Our Breeding Standards

Health-screening records are specific to each dog. Ask what documentation is available to review; screening cannot guarantee that a puppy will not develop an inherited condition. How we select, test, and raise our Shih Tzus — and why our approach produces healthier, happier puppies.

Our Breeding Philosophy

Every decision we make in our breeding program starts from the same question: will this produce a healthier, happier dog? Not a more profitable one, not a trendier color, not a smaller size — a healthier, happier dog.

After 15 years of breeding Shih Tzus in McKinney, TX, we have seen what happens when breeders cut corners on health testing, over-breed their females, or prioritize novelty over substance. We have also seen what happens when breeding is done right — families who come back for a second puppy ten years later, puppies who live well past their expected lifespan, and dogs whose temperaments remain stable and loving throughout their lives.

The latter is what we aim for in every single litter.

Selecting Breeding Dogs

Not every beautiful Shih Tzu belongs in a breeding program. Ours must meet several criteria before they are ever considered:

→Temperament: Calm, social, and confident. We will not breed fearful or reactive dogs, regardless of their physical qualities. Temperament is hereditary.
→Structure: Sound movement, correct proportions, and no structural faults that would cause pain or reduce quality of life. We evaluate each dog in person and on video.
→AKC Registration: All breeding dogs are fully AKC registered with traceable pedigrees going back multiple generations.
→Health Clearances: Before entering our breeding program, each dog undergoes the health evaluations described below. No clearances, no breeding — full stop.
→Proven Family Compatibility: We prefer dogs who have lived as family companions — sleeping in homes, interacting with children, exposed to normal household activity.

Health Testing Protocol

We perform the following evaluations on our breeding dogs:

CAER Eye Certification

Annual examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist for hereditary eye conditions including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and corneal dystrophy.

Patellar Evaluation

Luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) are common in small breeds. We evaluate all breeding dogs and only breed those with OFA-acceptable patella grades.

Hip Evaluation

OFA or PennHIP evaluation for hip dysplasia. While less common in Shih Tzus than in larger breeds, we evaluate as part of comprehensive screening.

DNA Health Panels

Breed-specific DNA testing for hereditary diseases relevant to the Shih Tzu. Results are kept on file and available to families upon request.

Socialization From Day One

Puppies are not blank slates at 8 weeks. The socialization window — the period when experiences most profoundly shape personality — opens at 3 weeks and begins to close around 12–16 weeks. What happens in our care during those early weeks matters enormously.

Our puppies are whelped and raised in our family home. From their first weeks of life they experience: human handling daily, different textures underfoot, household sounds (dishwasher, vacuum, television, music), children's voices, other family pets, and the general rhythm of a busy family home.

By the time our puppies leave for their new homes at 8 weeks, they are not just cute — they are genuinely well-adjusted, curious, and people-loving little dogs who transition smoothly into family life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you select your breeding dogs?

We evaluate every potential breeding dog for temperament, structure, coat quality, and health. Dogs that show fearfulness, aggression, or structural faults do not enter our program, regardless of pedigree.

What health tests do you perform on breeding dogs?

We test for hereditary eye conditions (CAER certification), hip and patellar evaluations, and breed-specific DNA panels for known Shih Tzu genetic conditions. Certificates are available for review upon request.

How often do you breed your females?

We limit our females to two litters per year with adequate rest between pregnancies. We retire females by age 5 into loving companion homes. The health and longevity of our breeding dogs is never compromised for production volume.

How many breeding dogs do you have?

We intentionally keep our program small so each dog receives personalized attention, veterinary care, and love. We are a family operation, not a commercial kennel.

Can I meet the parent dogs before purchasing?

Yes — we encourage it. Prospective families are welcome to visit by appointment. Seeing the parents in person tells you a great deal about the temperament and size your puppy will likely grow into.

Are your puppies AKC registered?

Yes. Every puppy we produce is registered with the American Kennel Club. We provide full registration documentation with each puppy, and limited registration is available for pet homes.

Meet Our Parent Dogs

See the actual dogs behind our breeding program — their health records, temperaments, and AKC titles.

Why Choose Our Kennel

The full picture of what sets a responsible breeder apart, from puppy socialization to post-sale support.

How to Choose a Healthy Puppy

Use our breeding standards as a checklist when evaluating any breeder you're considering.