I'm Persia B., the breeder behind Great Lakes Teddy Bear Dogs located in Grand Rapids, MI. We love this breed and the experience of having litters! Our mission is to raise pups that are set to become the best companions. We breed to preserve the unique characteristics of this breed while considering a variety of traits, including health, conformation, and temperament. We emphasize the proper socialization and training of our puppies, and we strive to promote responsible dog ownership.
Q. & A. with Persia
Why did you start breeding?
I have always loved Shih Tzus. I fostered puppy mill dogs all throughout my twenties. These babies had a lot of health issues. I bought my first Shih Tzu in my twenties as well and he was a great boy, but also had some breathing issues. I realized there was a need for easy to care for, healthy small dogs. I did my research on Shichons and got my first one in 2021.
What makes your program special?
There is a lot of blood, sweat, tears and soul that went into our program. These dogs are our life, and a lifestyle. We are there for them for their entire lives and I am still in touch with most of the families I have sold too. When you get a dog from us, you get a piece of our heart. We are always there for our families and their dogs. We love the extended family feel and updates on the dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Raven
Went home
Female
Magic
Went home
Male
Salem
Went home
Female
Pup 2
Went home
Female
Pup 1
Went home
Female
Pup 3
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Persia
Persia 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
Connect with Persia to learn more details about pricing.
“Our price includes the first vet check as well as shots, deworming, and a health guarantee. We train all of our puppies to use a litter box so that they will be much easier to teach to go outside. Deposits are transferable to another litter. They are not refundable unless there is an issue on our end.”
Contract & health guarantee
Persia 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 Persia 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 Persia directly.
Great Lakes Teddy Bear Dogs 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
Litter and program updates
Persia B.
Litter update on 10 Sept. •
Puppies are here!! 🩵🩷
Zephyr and Cypress's litter
Persia B.
Program update on 03 Mar. •
Daisy Dog puppies available!! They will be ready to go home on 3/14 🥰 1 male and 2 females available.
Parent dogs
All breeds
Shichon
Poodle
Bodhi, dad
Shichon
About Bodhi
Bodhi is just the bestest boy. He has a very calm, laid back temperament. He loves to cuddle and is my little shadow. He was very easy to train and naturally a biddable dog. We are so happy to have him as part of our program. We are very excited to meet his puppies when it’s time!
Cypress, mom
Shichon
About Cypress
Cypress is a gentle, loving dog. She loves to play but is also very laid back and enjoys cuddles. She is a therapy dog and has spent a lot of time in a home with women with developmental disabilities.
Zephyr, dad
Poodle
About Zephyr
Zephyr is a highly intelligent boy. He loves to go on adventures and is super cuddly. He is in perfect health and loves to play!
Parent health testing
Great Lakes Teddy Bear Dogs 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 Shichons.
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 Persia to bring home their puppies.
Beth P.
Verified owner · Nov. 2025
Persia was SO sweet to work with! We drove 8 hours to get our little Willow and could not be happier how the transaction went! She replies, follows up and loves her pups. We feel so lucky to have had such a smooth time finding our pup! We are SO in love!!!