Where Can You Find Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale Under $800?

For a lot of people, owning a Shih Tzu is just a dream. It’s understandable! After all, Shih Tzus have long been considered a symbol of prestige and royalty, which means they’re quite expensive. Did you know Shih Tzus of high pedigree can go up to $3,000? That’s why we’re here to help you find Shih Tzu puppies for sale under $800 in the US.

You’ll actually be surprised at how many different sources you’ll find if you have a slightly more focused approach. Now, let’s explore your options, learn how to adopt Shih Tzu puppies for under $800, and cover some must-have tips before you bring your new dog home.

Before you scroll further down this guide, you can check out these other Shih Tzu-related articles: 5 Best Shih Tzu Breeders in the United States! (2023) and 8 Best Shih Tzu Rescues in the United States! (2023).

Table of Contents

1. Join Facebook Groups

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We know that social media can be an unreliable marketplace, but there are some pretty credible Facebook groups out there where you could find $800 puppies for adoption.

Here are groups dedicated solely to Shih Tzu rescue and adoption all over the US:

Here’s what you need to do: start joining these groups. Connect with rescuers and breeders and stay on top of updates. You’ll find your future pet soon enough!

2. Visit Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

If you’re the type of person that wants to find their future furry friend in person, the best course of action would be to visit your local animal shelters.

Here are shelters across the US dedicated to Shih Tzus:

Notice how some of these organizations are the same as the Facebook groups from earlier. Joining groups and then paying the physical shelter locations a visit could double your chances of finding $800 Shih Tzu puppies.

Fees are another thing to keep in mind, though, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner. Your local shelter generally charges for the following things:

Adoption fee
Spaying or neutering cost
Cost of vaccinations
Cost of microchipping

Plus, adopting a dog is not just a more wholesome option; it is also more affordable! Adoption can be as little as $50 to $300, depending on the case.

Another thing to note is that you can find Shih Tzu puppies for sale for under $800 from both your local shelter and charitable rescue groups. But adoption fees for rescue groups might sometimes be slightly higher than state-sponsored dog shelters.

3. Visit Ethical Breeders

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If you must buy from a breeder, make sure you find one that follows ethical breeding practices.

While you may easily find $800 Shih Tzu puppies from breeders, you’ll need to research more about the breeder you choose to ensure they are legitimate.

Here are some ‘tells’ that can help you find ethical breeders:

They’ve got a record of health tests for their dogs.
They breed dogs with good temperaments and health.
They have ethical limitations on the number of dogs bred by one dam.
They have thorough training and socialization programs for their dogs.
They have records of the dog’s lineage.
They are open and public with their breeding practices.
They provide their dogs with lifelong support — even after the dog has a new owner.
They ensure that their dogs only go to responsible owners, not brokers.

Try these sources to look for ethical breeders in your area:

You’ll need to be thorough in your research with this one. Ask for as much documentation as you can, including AKC registration, vet records, lineage records, and more from the list we’ve mentioned above.

Understanding the Costs of Owning a Shih Tzu

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Now, here’s the thing: you’ll find Shih Tzu puppies for sale under $800 from all the sources we’ve mentioned, but you’ll also have to be knowledgeable about the costs of owning a Shih Tzu. We’re talking expenses for the dog after you’ve bought it home.

According to Pet Budget, Shih Tzus are among the top five most expensive dogs to maintain. According to most sources, the cost of caring for a Shih Tzu ranges from $200 to $3,100 per month.

To be fair, it is not all that bad if you break down your costs into weekly, monthly, and yearly expenses. Since Shih Tzus are a smaller breed, they don’t require as much food as other breeds, and their grooming costs are relatively small.

A Breakdown of All Shih Tzu Expenses

The total cost of owning a Shih Tzu from purchase to 16 years and beyond is estimated at around $20,270. So, let’s try and break down the lifetime costs:

If you’re planning to adopt from a shelter, expect to pay around $50 to $150.
If you’re planning on getting an AKC-registered pup, expect to pay around $800.
In your first year, expect to pay between $150 to 600 in supplies. This will include food bowls, collars and leashes, dog beds, crates, ID tags, training pads, poop bags and scoops, toys, grooming kits and shampoos, and dental kits.
After your first year, you’ll have to refill stock that runs out (such as grooming and dental kits). So, expect to pay $55 to $260 in the subsequent years.
If you want to take your dog to a trainer, expect a $150 to $200 bill.
Vet costs can go from $385 to $795 in the first year to $400 in the years after.
Dog insurance can cost up to $565 per year.
The average cost to feed a Shih Tzu puppy is $85, and an adult dog is $90.
Grooming can range anywhere from $160 to $480.

If you’re looking for $800 puppies for adoption, you might get support from your shelter to help you with all these costs. It seems like a lot, but it is so worth it for the love and companionship you’ll get from this loving dog breed.

Tips for Finding a Shih Tzu Puppy Within Your Budget

Alright, now that you know the different platforms you can reach out to, here are a few more tips to help you find $800 Shih Tzu puppies.

Go to animal shelters first — they’ll often have Shih Tzu puppies for a much lower price than breeders.
You could also try visiting dog shows. Here you’ll get an opportunity to be around Shih Tzus and talk to owners about their experiences.
Consider adopting an adult Shih Tzu. They’re not just better trained; they’ve also got a way lower adoption fee.
Avoid buying from mills — they’ve got serious ethical breeding issues. Puppies from mills usually always have health problems and temperament issues.

Preparing for a New Puppy

Just a few more things before you adopt Shih Tzu puppies:

You’ll have to get some initial supplies, as we mentioned above. This includes a crate, a dog bed, food, water bowls, toys, and perhaps some indoor fencing.
You’ll also have to puppy-proof your home. Puppies love chewing on anything they can find, so keep anything that looks like it can be ruined or is dangerous out of its reach. This can include wires, shoes, and sharp objects.
Create a designated area for your new pup! It helps with training later on.

Personality and Temperament of a Shih Tzu

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Alright, now let’s talk personality and temperament. Shih Tzu puppies are super playful and very cuddly. Some may say they are clingy.

In reality, they are prone to separation anxiety and sometimes throw tantrums. However, you don’t want to worry about it too much; with proper early years training, these dogs can be socialized well. Therefore, you should choose a breeder who invests time in early-year socialization through Puppy Culture or a reliable alternative method.

Caring for and Training a Shih Tzu Puppy

Be prepared — Shih Tzus need grooming almost daily since they have long, silky coats. It could be a good idea to read up on grooming how-tos to get the hang of it.

They also need exercise almost daily, but not too much… they are small dogs, after all. Secondly, early training is super important. As we said, they can sometimes be stubborn!

As for feeding times, twice daily should be a healthy schedule.

Common Health Problems in Shih Tzus

Even if you have a healthy pup, know that Shih Tzus are prone to:

Hip dysplasia
Dental problems
Eye diseases
Respiratory issues

But don’t worry; these problems can be prevented. Just don’t ever skip out on a vet visit, and always feed them high-quality food. Also, keep their dental hygiene top-notch! Keep an eye on their behaviors and health. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier it will be to solve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the cheapest Shih Tzu?

Anywhere from $500 to $3,000 is a realistic price range for a Shih Tzu puppy, depending on if you’re adopting from a shelter or rescue or if you’re buying from a breeder with a proven record.

Why are Shih Tzu puppies so expensive?

Shih Tzu puppies can be expensive due to the costs associated with breeding. Many Shih Tzus only have a litter of three to four puppies, and they may need to have a costly C-section to give birth.

How long does a Shih Tzu live?

The life expectancy of a Shih Tzu is 10 to 18 years, which is a particularly long lifespan among dogs.

Conclusion for “Where Can You Find Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale Under $800”

So, as we wrap up, know that finding a Shih Tzu puppy for sale for under $800 is entirely possible.

Joining Facebook groups, visiting local animal shelters and rescue groups, and finding ethical breeders are all we’ve covered in this article.

It’s important to consider the costs of owning a Shih Tzu, but these adorable dogs can make adorable and loving companions with proper care.

If you find this guide, “Where Can You Find Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale Under $800,” helpful, check out:

Before you bring home a Shih Tzu puppy, learn more by watching “Owning a Shih Tzu: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly” down below:

Garrett Yamasaki

Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.

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