Northstar Shih Tzu

Lila A.

Breeder of Shih Tzus

  • Paso Robles, CA
  • Responds within a day

Upcoming litters

Hart
Arya

Expected Shih Tzu litter

Due May 2026

Ready Aug. 19, 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 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 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 $2,300 - $3,700 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“Incudes puppy guarantee, AKC registration, age appropriate vaccinations, deworming, & puppy socialization. Price is also reflective of show potential, puppy sex and unique markings. Although our dogs come from AKC Champion Bloodlines and can certainly be shown in competitions, our goal and passion is to produce outstanding Shih Tzu for companionship that posses the qualities stated in the AKC standard for type and temperament. We strive to continually improve the Shih Tzu breed through well thought out, planned breedings. This deposit is non-refundable, unless there is a problem with the health of your puppy. In that case, the buyer will have their choice of a full refund or of transferring that deposit toward another puppy.”

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.

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
    • 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.

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.

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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