How much does a Shih Tzu puppy cost?
A Shih Tzu puppy costs whatever its breeder asks, since there is no set price for the breed, and the way to judge a price is by what stands behind it. Shih Tzu puppies listed on Puppy Connection right now are priced from $1,500 to $1,800.
Listings for this breed may mention a color or a size word, and the breed standard has something to say about both. The sections below cover those, the health screening worth asking about, and how to handle a deposit.
Does color change what a Shih Tzu costs?
The AKC breed standard gives no reason for it to, because it says all colors and markings are permissible and are to be considered equally, so a gold and white, liver, brindle or solid black Shih Tzu is as correct as any other. A breeder may still price one color above another, and that is their choice, but no color is a better Shih Tzu for it.
What is an imperial Shih Tzu?
Imperial is a breeder's size word, and the breed standard has no size by that name. The AKC standard describes one Shih Tzu, ideally 9 to 10½ inches at the withers and never under 8 or over 11 inches, with mature dogs ideally weighing 9 to 16 pounds. A puppy sold as imperial, teacup or tiny is described by the breeder, so ask what the parents weigh as adults and compare that with the standard's range.
What health checks should you ask about?
AKC's Shih Tzu page lists no recommended health tests from the national breed club, so there is no club checklist to compare a breeder against. AKC does say responsible breeders screen for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, which is a slipped kneecap, and eye problems including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and dryness and inflammation of the cornea from eyelids that do not close properly.
Ask the breeder which of those the parents were checked for and who did the exams. AKC also notes that the heavy coat and short face mean a Shih Tzu does not tolerate heat well and is not a good swimmer, which is useful to know before the puppy comes home.
Does registration change the price?
It can, and it helps to know what papers mean. AKC papers on a Shih Tzu puppy mean both of its parents were AKC registered Shih Tzu. A puppy can also be sold on limited registration, which registers the dog but not any litter it has later, and only the breeder can change that.
What comes home with the puppy?
All 5 listings here come with a vet exam, a microchip, a health record and a written health guarantee. Each listing says what that puppy goes home with.
Two Shih Tzu listings at similar prices can include quite different things. Vet checks, shots, microchipping and a guarantee are the items to compare, and the guarantee's terms deserve a close read.
How do deposits work?
Breeders who take a deposit ask $600 to hold a puppy. Ask the breeder whether a Shih Tzu deposit is refundable, how long it holds the puppy, and how the balance is paid.
The FTC flags any demand for gift cards, payment apps, crypto or wire transfers as a scam sign and points buyers toward credit cards. It also suggests meeting in person or by video, and moving on from a seller who will not.
What should you ask a Shih Tzu breeder?
Ask what both parents weigh and how tall they stand. Ask which eye, hip and knee checks they have had. Ask what the price includes and whether the puppy will be AKC registered, and on which kind of registration.
See Shih Tzu puppies
Browse the Shih Tzu puppies on Puppy Connection, where each breeder names a price, and message any breeder whose puppy you would like to know more about.