AKA Shih Tzu

Alison R.

Breeder of Shih Tzus and Mastiffs

Meet the breeder

I'm Alison R., the breeder behind AKA Shih Tzu located in Owensboro, KY. My program is built upon a foundation of love, admiration, and respect for the Shih Tzu and Mastiff breeds. My primary focus is to produce dogs with excellent health, solid temperament, and sound, moderate structure to the breed standard. I am passionate about my dogs and look forward to connecting with you!

Q. & A. with Alison

Why did you start breeding?
In 2006, I bought my first Mastiff from a local breeder. Three weeks later, I decided to get him a sister and got a crash course on Mastiffs. I soon found a local store where I met some people that changed my life forever. They started talking about food, holistic theories, and SHOWING dogs! After learning about health and good breeding ethics, I decided to get an AKC show dog. In the early spring of 2013, I decided that I also wanted a lap dog. When I was unable to find what I wanted through adopting a rescue, I decided to take the plunge into the Shih Tzu show world. I love both of these breeds dearly!
What makes your program special?
Mastiffs and Shih Tzus are my passion, and I am devoted to doing whatever I can to preserve, protect, and improve these incredible breeds. I do not breed my dogs unless they are fully healthy both physically and mentally. I am dedicated to always having responsible policies when it comes to breeding, socializing, and training my pups. I strive for quality over quantity and thus offer very limited breedings. While I am not planning on breeding my Mastiffs at this time and primarily focus on my Shih Tzus, I am happy to point prospective buyers in the right direction if I do not have anything available.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Boy 2
Went home
Male
TBD
Went home
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Girl 1
Went home
Female

Getting a puppy from Alison

Alison has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.

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 a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $1,300 - $1,700 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“All puppies sold on contract. All sold on spay/neuter contract.”

Contract & health guarantee

Alison 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 Alison 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 Alison directly.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

You’re protected
on Good Dog

When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.

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

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder's location

Meet in Owensboro, KY

525 miles away

More about Alison

Club memberships
Alison is a member of The Mastiff Club of America and American Shih Tzu Club.
Alison has been a member of Good Dog for about 5 years
Alison was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Alison’s links
- Website

Alison is a trusted Good Dog breeder

AKA Shih Tzu 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 dogs

Peggy Sue, mom
Shih Tzu
About Peggy Sue
Peggy Sue is a female Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Alison decided to make her part of their program. Alison has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.

Parent health testing

Mastiff

Shih Tzu

Breeder-Reported Testing

Great level

AKA Shih Tzu 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 Mastiffs.

Hip Dysplasia
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 Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
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.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A)
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).