How much can I expect to pay for a shih tzu puppy?

Question

I am looking for a shih tzu puppy (pure bred, not mix) but I've seen breeder prices range from $400 - $1,000! I have no idea what is too low and what is overpriced. Please help. They all claim they are reputable breeders.

Answer 1

Good for you for looking for help instead of going for the cheapest deal!  Here's what you need to look for.  If a breeder is claiming that the dogs are "AKC Registered" or "comes with papers" as if it's a bragging right, don't buy from them.  Good breeder's dogs will be AKC registered, but they will understand that it has absolutely ZERO to do with the quality of the dog.  

What does prove the quality of the dog is the accomplishments of the parents.  Make sure the sire and the dam are champions, and that most of the dogs in the pedigree are all champions as well.  If the breeder is not proving their stock in the ring, they shouldn't be breeding.

Make sure the breeder tests all their stock for genetic problems, NOT JUST A VET CHECK-UP.  OFA hips, CERF eyes, whatever your breed can be prone to.  

Your first step should be looking at rescue organizations, but if you must go to a breeder, start your search here: http://www.shihtzu.org/  (The American Shih Tzu Club)

You can research the breed there, and look up their breeder referral.  There you will find lots of educated, responsible breeders who will be willing to help you in your search for your puppy.  Talk to more than one breeder, attend a show if you can, and have fun in your search!  Just make sure you do it the right way.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $1000 for a pet (non-show quality, but still very healthy) dog.

One more note: don't worry about finding someone local.  Much better to drive a few hours or have a puppy shipped to you than to go locally to some backyard breeder and support someone who shouldn't be breeding.  Good Luck!

Answer 2

you really cant tell. i got basset for 400 dollars, but some breeders are selling basset pups for 900. it really depends how good parents are (prom puppy), coz puppys cost allot if parents are champions, and have medals, and whatever...

they claim that reflects on puppy's, and they cost much more.u be sure to  to look at the mother of the pups.and dont espect u will see father coz good breeders go and make puppy's with dogs from out of country or in country but far away, and they look out so they are not related.check the pup closely.read on internet about main features that every puppy has (in thet breed), and ask for given vaccines, and medical card for prove , check out the environment, check behavior, they say people should take pup who normally goes to u and is happy, which n my case wasn't all that true, coz i took the calmest one, and it turned out to be the craziest of them all.

good luck

Answer 3

depends where you buy from.. NEVER buy from a pet store...you will pay too much for a low quality dog.. they buy really cheap and mark them up HUGE!

here is a link that will help you alot

http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/Selection-a...

it is called "Selection and Purchase fo a pup"

a good breeder is one that has taken BOTH parents to shows.. so its easy to prove if a breeder is reputable or not..

a reputable breeder will ask YOU a lot of questions and screen YOU as a buyer..

a reputable breeder will offer a health guarantee and genetic guarantee too... they will be willing to take the pup back if their is  problem (although you might not get your $ back if its older)

price will depend on the greed of the seller and the quality of the dog..

DO NOT pay higher price if the parents DID NOT attend shows

reputable breeder will have registration papers.. it is illegal to advertise a dog as purebred and charge more for getting the papers!

NEVER NEVER pay a cent for a dog that isnt vet checked and vaccinated and come with some kind of guarantee

most breeders are NOT good - they are simply people who had dogs and allowed them to breed...

if they attended shows they proved the dog was worth breeding - most people dont do this

Answer 4

Reputable breeders usually don't sell dogs for cheap. I suggest you look on the AKC website. They will have a list of reputable dog breeders in your area. But I wouldn't expect a reputable breeder to sell their dog under $1,000.

Answer 5

Every breeder is different but about 600$ is an even price

Answer 6

You get what you pay for... The lower priced ones will be pet quality and the higher priced ones will be show/breed quality.  Research your breeder before buying.