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.
Peanut
Reserved
Male
Coco
Reserved
Male
Gizmo
Went home
Male
Blair
Went home
Female
Jo
Went home
Female
Natalie
Went home
Female
TBD
Ready now
3 years old
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 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 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.
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
Maile, mom
Shih Tzu
About Maile
Maile is super sweet and affectionate mommy. She loves to meet new people and give kisses to all, she is our wild child!!
Maile is a great loving mom to her puppies and loves to play with them. She has a beautiful face with big black eyes and a flat face with non-fading black and white color coat.
Molokini, dad
Shih Tzu
About Molokini
Molokini is very gentle, sweet and playful Liver Shih Tzu with AKC Registration. He has a wonderful friendly personality with a beautiful soft coat and teddy bear flat face. His eyes are brown round with no white, his puppies usually have blue or green eyes.
Mele, mom
Shih Tzu
About Mele
Mele is a female Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Alicia decided to make her part of their program. Alicia 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.
Peni, mom
Shih Tzu
About Peni
Peni is a female Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Alicia decided to make her part of their program. Alicia 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.
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Alicia to bring home their puppies.
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!
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.
SH
Samantha H.
Verified owner · Aug. 2023
Reese has been the sweetest addition to our family. She's such a lover and everywhere we go she gets all the attention. Working with Alicia and her husband was a pleasure and seeing our pup came from a great and ethical breeder makes the experience all the better!