Melanie's Little Lions

Melanie M.

Breeder of Shih Tzus

  • Turbotville, PA
  • Responds within a few hours

Available puppies

Christopher

Ready Nov. 28

6 weeks old · Male

Gracie

Ready Nov. 28

6 weeks old · Female

Meet the breeder

I'm Melanie M., the breeder behind Melanie's Little Lions located in Turbotville, PA. Our dogs are part of our family and we strive to raise healthy interactive puppies. Each pup is unique and comes with his or her own personality. We understand finding the perfect fur baby for your home shouldn't be stressful but a enjoyable experience. We seek only loving and safe homes for our pups.

Q. & A. with Melanie

  • Why did you start breeding?

    My husband grew up in a family raising Saint Bernard's and New Foundlands. Nearly 5 years ago we adopted our first Shih Tzu and fell in love! His winning personality helped us decide that raising pups would be a good direction for our growing family.

  • What makes your program special?

    We start the house-breaking routine at 6 weeks of age. They are taking outside every 3 hours during the day. No puppy pads. We find pups who start training young, house break easier. Litters are registered with the American Canine Association (ACA) or Continental Kennel Club (CKC) and buyers have the option of individually registering their puppy and getting their pedigree.

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

    Our puppies include chocolate and tricolor. 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 Melanie

Melanie 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 $200 non-refundable deposit and between $1,800 - $2,100 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“The price includes registration papers, first vaccinations, dewormer and complementary bag of puppy food and cuddle toy with mommy's scent. Deposit goes towards full purchase price. At the time of deposit puppy with be reserved.”

Contract & health guarantee

Melanie 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 Melanie 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 Melanie 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
      • Socialized with children
      • Scent introduction
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Registration
      • Initial potty training
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder’s location

Meet in Turbotville, PA

3947 miles away

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Other pick-up locations

Meet at Williamsport Airport

3946 miles away

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More about Melanie

  • Melanie has been a member of Good Dog for almost 4 years

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

Melanie is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Melanie'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

Litter and program updates

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Melanie'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.

  • Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)

    Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.

  • 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 Melanie to bring home their puppies.

  • Cheryl M.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2025

    In January of 2024, I was looking for a Shih Tzu and came across Melanie's litter on Good Dog. Melanie was very responsive and answered all my questions. We named this puppy Stitch because it means to mend. I was looking to find a fury companion to mend my broken heart (I lost my brother in December). He immediately brought so much love and comfort. He was healthy and well cared for by Melanie. Fast forward a few months. In June of 2024 it was time to get Stitch a playmate. Thankfully, Melanie had another litter ready. We did not hesitate to purchase another Shih Tzu from her. Gizmo joined our family in June. Both very happy, healthy, vibrant pups from Melanie. Would recommend her to anyone looking for a Shih Tzu.

    Marci O.

    Verified owner · July 2025

    I heard about Melanie through my Aunt and cousin. They love their Shih Tzus that they got from Melanie and talked highly of their experience with Melanie. I started looking into the breed about a year ago and have followed Melanie’s litters wondering if one of those cute little puppies were going to be mine. I would watch to see when they were reserved and would tell my husband “someone reserved my puppy.” He would just smile at me because he was reluctant to bring a puppy into our home though he is a dog lover. We both grew up with many dogs over the years and wasn’t sure if we could fit a new puppy into our lifestyle having gone without one for many years. As I watched each puppy that I thought was mine be reserved over the last year or so the latest litter came along and Teddy was available. For about 3 weeks I kept saying to my husband, Teddy is still available. He would smile. Then on the evening of June 24, I asked him to please look at Teddy and read about Melanie and my husband agreed for me to inquire about Teddy. I contacted Melanie and that night after I communicated with Melanie, my husband said to me, “you know you want that puppy so go ahead and reserve him.” I was kind of hesitant because I wanted him to be all in like I was. He sensed my hesitation and asked “what are you waiting for.” I knew that Teddy was ours the first time I saw him. My husband confirmed that for me when he encouraged me to reserve him. My 18 year old son was even saying “do it mom, you want that puppy.” We were on our way to being a family with Teddy! Melanie has been wonderful to work with and very responsive when I reached out with any questions. She sent me updates and pictures of him. She kept me in the loop on his first bath and his first vet visit. Teddy came into our home and settled right in. We ALL love him. He gives us such joy, and he makes us laugh. Thanks to Melanie for raising such beautiful, social, loving puppies. I highly recommend her!

    Caryn K.

    Verified owner · May 2025

    Melanie was absolutely wonderful to work with as were her children helping with socialization. We ended up with two adorable puppies originally called Vance and Fletcher. With our grandsons suggestion they are now Obi-Wan and R2 D2. I was incredibly impressed with how the puppies or socialized and adapted well to our new family. Melanie certainly was easy to work with very responsive and helpful. They just had their 3-month, hard to believe check up. Obi is now 6 lb 4 oz and R2 D2 4 lb 7 oz. Very speedy little guys when we let them out in the yard to play. Melanie called it with their personalities are two is very smart and quick to cuddle. Obi is a ball of fun always willing to play and romp. When going to the vet the puppies are usually played with for a good 20 minutes my staff as they are so fantastic and adorable.

  • HG

    Hailee G.

    Verified owner · Aug. 2025

    Melanie was just wonderful. She sent us pictures and videos of our little guy up until we picked him up. Very personable experience. We were given a packet with all his information and medical history appts and shots. We met his parents at they're beautiful farm as soon as we pulled in driveway. Everything was wonderful. We left and she had water and toys and a blanket from his mom to take on our drive back home. Melanie told us to please call with anything about him you need to know or anything. Very kind and it shows in her pups. She began a cycle of house breaking and he's so young but we keep it up and it's working. He's not shocked by a sudden noise he's not a crazy barker he's nothing but a little love bug. He's so sweet thank you so much I'd come back again. It's so obvious in his character he was well bred. Thank you again.

    Stephanie L.

    Verified owner · June 2025

    I purchased my dog Howie from Melanie, and I truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the very beginning, she was warm, responsive, and incredibly accommodating. I live about 3.5 hours away, and despite the distance—and the chaos of the holidays—she went above and beyond to make everything work smoothly. I picked Howie up just before Christmas, but with a major snowstorm and wanting to surprise my daughter, Melanie was kind enough to hold him a little longer so I could pull off the perfect Christmas moment. That level of thoughtfulness and flexibility meant the world to me and made the entire process even more special. Howie is happy, healthy, and absolutely perfect. You can tell Melanie truly cares about her dogs and the families they go to. I would recommend her to anyone without hesitation. She made what could have been a stressful process feel easy, joyful, and unforgettable.

    Bora L.

    Verified owner · Apr. 2025

    It’s not easy to choose exactly who to bring your puppy home from and we chose Melanie because of how forthright and clear she was in all her communications and we are so glad we went with Melanie. She provided detailed information about Bernie’s history and health and answered my many questions promptly. I also really appreciated that she was factual and informative without trying to sell me in on the puppies. She was also very flexible and gracious on logistics when I ran into some scheduling issues getting to Pennsylvania. Bernie started his life in the country, a stark contrast to his currently urban home but thanks to his wonderful start with Melanie, he is adjusting well and we have been amazed by his fun yet sweet disposition and ability pick up potty training! Thank you Melanie.

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