I'm Shawn H., the breeder behind 1st Choyce Puppies located in Newark, NJ. We’re devoted to ensuring there are healthy puppies for others to enjoy and we do so by responsibly growing this incredible breed. We are a simple, family-run breeding program offering loving and loyal companions to others. We focus on quality care and health with each litter we raise.
Q. & A. with Shawn
Why did you start breeding?
I accidentally got into breeding. I lost a dog in an accident. My wife was really stressed out about it so I went out and purchased a Shih Tzu. She instantly fell in love with her. Then I wasn't happy that I paid 2500 for a puppy so I went and purchased a boy and while we both were at work they started mating.
What makes your program special?
Nothing at all except that they are our babies and we care for them as if they are.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include black and tan and tricolor. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Getting a puppy from Shawn
Shawn has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include between $1,000 - $2,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price includes registration paperwork. All our puppies are same price.”
Contract & health guarantee
Shawn may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Shawn offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Shawn directly.
1st Choyce Puppies meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
1st Choyce Puppies reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Shih Tzus.
Hip Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered)
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Examination (rDVM, not registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (rDVM, not registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
DNA Disease Panel
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).