How Much Does A Shih Tzu Cost? Don’t Skimp!
Inferior breeding practices can be linked to poor health as the puppy grows into adulthood and shorted lifespan when they are older. Indirectly this can cost the adopter more money down the road. Most importantly, it can affect the dog’s health and life, which is the saddest part of this scenario. So, how much does a healthy Shih Tzu cost from a responsible breeder?
How much do Shih Tzus cost?
A Shih Tzu costs anywhere from just under a thousand dollars to over three thousand dollars. The cost depends on where you buy the Shih Tzu, what color they are, their age, the breeder, and many other factors.
Shih Tzu’s can cost different prices based on where the breeder and adopter are located. Popularity in that area will determine how easy it is to get a Shih Tzu and how much it will cost.
The breeder will also determine how much the Shih Tzu costs. Some breeders may charge less money, but this can be based on poor breeding quality or care and inferior breeding practices.
It is very important to select a responsible breeder who offers quality breeding and care. It may seem better to save money initially because the cost can be too high, but it may not be in your best interest in the long run.
The Shih Tzu’s color can sometimes affect the cost of the puppy, as some colors are more popular than others. In some cases, gender can affect the cost, and this depends on the breeder.
Older Shih Tzu puppies can be offered at a less expensive cost if they are from a previous litter. The breeder is looking to find homes for those puppies fast because another litter is on the way. This can bring huge savings for the adopter if they don’t mind adopting a slightly older Shih Tzu.
Other factors can play a part in how much a Shih Tzu costs based on the breeder. If the Shih Tzu puppy is small in size, has poorer health than the other puppies, or is the last one to be adopted, it can save money.
Adopters can sometimes adopt a Shih Tzu at a reduced cost for these reasons.
How can I save money on adopting a Shih Tzu if I can’t afford one?
You can save money on adopting a Shih Tzu if you can’t afford one by using the above scenarios, such as selecting a Shih Tzu of a less popular color or a bit older one.
Another great way to reduce the fee for adopting a Shih Tzu is to adopt it with someone else. Sometimes breeders will offer a reduced cost on two dogs if they are adopted simultaneously, even if by two different people.
If you and a family member, friend, or neighbor are interested in adopting a Shih Tzu, this can save money.
Another way to have a Shih Tzu for a family member if you can’t afford to adopt one straight from a breeder is to find a rescue. Many pure breeds have rescues where dogs of that breed are returned or surrendered for various reasons.
Shih Tzu might be surrendered because of their human health problems or other life situations, and it can make a Shih Tzu more affordable to adopters. These Shih Tzu are no less lovable or wonderful, and they are still pure breed Shih Tzus.
The rescue can often work with potential adopters to find the right dog as there is usually more than one rescue location. They will also work with the adopter to bring the dog and adopter together and help them with their Shih Tzu’s behavioral or home issues if the dog has any.
These dogs are a perfect option for those with financial limits that prevent them from adopting directly from a breeder. The cost is reduced, they are still getting a pure breed dog without the extra cost, and the dog is getting a loving forever home.
How do I find a good, quality Shih Tzu breeder?
The best way to find a good, quality Shih Tzu breeder is to check with the American Kennel Club or other organizations that can refer adopters to them. These organizations can help find reputable breeders that have healthy, purebred Shih Tzus.
Beyond that, you can research online and talk to other people who have adopted Shih Tzus through groups on social media. They can direct a potential adopter to the right breeder.
Either way, it is still very important to do research before adopting. Ask questions, gain information and knowledge about the breeder, and most importantly, ask for references. Contact those references and ask more questions before selecting the breeder of your choice.
It is also important to ask for credentials and paperwork showing their validity as a reputable Shih Tzu breeder. Once this has been done, an adopter can select the right breeder. Then the cost of the Shih Tzu can be determined, and in some cases, breeders may work a payment plan with the potential adopter.
Most breeders want to find their loving furry family members a perfect home regardless of finances. They understand that the cost is not always easy to manage for some individuals right up front.
If at first, the adopter can’t adopt from one litter, more litters will be coming at some point down the road, making this dream of owning a Shih Tzu happen.
Under no circumstances should a breeder be selected based solely on the cost of their dogs. This can lead to disaster for the adopter, plus they are investing in breeders that are not reputable which is not encouraged.
The more that inferior breeders are chosen, based on the cost of their dogs, the more they succeed at what they do, and the quality and health of pure-bred dogs declines.
In Conclusion
The cost of a Shih Tzu can be surprising if a potential adopter isn’t prepared for it. Choosing the right breeder is the most important step. If that can’t be managed and the cost of a Shih Tzu is still too high, utilizing a reputable Shih Tzu rescue is the way to go.