If you’re looking for the best Shih Tzu breeders in Illinois, you should know the importance of this breed throughout its history. This big personality dog first appeared in the 1940s when war veterans brought them home for companionship.
Ever since Shih Tzu’s have stolen the hearts of millions of Americans making it one of the most popular and loved dogs in the United States. It’s no surprise you’ll find tons of Shih Tzu puppies for sale in Illinois, but it’s important to choose the right breeder.
Other articles you would like: Corgi Breeders in Illinois and Maltipoo Breeders in Illinois.
Shih Tzu Puppies For Sale in Illinois
If you’re looking for a reputable Shih Tzu breeder in the Prairie State, we’ve got your back. We’ve done our own research to find breeders who care about their dogs, socialize them, run health checks, and aren’t puppy mills. However, breeding practices constantly change so we always suggest you meet every breeder in person and find someone you can trust. Check out our top 5 picks of Shih Tzu breeders in Illinois.
1. Tony’s Happy Puppies
First on the list of Shih Tzu breeders in Illinois is Tony’s Happy Puppies. Tony’s Happy Puppies have been around for almost 3 decades. The family-owned kennel occupies a 4-acre property which makes for a secure and happy home for the Shih Tzu’s. Tony and his family have set up a state-of-the-art breeding facility where they house all their breeding dogs and puppies. These Shih Tzu breeders seem transparent and are open to showing interested adopters around their premises. As a potential Shih Tzu puppy parent, this is something you should always look out for before settling on a specific breeder.
The team at Tony’s Happy Puppies regularly updates their website with news on planned breedings and upcoming litters. This makes it easier for you to go through their announcements and see if you’re interested in any litter or if Tony’s is the breeder for you. Aside from breeding Shih Tzu’s, Tony and his family also breed Yorkies, Maltese, Bichons, Poodles, and Havanese.
Tony’s Happy Puppies Details
- Location:44w295 US-20, Hampshire, IL 60140
- Website: Tony Happy Puppies Illinois
- Phone: 847-387-0994
- Email: [email protected]
2. Windy Acres Puppies Illinois
Windy Acres is a family-owned kennel in rural Atwood. Randall, the kennel’s owner, grew up in Ohio and always loved dogs. In fact, if you were to visit Randall in his younger years – you would probably find at least 6 dogs in his home. His wife, Laura, also shared a similar experience in East Central Illinois. In 2005, Randall began raising Labrador Retrievers before branching out to Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. When Randall and Laura got married in 2010, they got a toy poodle and moved to Atwood, Illinois, a little while after.
The couple’s combined passion for dogs fueled their growth in the breeding world and business. Today, Randall and Laura work with multiple family breeders in Atwood to breed exceptional pets such as Shih Tzu’s for loving families. The family breeders are vetted by the couple, trained, and equipped to ensure every breeding is a success. The couple says nutrition and health are the key pillars they work with to ensure each pup has the utmost care and a loving environment.
Like many Shih Tzu breeders on this list, Randall and Laura insist on meeting with potential customers on their farm. This is to understand their needs and provide an exceptional experience. The couple says they are always available to answer any questions you may have. Aside from Shih Tzu puppies in Illinois, the couple produces other breeds such as Aussiedoodles, Cockapoos, French Bulldogs, and much more. You can expect to pay up to $4,000 for a Shih Tzu for sale at Windy Acres.
Windy Acres Puppies Details
- Location: Atwood, Illinois
- Website: Windy Acres IL
- Phone: (272) 722-9615
- Email: [email protected]
3. Amazing Shih-Tzus IL
Amazing Shih Tzu’s are state-licensed breeders with over 30 years’ experience under their belt. They specialize in a tiny teacup, imperial, and standard-sized Shih Tzus with colors ranging from beautiful silvers, dreamy blues to bespoke goldens. If you’re up for a mixed-colored Shih Tzu. you can find a rainbow of colors from gold and white, brown and black, black and gold to parti and white. Amazing Shih Tzu’s are not only popular with Illinois locals but also with residents from other states.
The breeders have seen dog lovers come in for Shih Tzu’s from Wisconsin, New York, California, and Florida. If you live in these states, you’re in good company over at Amazing Shih Tzu’s pet parents community. Additionally, the breeders offer ground and air shipping, depending on how strong your Shih Tzu will be. If they feel your Shih Tzu may not withstand shipping, they will advise you to either personally pick up your Shih Tzu or hold off on bringing the puppy home for a few weeks.
Their Shih Tzu puppies in Illinois come AKC-registered and with a 2-year genetic warranty. Aside from the standard puppy package, these breeders offer a special Shih Tzu package to take home. They usually sell the Shih Tzu puppies on a pet agreement but the breeders are open to selling the Shih Tzu’s under show contract. Tiny Teacup Shih Tzus cost $3,500 to $3,800, Imperial Shih Tzus are $2,500 to $2,800 while Standard-sized Shih Tzus are $1,800 to $2,000. The price variations depending on whether the Shih Tzu puppy is female or male. Amazing Shih Tzu’s price their female pups higher than the males.
Amazing Shih-Tzus Details
- Location: Carlyle, Illinois
- Website: Amazing Shih Tzu’s Illinois
- Phone: (618) 334-1369 or 618) 749-5719
- Email: [email protected]
4. Ryan’s Shih Tzu’s Illinois
Ryan’s Shih Tzu is the brainchild of Jessica Ryan. Jessica had her first experience in the show ring with her Shih Tzus at 37 years old. Although she says she was a bit late to the game, she enjoys it thoroughly. Her best parts are showing, training, and grooming her Shih Tzu puppies. Her mission is to enhance the Shih Tzu as she continues to breed happy, structurally sound, and healthy Shih Tzus. Jessica says she breeds the Shih Tzus in Illinois for herself first before offering to the public any.
This also means she goes to great lengths to ensure the Shih Tzu’s will live in loving and responsible homes. Jessica limits shipping to Illinois, Chicago, Iowa City, St. Louis Missouri, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. If you’re not local to these areas, you might be better off selecting another breeder. Jessica prices her Shih Tzu’s puppies for sale in Illinois at $2,000 regardless of gender. If you’re interested in getting an adult Shih Tzu, you can speak with Jessica and get one for $500. In the case you might not be able to provide for your Shih Tzu, Jessica advises you to call her before taking your Shih Tzu to a shelter or exploring other options.
Ryan’s Shih Tzu’s Details
- Location: Sterling, Illinois
- Website: Ryan’s Shih Tzu’s Illinois
- Phone: 815-499-8170
- Email: [email protected]
5. Timber Creek Puppies
Last on the list of Shih Tzu breeders is Timber Creek Puppies. Moving to the Hawkeye State, just 110 miles from Illinois, is Timber Creek Puppies. The southeast Iowa breeder specializes in Shih Tzus, Shih Poos, Shichons, Maltipoo, Malshi, and Maltese. The breeders exclusively produce first-generation designer puppies as they believe F1’s are healthier and have more health benefits compared to other generations.
The breeders raise the Shih Tzu puppies in the peaceful Midwest with daily socialization. On any given day, as the pups grow, the couple, children, and their grandchildren will play with them and expose them to new safe environments. Their licensed vet examines the pups, and all records are provided to the new Shih Tzu puppy owner. This is along with the pup’s birthing blanket to help him/her acclimate to his/her new forever home with you.
You can expect your Shih Tzu puppy to grow and weigh anywhere from 6 to 14 pounds as an adult. The breeders encourage new customers to personally come to their property, have a tour, and discuss what they’re looking for. If you live far off, you can arrange for a video call on Skype, Zoom, or any other platform to meet the breeders.
Timber Creek Puppies ship their Shih Tzu puppies at 10 weeks locally to Iowa and all major airports across the United States. They do provide a puppy nanny service which will cost you a little extra. You can expect to pay at least $2,000 for a Timber Creek Shih Tzu.
Timber Creek Puppies Details
- Location: Burlington, Iowa
- Website: Timber Creek Puppies
- Phone: (319) 752-5331
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion For Shih Tzu Breeders in Illinois
We hope this guide helped you find the best Shih Tzu breeders in Illinois. One word of advice – when you’re looking for a Shih Tzu to put a smile on your face after a long day, look for reputable breeders who are transparent about how they do business. An excellent place to start will be the breeders on this list. However, always do your research and make sure you can find someone you can trust to sell you a healthy puppy.
If traveling to these Shih Tzu breeders in Illinois is too far, you can check out our other recommendations from other states:
- Best Shih Tzu Breeders in California
- Best Shih Tzu Breeders in Texas
- Best Shih Tzu Breeders in New York
To learn more about the Shih Tzu dog breed, watch “Shih Tzu Dog Breed Profile” down below:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=TXx_HINLjBw
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.