1st Choyce Puppies

Shawn H.

Breeder of Shih Tzus

Meet the breeder

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.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What’s included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
    • Extras
      • Food & treats

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Shawn.

Breeder’s location

Meet in Newark, NJ

3861 miles away

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More about Shawn

  • Shawn has been a member of Good Dog for over 2 years

    Shawn was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.

  • Shawn’s links

Shawn is a trusted Good Dog breeder

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).

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