Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale


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About Shih Tzu Puppies

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Shih Tzu Puppies: 101

Are you looking for a new best friend? Look no further than the Shih Tzu puppies for sale at Keystone Puppies. Bred exclusively for companionship, our Shih Tzu puppies and other lapdogs — including Maltese dogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Papillons and more — are happiest when they’re by your side! Affectionate and loving, a Shih Tzu puppy is a perfect addition to families looking for a low-maintenance companion.

Dating back as far as 1,000 BCE, Shih Tzus were first bred in Tibet, and later sent to Chinese royalty as gifts. The breed quickly became popular among Chinese nobility and other members of the ruling class, gracing the temples — and laps — of emperors. Though the breed’s name literally translates to “lion dog,” Shih Tzus are anything but — with sweet, gentle dispositions and an aversion to conflict. Still primarily used as lapdogs to this day, Shih Tzus have also become popular in dog show competitions — being recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1969.

Despite their elegant and regal appearance, our Shih Tzu puppies are anything but snobby! Friendly and full of life, this breed makes the perfect bite-sized companion for pet owners looking to adopt a stress-free dog breed. Thanks to their small size — weighing in at an average of just nine to 15 lbs. — these dogs are ideally suited to even the smallest apartments. However, Shih Tzus are poorly suited to warm climates due to breathing issues created by their flat faces.

Though they get along with almost everyone, these dogs are a less-than-ideal fit for families with small children and toddlers — they do, however, thrive in homes with older children who will be more considerate of your Shih Tzu puppy’s boundaries.

  • Country of Origin: China
  • Weight: 8 - 16 lbs
  • Height: 8 - 11 inches
  • Color: Unusually, the American Kennel Club states that all colors and markings are permissible for this breed.

Breed Rating

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

Average Based on 4 Reviews

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Shih Tzu Puppies Temperament

If you’re considering one of our Shih Tzu puppies for sale, be prepared to take on a second shadow. This breed was bred solely as a companion, so their instinct is to be by their owner’s side at all times. Quiet, gentle and lovable, this breed suffers from separation anxiety when left alone for long stretches of time. However, despite their increased need for attention, Shih Tzus are generally low energy with low-moderate exercise requirements — an hour a day should be more than enough for this breed.

Though fairly intelligent, it must be noted that Shih Tzu puppies are not the easiest breed to train. Before adopting one of our Shih Tzus for sale, it’s important to bear in mind that this breed can be especially difficult to housebreak. Crate training and positive reinforcement should yield good results, and your pup should not be allowed to freely explore your home during the early days of training. Many owners choose to invest in obedience training classes for added support in handling their new Shih Tzu puppies.

Shih Tzu Puppies Health Considerations

Depending on the breeding practices, Shih Tzu puppies can be very healthy and long-lived — up to 18 years, according to the AKC — or suffer from a range of health issues that can shorten their lifespan to just 10 years or less. Like every breed of dog, Shih Tzus have unique health considerations that should be taken into account prior to adoption. Some of these include the following:

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Eye Issues – Cataracts, Epiphora and Ocular Proptosis

Like all breeds, your pup’s bloodline is the single most important determinant of health outcomes. This is particularly true of Shih Tzus, who come from a small genetic foundation and have been bred irresponsibly by unscrupulous amateurs and puppy mills. At Keystone Puppies, we are committed to working exclusively with experienced & knowledgeable breeders who are committed to promoting quality pedigrees. To learn more about what we do to ensure the health of all our Shih Tzus for sale, read about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee!

Shih Tzu Puppies Coat & Coat Care

These puppies are famous for their luxurious, long, flowing double coat.

This long coat is fast-growing hair that reaches the floor and requires regular grooming. These pups shed very little and are considered to be hypoallergenic.

While our Shih Tzus for sale are low maintenance in the exercise department, they make up for it when it comes to coat care. Their trademark long, flowing double coat requires daily care, as well as regular baths and trips to the groomer. This breed should be brushed at least three times per week, taking care to spritz their coat with a hydrating spray rather than brushing dry.

Additionally, you’ll need to bathe your dog a minimum of once every three weeks, with weekly baths being optimal for healthy, shiny coat. Your Shih Tzu should be taken to the groomer for a trim every four to six weeks, with more regular visits during the summer months — before adopting one of our Shih Tzu puppies for sale, be aware that it’s important to keep your pup’s coat shorter during warm weather to prevent overheating.

Shih Tzu Reviews

  • Our Shih Tzu is such a loving, happy and friendly dog. She loves to play with her toys and other dogs. She also loves boating and paddle boarding with me! She’s good with kids and is happiest when she is with one of her people! And no dog hair is such a bonus! Easy to groom, when you keep the hair short, there are no hair dust bunnies or hair on your clothes and furniture. I would recommend this breed for any family looking for a small addition to their family.

    Holly K.

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