Calta’s Cute Shih Tzu

Kelli C.

Breeder of Shih Tzus

  • Vernon, NJ · 217 miles away
  • Responds within a few days

Upcoming litters

Stetson
Jennifer

Expected Shih Tzu litter

Due Dec. 2025

Ready Feb. 24, 2026

Meet the breeder

I'm Kelli C., the breeder behind Calta’s Cute Shih Tzu located in Vernon, NJ. I strive to breed the most beautiful, healthy, well-tempered Standard Shih Tzu. I genetic test and OFA all of my breeding dogs to make sure the babies they produce are free from inherited diseases. I am pretty picky about the homes my puppies go to. I require anyone seeking a puppy from me to fill out my application. I will want to know, honestly, all about you, I'd rather you tell us the truth than find out later that you were dishonest about any of your answers on your application questions or conversations. The more you tell me about yourself and your plans for a puppy, the more likely you'll be accepted. Please do not give me one-word answers as that will make it harder for me to believe that you are a serious potential owner.

Q. & A. with Kelli

  • Why did you start breeding?

    My love for Tuz started when I was 21 and got my first boy "Max" his personality won me over. Fast forward 25 years and while I have raised other breeds Tuz have always had a special place in my heart. I stated breeding just 3 short years ago to help keep the integrity of the breed and have loved every min of it.

  • What makes your program special?

    I take the extra steps to insure my adults are heathy by not only DNA testing, but also OFA their eyes, knees and hearts to make sure there are no hereditary issues.

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

    Our puppies include liver, red, liver and white, brindle and white, red and white, and brindle. 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 Kelli

Kelli 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 $500 non-refundable deposit and $3,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“Price is based on the quality, color, pedigree, and our assessment & the work we put into our puppies. Stated prices are for Limited AKC Rights. Full rights available to approved breeders at a higher cost. Deposit is $500 also NON-refundable. Fees are applied toward the price of your puppy. I require a $500 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit to hold the puppy you choose, once deposit is received your puppy will no longer be advertised for sale.”

Contract & health guarantee

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

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder’s location

Meet in Vernon, NJ

217 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Newark Liberty Airport

209 miles away

·

Flexible meeting point

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

More about Kelli

  • Certifications & recognitions

    CHIC Certified, Puppy Culture Breeder, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T..

  • Kelli has been a member of Good Dog for almost 4 years

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

Kelli is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Calta’s Cute 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

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Calta’s Cute 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 Shih Tzus.

  • 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).

Verified owner stories

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

  • AD

    Amy D.

    Verified owner · Aug. 2025

    Kelli was amazing to work with - she is super responsive, knowledgeable and kept us up to date with lots of puppy pics. Our new puppy is such a sweet, well-adjusted girl. We can’t thank Kelli enough!

    Karen S.

    Verified owner · Dec. 2024

    It was a pleasure working with Kelli! She was so helpful and knowledgeable in guiding us through the process of bringing Leo home. We were given thoughtful instructions on what to expect our first few days home, and a goody bag to help ease his transition. Kelli followed up after we were home to make sure everything was going smoothly. We are totally in love with Leo and grateful to Kelli!

    stacey g.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2024

    There are truly no words to describe how easy and seamless it was to get my dog through Kelli. She’s not only highly educated in her field, open and communicative, but truly cares about every dog and wants to ensure they find the best home. I couldn’t be happier with my puppy- it’s only been a week but he’s already so well behaved, socialized, and potty trained thanks to Kelli!! If you’re looking for a perfect shih tzu look no further, Kelli’s dogs are all perfect!

  • Joyce C.

    Verified owner · July 2025

      • +4

    Kelli was very caring, responsible and knowledgeable breeder. It was a great pleasure to work with her. We have had 3 dogs, and she was the best breeder we have ever met. I am so happy to find her through Good dog. Kelli was very helpful and transparent to let me get to know this litter in the beginning. After we made the decision on Simba, she was so on top of the game giving us all the updates and pictures weekly. It's been a great journey and we will definitely come back soon to get another puppy!!!

    TC

    Tara C.

    Verified owner · Nov. 2024

    Kelli is a top-notch Shih Tzu breeder and dog person. My husband and I looked for about a year and a half for a dog around NY and NJ. We are lifelong dog owners, including Shih Tzus, but this is our seven year old little girl's first puppy so we wanted her to be an excellent fit for our family. We definitely found the right breeder and little dog with Kelli. She is knowledgable, kind, and answers all your questions. Kelli spent time with me on the phone and FaceTime before we made the decision to officially purchase a puppy. Kelli keeps you informed about your puppy through photos and video updates and it's so much fun to look forward to pick up day. Kelli's dogs are raised at home with lots of love and the best quality care. Our puppy also knows her name, is paper-trained, and desensitized to things like the vacuum. She is so gentle and sweet and is already our little girl's best friend. It's so amazing to see. When we picked up our puppy, we couldn't get over how nicely behaved her adult dogs and remaining littermates were all together too. Kelli puts together a wonderful go-home canvas bag full of so many essentials and gifts to get your puppy started in your home. She recommends and gives the best quality food and supplements. She also includes a professional and thoughtful puppy handbook with advice, records, recommendations for things like pet insurance and dog training. Kelli really thinks of everything because she truly loves her puppies and dogs and cares for the families who purchase them. My family and I are very grateful to Kelli for our special puppy. 💕 We would definitely recommend her if you are looking to add a special Shih Tzu to your family!

    AK

    Aggie K.

    Verified owner · Sept. 2024

    Kelli was so responsive and knowledgeable about the Shih Tzu breed . I was fortunate to meet her through Good Dog . My pup Jax from Kelli is even tempered , super healthy and a joy ! Kelli is very kind and generous with her time and wonderful gifts that filled a large canvas bag to get puppy started with quality food and treats and toys he loves . Aggie K.

Photos

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

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