Northstar Shih Tzu

Lila A.

Breeder of Shih Tzus

  • Paso Robles, CA
  • Responds within a few days

Upcoming litters

Spencer
Annie

Planned Shih Tzu litter

Due June 2026

Ready Sept. 2026

Meet the breeder

I'm Lila A., the breeder behind Northstar Shih Tzu located in Paso Robles, CA. Northstar Shih Tzu is a preservation and AKC show breeder in Paso Robles, CA. We breed for health, temperament, and breed standard using fully health-tested, AKC-titled dogs. Puppies are raised in our home with care and purpose, reflecting our vision to protect and preserve the Shih Tzu for generations.

Q. & A. with Lila

  • Why did you start breeding?

    My journey into breeding began with a deep love for the Shih Tzu. Over time, that passion grew into a commitment to preserve and improve this beautiful breed. With mentorship, research, and hands-on experience, I now thoughtfully plan each litter to reflect the AKC standard and raise happy, healthy companions with heart and purpose.

  • What makes your program special?

    Our puppies are part of our family from the moment they’re born. With support from our veterinarian, we give our mothers a calm, loving space that helps nurture happy, well-socialized puppies. Though our dogs come from champion bloodlines, our greatest joy is raising Shih Tzu companions who reflect the AKC standard. Each pairing is planned to honor and improve this breed we cherish.

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

    Our puppies include black and white, red and white, and gold and white. 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 Lila

Lila 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.

Lila partners with buyers to find the best match as the puppies develop and their personalities take shape. Typically, matches are finalized when the puppies reach about 12 weeks old.

“Puppy Adoption Process We are honored by your interest in welcoming a Northstar Shih Tzu into your home. Our adoption process is designed to ensure that each puppy is matched with a loving, responsible, and well-prepared home—one that aligns with our values of health, integrity, and lifelong commitment to the breed. 1. Initial Inquiry & Introduction We love getting to know potential families! Feel free to reach out to us by sending us a message here on our website, email, or social media to introduce yourself and share a little about what you're looking for in a Shih Tzu companion. find everything you need to begin your journey with one of our treasured companions. 2. Puppy Adoption Questionnaire If it feels like a good fit, we’ll send over our Puppy Adoption Questionnaire. This helps us understand your lifestyle, experience, and what you're hoping for in a puppy. It also allows us to thoughtfully match each puppy to their ideal home. 3. Personal Connection Once your questionnaire is received, we’ll schedule a call or video chat to talk more about our upcoming litters, discuss our program and policies, and answer any questions you may have. 4. Litter Updates & Waitlist Families who are approved after the interview will be offered the opportunity to join our reservation list. Once a breeding is confirmed, we’ll provide updates throughout the pregnancy and after the litter is born. 5. Matching Puppies to Homes We begin evaluating structure and temperament at around 7–8 weeks of age. Puppies may be held up to 12 weeks for show prospect evaluation. Companion puppies are placed thoughtfully based on temperament, lifestyle fit, and preferences. 6. Reservation & Contract Once your puppy is matched, we’ll send over our Puppy Sales Agreement outlining health guarantees, spay/neuter requirements (for companions), and lifelong breeder support. A non-refundable reservation fee is required to hold your puppy. 7. Going Home Puppies are typically ready for their new homes between 10–12 weeks of age, depending on developmental readiness. Each puppy goes home with a Northstar Puppy Packet including health records, feeding instructions, grooming tools, and a familiar toy or blanket. 8. Lifelong Support Once you're part of the Northstar family, you're always family. We’re here to answer questions, cheer you on, and be a resource for your puppy’s entire life. If at any point you're unable to keep your dog, we require that they be returned to us. ”

Price

Puppy prices include a $600 non-refundable deposit and between $2,900 - $4,900 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“Includes AKC registration, health guarantee, vaccinations, deworming, and socialization. Pricing reflects show potential, sex, and markings. Our focus is breeding healthy Shih Tzu companions that meet the AKC standard. The $600 non refundable deposit will be applied toward the total adoption fee of puppy. Adoption fees begin at $3500 & may be adjusted up to $5500 for show-quality dogs after evaluation of litter.”

Contract & health guarantee

Lila 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 Lila 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 Lila 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
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Vet records
      • Microchip
    • Extras
      • AKC registration
      • 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 Lila.

Breeder's location

Meet in Paso Robles, CA

2360 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at San Luis Obispo County Airport (McChesney Field)

2370 miles away

·

More about Lila

  • Club memberships

    Lila is a member of Golden Gate Shih Tzu Fanciers, San Luis Obispo Kennel Club , and American Shih Tzu Club.

  • Certifications & recognitions

    Fitness and Nutrition Diploma (e-Training for Dogs), Whelping and Medical Intervention Course Completed (AKC), CHIC Certified, American Kennel Club Canine College, DNA for Dog Breeders (Institute of Canine Biology), AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T., AKC Breeder of Merit.

  • Lila has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years

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

  • Lila’s links

Lila is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Northstar Shih Tzu 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

Northstar Shih Tzu 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.

  • Elbow Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered)

    Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.

  • Eye Examination (rDVM, not 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.

  • Cardiac Evaluation (rDVM, not registered with OFA)

    Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.

  • Cleft Palate (DLX6), Full Embark Panel, 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 Lila to bring home their puppies.

  • Sue T.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2024

    Loved working with Lila. She contacted me immediately upon completing the Good Dog questionnaire, and prompt arrangements were made, upon her approval of me. Paperwork was done professionally and promptly. Lila is a great Shih Tzu breeder and lives in a wonderful home on a great property with all their Shih Tzu dogs who are all happy, healthy, and socially well adjusted. Being there to meet my dog (and take her home with me), and spend time with the family was like a warm hug. My dog is adjusting to her new home just fine. I'm a very happy customer, and I highly recommend Lila to anyone looking for a healthy, AKC Shih Tzu puppy or youngster. She knows what she's doing !! Thank you Lila !!

    Terral H.

    Verified owner · Sept. 2022

    Very patient and very thoughtful about my experience getting Moxie Wish. I was updated before and after litter delivered. Arrangements to pick Moxie Wish up were very accommodating. Very happy with the whole process.

  • Sallyann W.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2024

    Lila was great she was an expert in breading her puppies. We have to extremely happy and healthy puppies. She helped us get started and keeps in touch with us today. I highly recommend her puppies.

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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.