LaDawn’s Little Lions

LaDawn J.

Breeder of Shih Tzus

  • Kettering, OH
  • Responds within a day

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 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 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.

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

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder’s location

Meet in Kettering, OH

4298 miles away

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Other pick-up locations

Meet at John Glenn Columbus Airport

4237 miles away

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More about LaDawn

  • Certifications & recognitions

    Professional Groomer, Certified Veterinary Assistant .

  • LaDawn has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 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.

  • Emily H.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2025

    We absolutely love Bernie! He’s such a cute fellow and the breeder was great. Easy process and super responsive and helpful.

    DU

    Deleted U.

    Verified owner · Mar. 2025

    We can’t say enough wonderful things about our experience with LaDawn as a dog breeder. From the moment we reached out, she was incredibly responsive, warm, and knowledgeable. LaDawn truly cares about the health and well-being of her dogs, and it shows in every step of the process. We brought home our sweet Shih Tzu, Millie, and she has been a joy from day one. Millie is healthy, happy, and well-socialized, thanks to LaDawn’s thoughtful and responsible breeding practices. LaDawn made sure we were fully prepared for Millie’s arrival, providing us with all the information we needed and being available for any questions we had. It’s clear that LaDawn takes pride in her breeding program and loves each dog she brings into the world. Millie is a testament to her dedication, and we couldn’t be more grateful for this little bundle of joy. If you’re looking for a breeder who truly cares and produces top-quality puppies, LaDawn is the one to trust!

  • katy h.

    Verified owner · Mar. 2025

      • +6

    LaDawn was so great to work with. She answered all our questions. She sent regular updates and videos of our puppy. We got our puppy out of state and she was able to help us arrange someone to fly with him across the country. He is the cutest little personality on the planet and we couldn't be more happy with our decision to get our little dobie marked Bandit

    AS

    Amber S.

    Verified owner · Apr. 2024

    LaDawn was very responsive. She answered all my questions and kept me updated. When I went to pick up my puppy I got to meet his mom too! I’m so in love with my little Merlin. He’s perfect and healthy. I highly recommend LaDawn’s Little Lions for the most adorable Shih Tzu puppies and a responsible breeder who cares about her dogs.

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.

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