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.
Hunter
Went home
Male
Pixie
Went home
Female
Bubbles
Went home
Female
Trinket
Went home
Female
Trixie
Went home
Female
Dash
Went home
Male
Hiro
Reserved
Male
Bao
Reserved
Male
Theo
Went home
Male
Mr Orion
Went home
Male
Mr Bode
Went home
Male
Miss Star
Went home
Female
Miss Twinkle
Went home
Female
Mr Cosmo
Went home
Male
Baxter
Went home
Male
Teebo
Went home
Male
Shodu
Went home
Male
Latara
Went home
Female
Nippet
Went home
Male
Paploo
Went home
Male
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 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 $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.
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
Parent dogs
Dumpling, mom
Shih Tzu
About Dumpling
Dumpling is a very sweet quiet affectionate girl. She is not a barker.
Ruby, mom
Shih Tzu
About Ruby
Ruby is a very sweet and quiet girl who's very attuned to your every move. She is real relaxed. She is a very attentive mom.
Plum, mom
Shih Tzu
About Plum
Plum is a very sweet quiet dog but just wants to be around you all the time.
Plum, mom
Shih Tzu
About Plum
Plum is a very sweet, quiet girl who just wants to be by your side.
Luna, mom
Shih Tzu
About Luna
Luna is very relaxed never gets excited about anything loves attention like we all do right.
Tikki woo, dad
Shih Tzu
About Tikki woo
He is very calm he is happy being held sitting on the couch he's just a happy guy great dog.
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.