House of Zen Shihtzus

Malissa and John D.

Breeder of Shih Tzus

  • Mesa, AZ
  • Responds within a day

Meet the breeder

I'm Malissa and John D., the breeder behind House of Zen Shihtzus located in Mesa, AZ. All of our dogs are loved as family members. We cherish our puppies from birth up until they leave our arms to snuggle into yours! We are dog lovers through and through! Our pups are such an important part of our lives, and we can’t imagine being without them. It’s an amazing experience as breeders to provide others with puppies that we know will bring them the same joy!

Q. & A. with Malissa and John

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I was exposed to breeding from a young age. My parents were involved with many different breeds, showing breeding and training. We always had Shih Tzus And they became my heart dog breed. They have been a staple in my life since before I can remember when.

  • What makes your program special?

    Our holistic Shih Tzu breeding program is centered on raising healthy, balanced puppies through intentional, natural rearing. We use puppy culture protocols, focus on milestone-based development, and support each pup with species-appropriate nutrition, toxin-free environments, and early enrichment. Every puppy leaves our care confident, well-adjusted, and truly ready for life with their new family.

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

    Our puppies include tricolor, black and tan, chocolate, sable and white, sable, chocolate and tan, red and tan, lilac, black, liver, blue, gold, red, silver, black gold and white, black white and silver, black gold and silver, black and white, blue and white, brindle and white, gold and white, liver and white, red and white, silver and white, silver gold and white, 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 Malissa and John

Malissa and John 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, Malissa and John partners with them to find the best puppy match.

Price

Puppy prices include a $100 non-refundable deposit and between $800 - $2,400 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“Pricing varies based on each puppy’s color, sex, and estimated adult size. Every puppy goes home with their first immunizations, complete health records, a starter bag of food, a cozy blanket, some favorite toys, and a brand-new carrier. We also offer a lifetime of support and love staying connected with our puppy families as they grow! A $100 nonrefundable deposit is required to hold the puppy of your choice. This secures your puppy until they are ready to go home—no earlier than 10 weeks old and no later than 14 weeks, depending on their individual development.”

Contract & health guarantee

Malissa and John 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 Malissa and John 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 Malissa and John 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
      • 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
    • Extras
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Initial potty training
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Basic obedience & manners

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Malissa and John.

Breeder's location

Meet in Mesa, AZ

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport (formerly Williams AFB)

Meet in Chandler, AZ

More about Malissa and John

  • Certifications & recognitions

    AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Canine Nutritionist, Puppy Culture Breeder, Professional Groomer.

  • Malissa and John has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years

    Malissa and John was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.

  • Malissa and John’s links

Malissa and John is a trusted Good Dog breeder

House of Zen Shihtzus 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

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

House of Zen Shihtzus 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.

  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

    A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.

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