains healthy and happy.
In addition to the initial price, you can expect to pay for a bed, food and water dishes, pee pads, and perhaps a playpen or play area. Add to this dog food, grooming supplies, and trips to the veterinarian and you can expect to pay over the lifetime of your Shih Tzu. For many Shih Tzu owners, the price is worth it thanks to the loving nature of these special dogs.
Initial Price
Unless you happen to find a Shih Tzu puppy at a rescue shelter, you can expect to pay from $700 up to $3,000 for a Shih Tzu puppy. The price varies depending on location as there are many breeders in southern states where you may find puppies as low as $500. However, in northern states, particularly New England there are relatively few breeders, so you might have to pay $1000 or more.
It’s all about supply and demand with puppies from show dogs being the most expensive. Be sure to check out the breeders in your area. This is because if you see a price that is not within the general average from a breeder, that is a red flag. For example, if you see Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale as purebreds and they cost $100, there is probably something fishy going on.
In fact, if any breeder is asking less than $500, then there must be some concern about the animal. Perhaps it’s nothing nefarious, but any price lower than $500 usually means a poorly bred breed of Shih Tzu. They may be subject to health issues or genetic conditions that may not show up right away but may cost you as it becomes an adult.
Registration
There is the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Continental Kennel Club (CKC) in the US. Of the two, the AKC is far stricter in terms of what type of dog can be registered. The CKC is far less restrictive as any dog may be registered as a purebred as long as there are two witnesses. This is why AKC registered Shih Tzus are going to be more expensive, but that is a given with the stricter registration requirements.
Other Tips
You’ll want to avoid purchasing Shih Tzu puppies from pet stores as they may come from a puppy mill, something that has been highly discouraged over the past few decades.
Another tip is the difference between pet quality and show quality for Shih Tzus. As with any dog, a show quality will be more expensive. But there is no such thing as the entire litter from a show dog as being show quality, so beware.
The Shih Tzu puppy you choose should be AKC registered, healthy, and suited to the purpose for which you made the purchase.
I got my shit zu for $250 and I have no problem he is 13 years now and was never sick I got him when he was 5 weeks old
I just lost my Shih tzu her name was Isabella I miss her so much
Where is the best place to find a puppy ?
I would like a small dog five ponds or less
I am small and can’t carry more than that for very long. I have a stroller and soft house and all the treats and toys and a great vet
We live in central Texas
Thank you.
Get yourself a Yorkie or Chihuahua as Shih Tzu are supposed to be between 9 – 16 lbs by breed standard. Anyone selling teacup Tzus are doing a disservice to both the breed and lives of Tzu and owner. They are breeding runts and risk passing defects down in the line. Puppies, should be with their Mother’s for a minimum of 8 weeks, and thats pushing it. 10 – 12 is preferred, especially with smaller breeds as they learn so much from their Mother. A good, well bred puppy is worth every $ you spend up front, as buying discounted may cost you many $ later on. Good luck…