AKC Shih Tzu of California

Alicia J.

Breeder of Shih Tzus

  • Riverside, CA
  • Responds within a few days

Meet the breeder

I'm Alicia J., the breeder behind AKC Shih Tzu of California located in Riverside, CA. We cherish each of our dogs and puppies, and we do everything we can to make sure that they get the best lives possible. That includes everything from choosing healthy parents with good temperaments, to proper socialization and daily care, to placing them in loving homes with wonderful families. We strive to provide each of our puppies and their families with a truly positive experience!

Q. & A. with Alicia

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I purchase my first Shih Tzu at a very difficult time, and Elvis (solid black puppy) brought me so much joy. He was my companion in my darkest hours. When he was 9 month old he run away and I never found him. I began my search for another puppy but soon learned that there were very few (or none) reputable breeders. It took me 18 months to find my next Shih Tzu Carly. When Alan and I got together he gifted me with a male and that’s where all began. We wanted to breed to make this special beings to others.

  • What makes your program special?

    We are committed to maintaining the quality of the breed and to produce healthy, happy, friendly and loving puppies. We maintain our house and dog areas clean and safe for our parents and their puppies. We begin to potty train puppies at 3 weeks old and teach them to use the doggie door at 5-6 weeks. By 7-8 weeks they know where to go potty outside and on the pads when inside.

  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies include black, liver, and gold. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Alicia

Alicia 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.

After buyers complete the application and screening process, Alicia partners with them to find the best puppy match.

“We welcome all interested families to come meet our puppies and their parents. Most people have preferences on color and gender, but if you are not sure, come and spend time with the puppies to see if you connect with one specific one. This is a very fun experience!”

Price

Puppy prices include a $300 non-refundable deposit and between $1,500 - $1,700 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“All of my puppies are special and one is not more valuable than the others. I sell boys for $1600 and girls for $1850 I do offer discounts to police and military personnel to show our appreciation for their service. A discount is also available for multiple puppies purchase at the same time or for returning customers. . Deposit must be received within 48 hrs of receiving purchase contract. If more time is needed we can make arrangements. I just need to know as I may have other people interested.”

Contract & health guarantee

Alicia 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 Alicia 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 Alicia 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
    • Enrichment & socialization
      • Various sounds
      • Car rides
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • Socialized in new places
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • AKC registration
      • Initial potty training
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Registration
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder's location

Meet in Riverside, CA

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Ontario Airport

Flexible meeting point

Alicia can meet at a location that works for both of you

More about Alicia

  • Alicia has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years

    Alicia was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.

  • Alicia’s links

Alicia is a trusted Good Dog breeder

AKC Shih Tzu of California 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

Verified owner stories

Hear what other owners say about working with Alicia to bring home their puppies.

  • Paul R.

    Verified owner · May 2026

    We were so excited to find Alicia and AKC Shih Tzu of California. Alicia was very responsive to us, and answered all of our questions prior to us putting our deposit on (Zara) Posey. She sent us updated pictures from the vet as she was getting her check up and first round of shots (so cute). Alicia and her husband were kind enough to deliver Posey to our home and share a wealth of information as well as supplies to make her transition to our home as seamless and happy as possible. Posey is a very social puppy and has filled our home with joy, love and puppy breath!

    JC

    Jan C.

    Verified owner · June 2024

    We really wanted another Shih Tzu puppy as we had lost ours on Valentine’s Day after 12 years. Was very apprehensive about finding a breeder because of all the scams. Got in touch with Alicia and felt comfortable immediately with her. She seemed very caring and really interested in breeding excellent puppies. When we went to look at the puppies that she had, we were amazed at how nice the area was that the puppies were living in. They were well taken care of and the other family members were present grandparent dogs, etc. the puppies were very clean and very well taken care of , very socialized and happy puppies. We chose Cody. He is an awesome puppy full of energy so fun loves to play. Loves to eat. He doesn’t like to sleep yet, but that’s OK. I’m sure eventually he will catch onto that. I would definitely recommend Alicia if you were looking for a Shih Tzu for a pet . Upon adopting, she gave us a very nice bag with several different goodies for the new puppy along with PP pads. It was very thoughtful. She answered all of her questions and was very responsive to questions that had been a email to her once we got home, I wouldn’t hesitate to get a puppy from her❤️

    Melissa B.

    Verified owner · Sept. 2023

      • +5

    We had a wonderful experience working with Alicia. She takes such good care of her parent dogs and puppies. We are so happy we found her and love our sweet boy so much. Alicia sent us home very prepared with a care package of food, treats, puppy pads, water bottle, blanket, etc. We would highly recommend Alicia at AKC Shih Tzu of California.

  • Melody S.

    Verified owner · Nov. 2024

      • +6

    We feel like we hit the jackpot finding Alicia. I wasn’t expecting to find my new babies so fast and so it felt sort of meant to be. From all of the interactions we had with her in the weeks leading up to pickup day, to the wonderful gift of supplies she sent us home with, I couldn’t imagine a better experience. Except it got better! Tennessee and Whiskey were already learning their names when we met them, they were already dog door trained (as well as pad trained) which really set us off to a great start. They are SUCH great dogs! They are still working on potty training of course, yet when in “their room” they fully use the dog door and kennel (still learning that the rest of the house is their domain too, that’ll come with time). They are happy, healthy puppies with such great demeanors. I’m SO glad we got siblings. They are SO bonded, I couldn’t imagine if we just got one. We couldn’t be happier!

    Lori T.

    Verified owner · Nov. 2023

    Alicia was great to work with. She answered all my questions, when ever I reached out. She made the whole adoption a very smooth transition. The gift bag was fantastic. Abby is so sweet, I am so happy with her. I would recommend AKC Shih Tzu of California to anyone.

    CW

    Christine W.

    Verified owner · Sept. 2023

    It was an excellent experience! They were helpful with absolutely everything!

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