How much are your puppies? The cost of acquiring one of our puppies is based on a great number of variables and pricing BEGINS at $500.00, but can go to $1500.00 Please do NOT assume the pup will be $500.00. The cost of pups will be determined upon birth up to two weeks, and not before, and does NOT include shipping/delivery (if applicable).  We have invested a great deal of time, effort, and money to help ensure that the puppies that are available are of the highest quality in regards to socialization & breed standard.  Along with each pup, a pedigree is provided so that you may trace their heritage back in time and to also to show the Champions (if any) within their bloodline.  I will show my pedigrees if you request, I do not list them on the site, as I feel one should buy the pup for the pup, and not the lines.  We do not promote our puppies as "show quality" or with "champion lines", though they may possess one or both. The following are some of the basic criteria used in pricing: Gender - Females may cost more, all other items being equal. Size - The Shih Tzu standard is 9 to 16 pounds Coat - The fullness of the coat, the thicker/richer the coat the more expensive. Color - Solids usually carry a higher price than those with white. Symmetry - Multi colored Shih Tzu with closer to ideal balance and symmetry cost more than those that may be mismarked.  Bite - The closer to the standard the more expensive. Tail Set - The closer to the standard the more expensive. Each puppy and prospective "parents" are both special and unique.  Pricing can only be determined on specific pups, their attributes, and the environment that they would be going into. Please do not call and ask what our cheapest pups are. Again, prices are based individualy on each pup. Are your prices for your puppies and older adults negotiable? Many people ask this question.  Why, I am not too sure.  I personally have never asked this question to a breeder.  The answer is NO!!     Why??      The reason our prices are NOT negotiable : *I do not make money or a profit from the sales of my babies.  This is put back in to food, shots, health care, vet visits and time invested, just to name a few.  Think about your vet visits, or call for a quote for a check up and shots, and microchipping.  Then times that by at least 5!!  This is not my business, this is my passion and our love.  Most true breeders will tell you the same.  *I keep prices reasonable.  I have heard from so many people just that.  And thanks to them!!  Ask what I have paid for my dogs!! (But don't tell my hubby) *Quality of our babies is exeptional.  One of our puppy parents stated : "My vet said that he is the perfect Shih Tzu.  Excellent quality, well socialized.  You do not see too many like that..."  I would have liked to show him, but he is going to be altered, so...!  You see the pups in the paper and the want ads, sure they are cheap, but what will they cost you in the end?  And pet stores, heck, Shih Tzus are at the least 900.00, and those are mill dogs - regardless of what anyone says.  Reputable breeders do NOT sell their babies in a pet store! *Also remember, I have put time and money into the adults to make sure they are healthy and happy.  (Think of all those vet visits alone!) *The same for older dogs...  Just remember, they have been here longer, there is more medical expenses, they are trained, there is more invested time and money all together.  If I charged you what I paid for them, plus all the medical and food, shelter, care, and so on...compare THAT to their price!! *I never sell dogs with out papers.  To some people, papers are a big deal, and to others they are not.  Regardless, there will always be a "paper trail" behind each and every one of my puppies and adults. . *Family always has the right to first refusal on an older dog, regardless of anything else, as long as there has been no specific deposit placed on that dog. *We do not sell "show" dog or "pet" dogs. Please do not ask if we have a cheaper pet dog.  All of our dogs are sold as pets, but have quality behind them.  **********Please don't come to me looking for a "cheap" dog.  Reasonable priced dog, sure, I all ready do that....  I want my babies to be taken care of.  You don't have to be rich to own one.  I get many notes from people who say I only have $100.00 to spend.  Well, then by all means, adopt!!  Save a life!  But get a purebred for that? If you can from another breeder, please fill me in, too! I also get many notes from "retirees". "...we are on a limited budget..." No, I am not picking on you, so don't be offended, but think of this:   At least you are retired!  I work (for free!!) , my husband works, full time. The only retired I will see is my life is : I am tired, the next day, still tired, and after that I am retired again. I have young children and furbabies to raise and care for.  So please, don't tell me about limited budgets! Look at what your paying for. You'll know what your getting, and where it came from. Remember, quality is not cheap, though quantity is.*********** Should I buy a male or female? This is a big question for most people.   Most people first say to me, "Female!!".  When I question to as why, and I do... I ususally receive the answer that  "...they are nicer, more loving, I can dress up my female, etc..." .   Well, this subject is varied on opinion from breeder to breeder, and person to person.  Living with both males and females, each and everyone of my precious babies having completely different personalities, I still agree with the majority of people on this one ! Males tend to be more loving.  They are more affectionate, and more loyal to their "parent".  Your male will be neutered, so he will not lift his leg, never mark territoy (they will squat as a female does) given you do as recommended by us.  Females, on the other hand... well, they are like any female.  They have mood swings.  They tend to give attention to you when they want.  They are more independent than the males..choosing to wander off by theirselves so they "are not bothered".  HOWEVER - people with only 1 or 2 dogs, either similiar sexed or opposite sex, may not see this difference in personality.  All I am saying is just "do not discard the male".  As with all Shih Tzus, they are more like humans than dogs.  Their feelings are hurt, they smile, they sulk.   They are a sensitive breed.  And you can dress up both males and females, and boys can wear bows, too.     Will the puppy have a limited registration with a mandatory spay/neuter contract? Yes!  There are no longer any exceptions.  We absolutely will not give full registration on any of our bred by babies. Please read the new note on the about us page for more info. How many times a year do you breed your females? Females are bred once a year, depending on their cycles. Do keep in mind that a shih tzu heat cycle can run anywhere from every 6 months, to every 10 months, and all in between, and it is never the same. My girls tend to cycle every 9-10 months, and are NOT bred every cycle either.  Sometimes they are bred back to back, then given rest.  Other times they are bred, then rested. Are you knowledgeable about raising puppies, critical neonatal periods, and proper socialization techniques? Absolutely!  Ask for references if you would like.  I can provid multitudes. Are the puppy's sire and dam available for me to meet? Absolutely..I encourage it. I welcome visitors to my home and will be happy to provide any information or references requested. You are welcome to meet the furbabies. You may visit us when I announce a prospective mating, or at any other time. I will no longer allow any vistors when there are new babies. It is just too risky for their health.  PLEASE DO NOT ASK!!  I understand that you want to come and see your new bundle of joy, but I update pictures every week, that right there is more than most breeders do, I provide you with a video clip, and I always answer all your questions that you may have.  Shih Tzu are also not like larger breeds.  Your puppy will not choose you (we used to raise large breeds, so we know)...if you get inside a pen with a litter of tzu, be prepared to take all of them home! Do you provide a pedigree, a complete health record, and material to help with feeding, grooming, training, and housebreaking? Absolutely.  Pedigree as far back as I have it, a puppy manual is given with your puppy pak, and health records and certificates are included as well.  Will you be available to answer any and all questions or concerns that we may have for the life of the dog? Yes,  that is if "we" out live the dog!! If you decide to go to another breeder for a shih-tzu DO NOT write me for dog advice. I service my own furbaby parents, not someone else's. Please don't expect me to give you free advice on another's dog, whether you have purchased a pup from us or not.  We are always happy and willing to answer any questions, concerns, etc about our own dogs..but we cannot and will not comment on anothers dogs. If you want advice, BUY A DOG FROM ME. THAT comes with the PRICE of my dogs!  You will pay MORE in a PET SHOP, and what are you getting? If you bought from another breeder, congrats, and hopefully you did your research.  However, please ask THEM your questions if you have any that arise.  I will not put myself in the middle of anyone else's isues or problems.  Do you make recommendations of other breeders, or can you help me find the right dog if you have none available? If I have no puppies available, please do not ask for recommendations.  If you are not going to buy one of my pups, for whatever reason, don't ask for recommendations.  Do not ask me what to look for in a pup, how to check the breeders out, or anything else like that. Do not ask me what color your dog is from another breeder, and so on.  Frankly, it is none of my business, so do not make it that way.   If you want a quality dog, then come here for a quality dog.  I will answer all of your questions then.   I do not promote other people's animals, or other people.  I have done that in the past, and frankly, I have lost more confidence with other breeders that way. There are many quality breeders out there, and only you can be the judge. Do not use my experience and expertese for anything other than my dogs! I also will not fill you in on the "bad breeder" of the moment. There is so much, as the coined phrase goes... "breeder eat breeder" sagas going on, every day someone else is the new "bad breeder". That is not my business, and I will not help to make it yours. Please make sure you know who you are talking to.  If you called me, make sure you know that you called me.  This has nothing to do with "you NEED to buy my dogs and no one elses"... I am just not in a position to say who is good, who is not, and frankly, my dogs are my business.  I put all have into them and myself and my research.  I have standards, and live up to them and the goals we have set.  I cannot in good faith speak for anyone else. Do you sell puppies to pet shops or commercial pet mill establishments, donate puppies for raffles or auctions, crossbreed or sell crossbred puppies, or give stud service to unregistered bitches? Absolutely not!!!  I do not support pet shops (been kicked out of many) , I do not support mixed breeding (go adopt at the shelter). Be wary of those who are mix breeding or producing "designer dogs". "Designer dogs" are those cross breeds of the moment, yorki poos, shi poos, etc. The idea is that they can produce a dog that inherits the greatest qualities of both. Unless they are making test tube doggies, this is a ridiculous idea, and far from the truth. If it was, they would have a breed standard listing. Cross breeding designer dogs is done for one purpose, and one purpose only, money. Save your 500.00 plus and go to the pound. Do not buy into the hype.  The mixed breed "designer" dogs are not more healthy nor less expensive than purebreds. PLease see our area on the bad breeder alert page for the prisoners of greed website. How many breeds of dogs do you raise? Are they kept in kennels? Should I stay away from breeders who raise more than one breed, or those who have kennels?  I raise only one breed, the shih tzu, though I have rescue cats (indoor) and a rescue guinea pig and a Simese Fighting Fish... I cannot speak for any one else, or put a limit on how many breeds one should have. People can have numerous breeds, and still have excellent babies who are well loved and cared for, and some do not.  Some people should not even have one dog. I personally shy away from breeders who are mix - breeding. That is nothing more than my opinion. Use your discretion and research. I do not kennel here, all of my babies are raised in home and treated as members of the family. I do not agree with or condone kennel use. It works for some, and others, it does not. Again, that is a buyer's decision.