Frequently asked questions

Each puppy's price is shown on its listing. Price depends on size, color and lineage. Our smaller Tea-cup and Imperial puppies are rarer and need more care in their first weeks, so they are priced higher than standard-size puppies. See the price page for what is included.

They are all purebred, AKC-registered Shih Tzus. The names describe expected adult size. Standard Shih Tzus are usually around 9 to 16 pounds full grown, Imperial around 6 to 9 pounds, and Tea-cup around 4 to 6 pounds. Our size guide explains what to expect from each.

Yes. Every puppy is a purebred Shih Tzu from AKC-registered parents. Puppies are sold as pets with limited AKC registration, and the papers are sent after we receive proof of spay or neuter, which you can submit from your account on this site. Breeding rights may be available for an additional fee when we consider a puppy suitable.

Open the puppy's listing and choose Reserve. You read and sign the adoption agreement on screen, send your deposit by Venmo or Zelle, and tell us what you sent. We confirm once the payment arrives, usually the same day, and the puppy is then marked reserved for you.

A deposit of at least $500, up to the full price, holds the puppy and is applied to the purchase price. The balance is due before the puppy goes home, either in cash at pickup or by check received at least two weeks before pickup.

Yes. Under our guarantee, if you change your mind before the puppy goes home you choose a full refund of what you have paid or a credit toward another Puppy Love puppy. The same applies if we cannot provide the puppy you reserved.

If for any reason you need to return your puppy before they turn six months old, we take them back and you choose a full refund or a credit toward another puppy. Veterinary bills are not covered. The full wording is on our guarantee page and in the adoption agreement.

Puppies go home at eight weeks old at the earliest, and we like the smallest ones to weigh at least two pounds first. Every listing shows the date that puppy is ready to go home.

Yes, and we encourage it. Use Request a visit on any listing to propose a time. Visits are by appointment at our home in Mesa, and we share the address once the visit is confirmed.

We are in Mesa, in Arizona's East Valley, close to Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Scottsdale and Phoenix. Puppies go home from our house. If you are coming from elsewhere in Arizona or from out of state, call or message us and we will work out the details. See Shih Tzu puppies in Arizona.

A vet check before going home, age-appropriate vaccinations and worming, feeding notes for the first weeks, AKC registration paperwork once spay or neuter is confirmed, and our six-month guarantee. We also stay in touch and are a phone call away if you have questions.

Join the waiting list and tell us what you are looking for. We announce upcoming litters on the home page and contact the waiting list first when puppies are on the way.

Shih Tzus have hair rather than fur and shed very little, which is why many people with allergies do well with them. They do need regular brushing and grooming. They are gentle, affectionate companion dogs and do well with families. Very small puppies are delicate, so young children should be supervised.

Tiny puppies cannot skip meals. Follow the feeding notes we send home, keep your puppy away from public places until the vaccine series is finished, and choose a vet in the first week. Our Bringing your puppy home page covers the basics.