7 Shih Tzu Breeders in Kentucky KY

Written by Jonathan Wingfield in Breeders

Shih Tzu Breeders in Kentucky KY

Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale in Kentucky

Looking for a Shih Tzu breeder in Kentucky? You’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find information on local dog breeders, including contact information and links to their websites

The Shih Tzu is a popular breed of dog, known for its sweet temperament and adorable appearance. They make great pets for families with children and adults alike.

One Thing You Need To Ask Your Dog Breeder

Shih Tzu Breeders List in Kentucky

Breeder Location Phone Website
NorthView Shih Tzu Bowling Green, KY 270-832-2457 Website
Cumberland Farms Kennels Parkers Lake, KY 606-376-2339 Website
Southfork Puppies Edmonton, KY 270-590-5300 Website
Happy Tails Kennel Mooresville , KY 502-827-1292 Website
Sharon Fleck Shelbyville, KY 502-419-3670 No Website
Sherrie Charles Owingsville, KY 606-336-2317 No Website
Colleen Stock Glasgow, KY 270-308-5625 No Website

Shih Tzu Breeder Details in Kentucky

NorthView Shih Tzu
Bowling Green, KY
Call: 270-832-2457
https://northviewshihtzus.com

Cumberland Farms Kennels
Parkers Lake, KY
Call: 606-376-2339
http://cumberlandfarmskennels.com/

Southfork Puppies
Edmonton, KY
Call: 270-590-5300
https://www.southforkpuppies.com

Happy Tails Kennel
Mooresville , KY
Call: 502-827-1292
http://www.abunchofpuppies.com/

Sharon Fleck
Shelbyville, KY
Call: 502-419-3670
No Website

Sherrie Charles
Owingsville, KY
Call: 606-336-2317
No Website

Colleen Stock
Glasgow, KY
Call: 270-308-5625
No Website

Alternative Places to Purchase a Shih Tzu Puppy

Shih Tzu Breeders in Neighboring States

For the complete list please see our Shih Tzu Breeders page.

What is The Average Price for A Shih Tzu Puppy in Kentucky?

The average price for a Shih Tzu puppy in Kentucky is $600. This, of course, will vary based on the breeder’s location and reputation, as well as your own geographical location. You can find Shih Tzus at pet stores for $800 – $1,000.

Other factors that determine price are the bloodlines of the dog, whether it is a show dog or pet quality, and whether it is registered with the AKC.

How to Find A Responsible Shih Tzu Breeder in Kentucky

If you are considering getting a Shih Tzu for your family, then you’re in luck. This popular breed has seen an increase in popularity over the past few years because of their soft fur and loving temperament towards children. When choosing to take on this responsibility, it’s important to choose a responsible breeder who will put the health of the dog first so that it lives a long and healthy life.

Here are some tips to finding a reputable breeder:

  • Inquire about veterinary records
  • Ask which diseases, if any, tend to be prevalent within the line
  • Request photographs of adults or siblings (if possible)
  • Meet at least one of the parents of your puppy
  • Ensure health certificate is dated within 10 days of purchase

The best way to find a responsible breeder is to ask around. Ask friends, acquaintances, and even family members if they know anyone who breeds Shih Tzus. This is also an excellent time to use social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter to find Shih Tzu groups in your area.

Local dog clubs are another great place to look; you can make connections with other breeders this way as well as get advice on where to buy your puppy. A responsible breeder will be happy to answer questions about their dogs’ health background before you take one home so don’t be shy about asking.

If the breeder seems hesitant to answer your questions or if they seem like they’re only in it for the money, then it’s best to move on.

Visit Your Shih Tzu Breeder in Kentucky in Person

When you’ve finally found a breeder you feel comfortable with, it’s important to visit their home in person. This will give you a chance to see the conditions the puppies are being raised in as well as meet the parents of your future pup.

If everything looks good and the breeder seems responsible, then go ahead and put down a deposit. Beware of breeders who want full payment before you’ve even had a chance to see the puppy – this is often a sign that they’re not legitimate.

Your new Shih Tzu should have a health certificate from the veterinarian stating that he or she is in good health. The certificate should also be dated within 10 days of your purchase so sure to ask for it when picking up your new puppy.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the health history of your Shih Tzu’s line; this can help ensure that you avoid common problems within the breed. A good breeder will also ask you questions about the environment your pup will be living in as well as what kind of activity they’ll be involved in so make sure to have answers ready.

Questions to Ask

Ask for References from Your Shih Tzu Breeder in Kentucky

A responsible breeder will be more than happy to provide references from previous buyers. This is a great way to get an idea of the quality of puppies they produce as well as the kind of service they offer. Ask the references about the breeder’s communication, the health of their puppy, and any experiences with the breeder’s breeding practices.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a tour of the breeder’s facilities where the puppies are being raised. A good breeder will welcome this opportunity. They should also have a written contract ready for you to sign that outlines the responsibilities of both parties.

Does Your Kentucky Shih Tzu Breeder Have A Good Veterinarian They Use?

A good breeder will also have a good veterinarian they use and will be happy to provide you with their contact information. This is important because you’ll want to make sure your pup is up-to-date on vaccinations and has been screened for common diseases.

Once you know which vet they use, call them and ask about the breeder’s history with them. If they have nothing but good things to say, then you know that you’ve found yourself a reputable breeder.

These steps will help ensure that you get everything you need from the experience and end up with a happy puppy.

Look Out for The Signs of An Unethical Shih Tzu Dog Breeder in Kentucky

Unfortunately, not all breeders are created equal and there are a few bad apples out there who will take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. If you’re looking for a Shih Tzu breeder in Kentucky, be on the lookout for these signs:

  • The breeder wants full payment before you’ve even had a chance to see the puppy
  • They don’t have any health certificates or other paperwork verifying the health of their puppies
  • The puppies are being raised in unsanitary conditions
  • The parents of the puppies aren’t available for inspection
  • The breeder can’t provide references from previous buyers
  • The breeder insists on shipping the puppy rather than meeting in person

If you encounter any of these red flags, it’s best to walk away and find a more reputable breeder. Puppy mills are unfortunately all too common, so it’s important to be vigilant when looking for a breeder.

Ask The Breeder if Your Shih Tzu Puppy Has Any Health Problems

All responsible breeders will screen their puppies for health problems and should be able to provide documentation of this. If the breeder you’re considering doesn’t offer any health guarantees, it’s best to move on.

Your new Shih Tzu should have a clean bill of health from the veterinarian and be up-to-date on all vaccinations. Common health problems within the breed include

  • Eye problems
  • Allergies
  • Joint problems

Ask your breeder about the health history of your puppy’s parents and grandparents to get a better idea of what you might expect.

Ask Your Shih Tzu Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers

A good breeder will be happy to introduce you to the people who have already purchased a pup from their line in order for you to get firsthand accounts of what it’s like to bring one home.

If the breeder balks at this, walk away and find another. A responsible breeder is proud of their dogs and wants nothing more than for them to go to loving homes so they should be willing and eager to offer their contact information.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

After all your research, there’s no way you’ll leave without knowing exactly what kind of puppy you’re buying, right? Make sure that you ask all your questions before bringing your new pup home such as how much they eat, how much exercise they need, what their personality is like, and anything else you can think of.

A good breeder will be more than happy to answer all your questions and even offer advice on how to care for your new Shih Tzu.

How To Prepare Your Home for Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Make sure they are comfortable with their crate before you leave for work or go to bed at night.

Spend time gently petting your pup and giving them treats when they’re in the crate.

Take your Shih Tzu puppy’s new home through a series of “what if” scenarios where they see different people, objects, animals, etc. that could potentially scare them.

As soon as you bring your dog home make sure you introduce them slowly to everything for them not to feel overwhelmed by new sights and sounds. A good rule of thumb is one new experience per day.

Be prepared that your puppy will have accidents in the house, especially during the first few weeks while they’re getting used to their new surroundings. Keep a close eye on them and be patient as they learn where to go potty.

Potty Training Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Create a designated spot in your yard for your pup to pee and poop and make sure you stick to a strict routine of taking them there every time they need to relieve themselves.

A good schedule for potty training is: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and last thing before bed. Puppies may need to go out between each of these times as well, as their bladders are not very big.

Reward your puppy with treats and lots of praise when they go potty in the right spot.

Be prepared for a few accidents along the way as puppies are notoriously inconsistent when it comes to potty training.

How Much Exercise Does A Shih Tzu Puppy Need?

Shih Tzus only require a moderate amount of exercise; a 20-minute walk once or twice a day is plenty.

Make sure you keep an eye on your puppy’s activity levels and adjust their walks accordingly. If they’re starting to look restless, it’s time to end the walk early.

A well-behaved Shih Tzu is a joy to own and with a little bit of patience and preparation, you too can have one of these furry friends in your life.

Conclusion

Responsible breeders are not hard to find. The ones that let you visit their homes and introduce you to past customers are usually the best.

If your breeder makes excuses not to, walk away and don’t look back. There is no reason why they should be hesitant about anything if they truly love what they do.

When looking for a puppy, it’s important that you ask questions like how much food they eat, how often they need exercise, where they sleep at night (in a crate), etc. A good breeder will happily answer all of your inquiries in order for you to get the most accurate picture of what life with this dog will entail.

Be prepared to bring home an accident-prone pup because all puppies go through a potty-training phase. It will take time, patience, and consistency to get them through it successfully.

When bringing your new pup home, be prepared for a slow introduction to everything in your home. Introduce one new thing per day so that they don’t feel overwhelmed.