Our Story
Royal Shih Tzu Puppies was born from a simple, deep love for the Shih Tzu breed. More than 15 years ago, we brought home our first Shih Tzu and fell completely in love — with the temperament, the beauty, the personality, and the unique way this breed bonds with its family. That love grew into a passion for breeding, and that passion grew into a program we are genuinely proud of.
Based in McKinney, TX, we are a small, dedicated breeding operation — not a large commercial facility. We raise our puppies at home, in our living room, as part of our family. Every litter is planned carefully. Every breeding decision is driven by one question: will this produce healthier, happier puppies with excellent temperaments?
Over the years, we have placed hundreds of puppies with families across the United States — from Texas to New York, California to Florida. We've watched those puppies become beloved family members, therapy dogs, emotional support animals, and competition dogs. We stay in touch with many of our puppy families and consider them part of our extended community.
What Sets Us Apart
Home-Raised, Not Kennel-Raised
Our puppies grow up in our living room. They hear the television, children playing, doorbells ringing, and everyday household sounds from their very first days. This is one of the most important things a breeder can do for a puppy's long-term confidence and adaptability.
AKC Registered — Every Puppy
Both parent dogs in every litter are AKC registered purebred Shih Tzus. We provide full AKC registration paperwork with every puppy. We maintain careful pedigree records and breed only dogs that meet or exceed AKC standards for conformation and temperament.
Comprehensive 2-Year Health Guarantee
We back every puppy with a 2-year genetic health guarantee covering life-threatening hereditary conditions. This is not a token guarantee with pages of exclusions — it's a real commitment from breeders who have confidence in the health of their dogs.
Genuine Care for Every Puppy
We are not in the business of producing as many puppies as possible. We plan our litters intentionally, limit the number of litters our females have in their lifetime, and ensure every puppy receives individual attention and socialization. These are not just animals to us — they are family.
15+ Years of Experience
Experience matters enormously in dog breeding. Over 15 years, we have learned to recognize strong bloodlines, identify early signs of health issues, select for temperament, and produce puppies that reliably exceed our buyers' expectations. That depth of knowledge is not something a newer breeder can replicate.
Lifetime Breeder Support
Our relationship with you doesn't end when your puppy goes home. We are always available to answer questions — whether it's a week after going home or ten years later. We love hearing updates, seeing photos, and following along as your puppy grows.
Our Breeding Philosophy
We believe that ethical, responsible dog breeding is both a science and an art — and it takes years to do well. Our philosophy can be summarized in four core principles:
Health First
Every breeding decision starts with health. We select parent dogs for clean health histories, appropriate size and structure per the AKC standard, and freedom from known hereditary conditions. We do not breed dogs with disqualifying faults or known genetic problems.
Temperament Always
A beautiful dog with a poor temperament is a failed breeding outcome. We prioritize gentle, outgoing, confident temperaments in our breeding lines. We observe each puppy closely as they develop and make careful notes on individual personalities to help match each puppy with the right family.
Quality Over Quantity
We produce a small number of carefully planned litters each year. Our female dogs are never over-bred. They are valued members of our family who retire comfortably and live out their lives with us or in carefully selected guardian homes. This is not the way a puppy mill operates — and that's the point.
Transparency Always
We will never hide health information or misrepresent a puppy. If a puppy has a minor cosmetic issue, we tell you. If a parent dog had a health concern that resolved, we tell you. We want you to make a fully informed decision, and we are confident enough in the quality of our dogs that honesty is never a liability.
Health Testing & Veterinary Care
Before any puppy leaves our home, they receive a comprehensive veterinary examination by our trusted, licensed veterinarian. This includes:
- Full nose-to-tail physical examination
- Heart and lung auscultation
- Assessment of eye, ear, and oral health
- Age-appropriate DHPP combination vaccine
- Complete de-worming (starting at 2 weeks, repeated through 8 weeks)
- Written health certificate for travel purposes if needed
Our parent dogs receive regular veterinary care throughout their lives, including annual wellness exams and any health screenings appropriate for the breed. We believe the health of our adult breeding dogs is the foundation of the health of our puppies.
Our Socialization Program
Socialization during the critical developmental window (weeks 3–12) shapes a puppy's behavior and temperament for life. We take this responsibility seriously with a structured approach:
The result is puppies that go to their new homes confident, curious, and ready to adapt. They aren't startled by normal household activity, they enjoy being held and handled, and they settle into new environments quickly.
How We Differ from Puppy Mills and Pet Stores
The term "puppy mill" refers to large-scale commercial breeding operations that prioritize volume and profit over animal welfare. Puppies from these operations — many of which supply pet stores — often suffer from poor health, inadequate socialization, and the behavioral consequences of early neglect.
Here is how Royal Shih Tzu Puppies is fundamentally different:
| Factor | Royal Shih Tzu | Puppy Mill / Pet Store |
|---|---|---|
| Where puppies are raised | Our family's living room | Cage or commercial kennel |
| Health guarantee | 2-year genetic guarantee | None or 30 days |
| Vet care before going home | Full exam + vaccinations | Minimal or unreliable |
| Socialization | Structured, daily from birth | Little to none |
| Parent dog health | Tested, healthy, well-cared-for | Unknown or poor |
| Number of litters per year | Small, carefully planned | Maximize for profit |
| Post-purchase support | Lifetime, always available | None after sale |
| Can you meet the parents? | Yes, always | Rarely or never |
What Our Families Say
"We were nervous about getting a dog from out of state, but the nanny delivery was seamless. Our little guy arrived happy, healthy, and already so sweet. He's been the best addition to our family."
The Martinez Family
Miami, FL
"I've had multiple Shih Tzus over the years, and the puppies from Royal Shih Tzu are noticeably better socialized. Our girl came home already comfortable with our kids and our other dog. She settled in overnight."
Jennifer R.
Dallas, TX
"What impressed me most was how responsive they were to all my questions — before, during, and after getting our puppy. That level of support is rare and means everything when you're a first-time dog owner."
David & Amy K.
Nashville, TN
"We've had our Shih Tzu for three years now and she has been perfectly healthy. We still reach out with questions occasionally and always get a kind, knowledgeable response. That's the sign of a truly great breeder."
Susan L.
Phoenix, AZ
Our Guarantee to You
Every Royal Shih Tzu puppy comes with our comprehensive 2-year genetic health guarantee. We guarantee your puppy to be free of life-threatening congenital or hereditary defects for two full years from birth. If a qualifying genetic condition is identified within that period, we will work with you to make it right.
We also require that every puppy be seen by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of going home, and that routine veterinary care be maintained. This keeps both you and your puppy protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been breeding Shih Tzus?
Over 15 years. We've placed hundreds of puppies with families across the United States and have deep expertise in the breed's health, genetics, and temperament.
Are your puppies raised in a home or kennel?
Our puppies are raised in our living room from birth. Not in an outdoor kennel or commercial facility. This makes an enormous difference in socialization, confidence, and adaptability.
What health guarantee do you offer?
A comprehensive 2-year genetic health guarantee covering life-threatening hereditary conditions. Every puppy also receives full vet clearance, vaccinations, and de-worming before going home.
Do you provide support after I take my puppy home?
Always. We provide lifetime breeder support and are genuinely invested in the wellbeing of every puppy we place. We love hearing updates and are here for any questions — week one or year ten.
How are your puppies socialized?
Through a structured socialization program that includes Early Neurological Stimulation, daily handling, exposure to children and adults, household sounds, and various textures — all during the critical developmental window.
Can I visit before purchasing?
Yes! We welcome visits by appointment at our home in McKinney, TX (3005 Hemlock Ln). You can meet the parents and spend time with available puppies before making any commitment.
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