LaDawn’s Little Lions

LaDawn J.

Breeder of Shih Tzus

  • Kettering, OH
  • Responds within a few hours

Meet the breeder

I'm LaDawn J., the breeder behind LaDawn’s Little Lions located in Kettering, OH. Our dogs are excellent in every way. They are healthy, happy, have great temperaments, and of course, are extra adorable! Our dogs are DNA tested and bred for health and temperament. They are socialized, vaccinated, dewormed, vet checked and health guaranteed. We are a small in-home breeding business and our dogs are treated like family. We take great consideration when choosing homes for our babies and know you will love and care for them just as we have.

Q. & A. with LaDawn

  • Why did you start breeding?

    About 9 years ago I was looking for a change of career. I moved my Mother in with me to care for her and was looking for something I could do from home. A friend asked me, if money was not an issue what would you do? With no hesitation I replied, “ play with puppies all day”. This began the beginning of my breeding. I already had a Shih Tzu I had rescued and have owned Shih Tzu’s for 30 years.

  • What makes your program special?

    I DNA test all of my Sire’s and Dam’s for genetic health issues. I breed for health, temperament and to meet or exceed breed standards. I’m honest with my customers. My dog’s health always comes first. I also go to great lengths to socialize my puppies. I use several different method’s and spend a great amount of time doing this, so that my dog’s are well adjusted and ready to adapt to there new homes.

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

    Our puppies include black, liver, blue, gold, red, silver, white, blue and white, liver and white, brindle and white, black and white, and brindle. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home and guardian homes.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from LaDawn

LaDawn 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, LaDawn partners with them to find the best puppy match.

“We take great pride and placing our puppies with the right families. We usually wait till our puppies are around 3 to 4 weeks before making determination on placement.”

Price

Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $1,000 - $2,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“My puppies only go to Pet homes. Price includes vaccinations, microchip, deworming, registration, vet check, 1 year health guarantee, 30 day trupanion health insurance, starter food, blanket, toy, tand list of suggested items for puppy . The deposit is the same price regardless of the price of the puppy. Can be transferred to another litter. But, is non refundable.”

Contract & health guarantee

LaDawn 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 LaDawn 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 LaDawn 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
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Food & treats
      • Initial potty training
      • Basic obedience & manners
      • Registration
      • Toys

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder's location

Meet in Kettering, OH

Other pick-up locations

Meet at John Glenn Columbus Airport

Meet in Cincinnati, OH

More about LaDawn

  • Certifications & recognitions

    Professional Groomer, Certified Veterinary Assistant .

  • LaDawn has been a member of Good Dog for almost 5 years

    LaDawn was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.

  • LaDawn’s links

LaDawn is a trusted Good Dog breeder

LaDawn’s Little Lions 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

LaDawn’s Little Lions 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.

  • Patellar Luxation

    Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.

  • Brucellosis

    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.

  • DNA Disease Panel, Agouti DNA Test

    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 LaDawn to bring home their puppies.

  • Dawn B.

    Verified owner · Aug. 2026

      • +5

    My experience in having a new member join the family has been absolutely stellar with LaDawn and her Little Lions. Do not hesitate in your dealings with her if you are seeking a puppy! Business Communication/Feedback: This is a 10/10. I was slow to decide on taking Chewy, my new little guy. LaDawn kept me posted every step of the decision process, and kept her word. She was able to answer questions on how GoodDog worked as well. The payment process was done through the GD app. Be aware to review their protection/assistance plan during payment. Pick up Process: Also a 10/10. I had a lot going on during an intra-state move, and LaDawn was very accommodating in finding a great meeting spot that was easy for me (and hopefully for her) and made things go seamlessly. She brought Chewy with his puppy package, accompanying paperwork, food to get started, and an abundance of toys!! I was able to use her coupon for a free bag of food! This was so thoughtful and shows how much she cares about transitioning her pups. Basic skill set and dog readiness: I am not making this up… another 10/10. Chewy, at 12 weeks, using wee pads for potty immediately! Even in our camper van! Already on crunchy food. NO food/toy guarding. Knowing SIT, knowing GOOD BOY. Able to play with feet and face, no adverse reactions. This baby dog even returns his toys in fetch!! Super impressive. When I asked her to introduce a harness, she agreed wholeheartedly. I could go on all day!! Just do it! You will NOT be disappointed. This breeder is honest, has integrity, compassion, and a genuine LOVE for connecting her pups to the world. THANK YOU!!!!

    April S.

    Verified owner · July 2026

    LaDawn is the best breeder I've met! You can tell she truly cares about her puppies. She puts in so much training and it shows!! My little girl is the sweetest, cutest, playful little lion. She has adjusted quickly and sleeps through the night like an angel. I couldn't be more thrilled and in love 😍 I HIGHLY recommend LaDawn and will DEFINITELY come back in the future!

    Nancy R.

    Verified owner · May 2026

    Working with LaDawn was a very pleasant experience. She addressed all of my concerns promptly. I know that our little Bear came from a caring and loving environment. I highly recommend LaDawn to anyone looking for their forever furbaby. We've enjoyed every moment with ours.

  • Steve R.

    Verified owner · July 2026

      • +4

    LaDawn was very informative and involved. She was very helpful in sending home toys, some food, and a blanket with moms sent. She likes to be involved with wanting pictures and updates on Oakley’s progress. She was very good at communicating and being on top of everything that needed to get done. She had Oakley checked by the vet and made sure everything was okay before giving her to us. Oakley is very well behaved and was a good passenger in the car. You could tell Oakley was very loved and very well cared for. We would recommend LaDawn to anybody wanting an adorable Shih-Tzu.

    Kelley N.

    Verified owner · June 2026

    LeDawn was amazing to work with. I was kept updated throughout, responsive to request. What a blessed experience this has been. Homer is settling in very well. He is my shadow. So sweet natured, loves to give kisses. We are bonding so quickly. Our other two adult dogs aren’t sure about him yet, but he’s so good about respecting their space. We all are overjoyed to have him in our lives. If I ever adopt again, it will definitely be with LeDawn.❤️

    KP

    Karen P.

    Verified owner · May 2026

    LaDawn provided excellent service with acquiring Bruno. She provided a FaceTime appointment to see Bruno prior to acquiring him. The dog transport was great. As soon as Bruno got out of the car. he came running straight to me. It's like he knew, he belonged here. LaDawn provided some of his dog and all of the necessary paperwork for his new veterinarian. It was a pleasure working with LaDawn.

Photos

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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.

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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