How Much Are Shih Tzu Puppies? Honest Breeder Insight
- John Helmuth
- Dec 17, 2025
- 4 min read
How much are Shih Tzu puppies? Most well-bred, responsibly raised Shih Tzu puppies range from $1500 to $3000, depending on pedigree, health testing, early socialization, and overall breeder quality. At Champaign Shih Tzu, our puppies are priced to reflect the significant time, care, and dedication we invest in every litter. This includes AKC-registered, genetically tested parents, home raising with children, top-tier nutrition, veterinary care, and lifetime support.
When you choose a Shih Tzu from a family program like ours, you are not just buying a puppy. You are investing in health, temperament, and a stable future companion.
Why Shih Tzu puppy prices vary so widely
People are often surprised when they see Shih Tzu puppies listed online for very low prices, only to see what ethical breeders charge. The difference lies entirely in what goes into raising the puppy.
Some programs treat puppies like a product. Ethical breeders treat puppies like family.
Shih Tzu prices are shaped by how much effort, time, and genuine care have already gone into the puppy before the family ever meets them. Everything from the food they eat to the hands that raised them influences cost and long-term health.
Choosing a responsibly bred Shih Tzu means you are paying for the months of work poured into your puppy’s life long before you bring them home.
What goes into the price of a well-raised Shih Tzu
AKC-registered, genetically tested parents
Genetic testing and AKC registration are not just optional extras. They protect the health, structure, and temperament of future puppies. At Champaign Shih Tzu, every parent dog undergoes health screenings before joining our program. This significantly reduces the risk of inherited problems and increases your puppy’s long-term quality of life.
Home-raised puppies with daily interaction
Shih Tzus are companion dogs at their core. Puppies raised in kennels often lack the emotional development necessary to bond easily, adjust quickly, or feel confident in new environments. Our puppies grow up inside our home, sleeping near family sounds, playing with our children, learning to trust humans, and becoming well-adjusted little companions. This level of early socialization shapes their personality permanently.
Quality nutrition from day one
Nutrition plays a huge role in early development. We feed our litters Royal Canin Shih Tzu because it is specifically formulated for their digestion, coat health, and overall growth pattern. Every puppy goes home with a small starter bag and clear feeding instructions. We also recommend NuVet Plus supplements to support their developing immune systems. These choices contribute to both immediate and long-term health.
Veterinary care, microchips, and health guarantees
Responsible breeders invest heavily in veterinary oversight. Our puppies receive vaccinations, deworming, microchip information, and a two-year health guarantee. These steps protect your puppy and ensure families are starting their journey with a healthy, well-supported puppy.
Time, experience, and a lifetime of support
Raising litters the right way takes time, patience, and experience. Ethical breeders do not disappear once the puppy goes home. We stay connected with our families for life, offering guidance on feeding, grooming, training, and wellness. You are never left guessing or searching for answers alone.
Why lower-priced puppies often cost more in the long run
Cheaper Shih Tzu puppies are typically from untested parents, in poor living conditions, and with minimal veterinary care. They may look appealing on the surface, but families often end up facing medical bills, emotional stress, or behavioral issues.
Some hidden risks of low-cost puppies include:
Undiagnosed genetic problems
Anxiety due to poor socialization
Chronic digestive issues from low-quality food
Higher grooming challenges due to coat neglect
Difficulty adjusting to new homes
Ethical breeding prevents these problems before they ever begin.
What families tell us about the value of a well-raised puppy
Many of our families return months later to share how shocked they are by the difference in temperament compared to the puppies they’ve seen elsewhere. They describe their Shih Tzus as calm, affectionate, intelligent, and deeply bonded. They mention how quickly their puppy adjusted, how easy training was, and how sweet their puppy's temperament turned out to be.
That is the value of home-raised puppies. They begin life surrounded by human love, not concrete walls or wire pens. Their trust in people starts early, and it shows in every part of their adult personality.
What is included in the cost at Champaign Shih Tzu
When families invest in one of our puppies, they always receive:
AKC-registered, genetically tested lineage
Royal Canin Shih Tzu starter food
Age-appropriate vaccinations
Health records and microchip information
A two-year health guarantee
Daily handling and socialization with children
Early grooming exposure
Lifetime breeder support
Every one of these elements affects the puppy’s well-being and your experience as a new owner.
When families discover the real worth
Once your puppy curls up in your lap, follows your footsteps around the home, or looks up at your child with unshakable trust, the price fades into the background as the joy of having a well-raised Shih Tzu takes center stage. What you are truly paying for is peace of mind, health, stability, and the lifelong companionship that comes from ethical breeding.
Contact us
If you would like details about our current puppies, upcoming litters, or joining our waiting list, contact us, and we will be happy to guide you.
FAQ
How much are Shih Tzu puppies from reputable breeders? Most range from 1500 to 3000 dollars, depending on care, pedigree, and health testing.
Why do responsibly bred Shih Tzus cost more? Ethical breeders invest in genetic testing, nutrition, veterinary care, and home raising.
Are cheaper Shih Tzu puppies risky to buy? Yes. Poor breeding practices often lead to long-term health or behavioral problems.
Do AKC-registered puppies cost more?
Typically, yes, because registration and testing ensure higher quality and better health.
What does the price include at Champaign Shih Tzu? Veterinary care, food, health guarantees, early socialization, and lifelong support.
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