Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale: Check Costs and Vet Breeders

How much do Shih Tzu puppies usually cost?

The sources provided do not state a typical Shih Tzu puppy price, so there is no source-backed purchase-price range to quote. Ask each seller for an itemized written price rather than relying on a low advertised figure; a price alone cannot establish whether a breeder screens parents, provides records, or offers a sound contract.

Adoption fees are also not published in the research sources, so a precise breeder-versus-adoption comparison is not available. Use this comparison to separate what is known from what you still need to confirm:

Purchase price is only the first line in the budget. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports average pet spending, excluding acquisition or adoption costs, of $1,515 in 2023 and $1,516 in 2024; dog-owning households spent more than $1,700 on pets on average in each year. These are broad household figures, not Shih Tzu forecasts. The AVMA also reports an average 2024 veterinary visit cost of $214 for dogs, a figure that includes all costs for all pets seen during a visit and may include multiple pets.

The American Kennel Club lists veterinary care, licensing, training, grooming, walking, parasite prevention, and microchipping among dog ownership costs, and notes the first year costs more. Shih Tzus need regular coat grooming, according to the AKC breed profile. Add these recurring and startup expenses to your own budget rather than treating a seller’s price as the full cost.

What should be included in the price of a Shih Tzu puppy?

A responsible puppy sale should come with veterinary and vaccination records, clear care instructions, and written terms—not just a puppy and a receipt. Ask the breeder to itemize what is included and identify anything you must arrange or pay for separately.

The American Shih Tzu Club health statement recommends complete health records, care, feeding, and grooming instructions. It says puppies should be immunized and checked for parasites, with treatment if needed. Ask to see the actual documentation and have the seller explain dates and any recommended follow-up.

Confirm that the written agreement identifies the puppy and its parents, describes any health guarantee, and explains what happens if a veterinarian finds the puppy unfit or you can no longer keep the dog. The club recommends a veterinary examination within 48 hours of sale and a written agreement addressing a puppy found unfit by a veterinarian. Arrange that appointment promptly and check the contract’s requirements before pickup.

Deposit and pickup check:

1. Get the deposit amount, what it reserves, and refund or forfeiture terms in writing.
2. Confirm the puppy’s identity against the contract and review its records before final payment.
3. Agree on pickup details and any delivery charges before paying; do not accept surprise fees after the initial price.
4. Schedule a veterinary examination within the contract’s timeframe, with the Shih Tzu Club recommending an exam within 48 hours of sale.

How can I tell if a Shih Tzu breeder is reputable?

A reputable breeder can show relevant parent health testing, answers questions directly, screens prospective homes, and provides written terms that protect the dog. Treat the process as a two-way fit check: the breeder should ask about your home, and you should be able to inspect the evidence behind the puppy’s health claims.

The American Kennel Club’s breeder questions guide advises asking whether both parents had breed-relevant health testing and requesting proof. The American Shih Tzu Club identifies concerns breeders should understand and manage, including renal dysplasia, portosystemic shunt, hip and eye problems, allergies, von Willebrand disease, thyroid disorders, and inguinal hernias. Ask which screening is relevant to the parents and request the available documentation; do not assume a general claim of “healthy parents” answers that question.

Next, check the breeder’s conduct and contract. The AKC says responsible breeders prioritize health, temperament, and breed preservation over profit, screen prospective owners, and remain available after pickup. Its guidance identifies a written contract that names the puppy and parents and includes a return-to-breeder clause as a key protection. It also flags pressure to leave a cash deposit when payment seems to matter more than finding a suitable home.

Meet the breeder, puppy, and mother dog, and see where the mother lives. Michigan’s consumer-protection guidance says to see the puppy and premises in person or request a live video call before any deposit. It also recommends reverse-searching listing photos, checking the breeder and puppy independently, and verifying registration claims with the named organization. The AKC says puppies should generally remain with their mother and littermates until 8–12 weeks of age.

Pause if the seller refuses a live viewing, pushes immediate payment, or switches to extra shipping, special-crate, insurance, or alleged health charges after the advertised price. Michigan’s Department of Attorney General warns that scammers may demand such add-on payments and advises against wiring money, using gift cards, or paying through payment apps. Humane World for Animals also describes low-cost or “free” puppy offers followed by shipping and further alleged airport or customs charges. Keep the advertisement, messages, receipts, contract, and health records.

What health records should I ask for before buying a Shih Tzu puppy?

Ask for the puppy’s veterinary and vaccination records, parasite-check and treatment details, and proof of relevant health screening for both parents. Get copies before completing payment, and make sure the records match the puppy identified in the contract.

Use a short document check:

• For the puppy: request veterinary exam notes, vaccination dates, parasite checks, and any treatment records.
• For the parents: ask which breed-relevant health tests were completed and request the proof, as advised by the AKC.
• For care: ask for feeding, grooming, and care instructions, which the American Shih Tzu Club recommends breeders provide.
• For the agreement: confirm what happens if a veterinarian finds a serious health issue and how return or refund terms work.

A document packet is useful only if it is readable and specific. Check that it names the puppy or clearly connects to the puppy you are buying; ask the breeder to explain any gap rather than treating an informal assurance as a record. The club recommends a veterinary check within 48 hours of sale, so have the appointment plan ready before pickup and keep the contract and health papers for that visit.