I'm J Melinna M., the breeder behind Shantii's Shih Tzu's located in Los Banos And Bay Area, CA. We are proud to offer our beautiful Shih Tzu puppies to loving homes! Our dogs are healthy and have great temperaments. We are a small enough program that we are able to thoroughly focus on each individual dog and puppy and their needs. We take pride in the time and dedication we give to every litter.
Q. & A. with J Melinna
Why did you start breeding?
Our breeding program started after the loss of our baby girl named Shantii. She was stolen from our front yard one afternoon after letting her out to potty. We were devastated and regretted never breeding her 💔 She was more than a pet. She was family... That is when I realized that everyone needs love like only a smooshy faced-big eyed shih tzu can give! "There is always room for one more Shih Tzu..." ®️
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include lilac, liver, blue, gold, liver and white, black gold and white, and brindle. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from J Melinna
J Melinna 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 $1,080 - $2,100 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“1 year health guarantee, vaccines, vet checked, dewormed, akc registered, puppy pad trained, crate trained and puppy pack. Only in specific situations the deposit may be returned.”
Contract & health guarantee
J Melinna 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 J Melinna 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 J Melinna directly.
Shantii's Shih Tzu's 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
J Melinna M.
Litter update on 06 Sept. •
Clean Bill of Health!🙌 all pups are in perfect health and thriving! Not even a whimper while getting their shots 🥰
Bo 💚 and Mona ❤️'s litter
J Melinna M.
Litter update on 04 Sept. •
Vet appointment tomorrow for these chunky little nuggets 😍
Bo 💚 and Mona ❤️'s litter
J Melinna M.
Program update on 30 Aug. •
Puppy update ✨️
J Melinna M.
Program update on 27 Aug. •
Puppy update ✨️ Roman
Parents: Durazno & Bo
J Melinna M.
Litter update on 24 Aug. •
Sweet calm baby Dorian...
Bo 💚 and Mona ❤️'s litter
J Melinna M.
Litter update on 24 Aug. •
These babies are thriving 😍
Bo 💚 and Mona ❤️'s litter
J Melinna M.
Litter update on 23 Aug. •
Dorian loves belly rubs!
Bo 💚 and Mona ❤️'s litter
J Melinna M.
Litter update on 16 Aug. •
Dorian, sweet-sweet Dorian 🥰
Bo 💚 and Mona ❤️'s litter
J Melinna M.
Litter update on 14 Aug. •
Last one!
Bo 💚 and Mona ❤️'s litter
J Melinna M.
Litter update on 06 Aug. •
✨️ROWENA✨️
Bo 💚 and Mona ❤️'s litter
Parent dogs
Sunnie, mom
Shih Tzu
About Sunnie
Sunnie is a female Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, J Melinna decided to make her part of their program. J Melinna has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Mona ❤️, mom
Shih Tzu
About Mona ❤️
Mona ❤️ is a female Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, J Melinna decided to make her part of their program. J Melinna has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Bo 💚, dad
Shih Tzu
About Bo 💚
Bo 💚 is a male Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, J Melinna decided to make him part of their program. J Melinna has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Durazno 🍑, mom
Shih Tzu
About Durazno 🍑
Durazno 🍑 is a female Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, J Melinna decided to make her part of their program. J Melinna has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Lukas ✨️, dad
Shih Tzu
About Lukas ✨️
Lukas ✨️ is a male Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, J Melinna decided to make him part of their program. J Melinna has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Mango 🥭, mom
Shih Tzu
About Mango 🥭
Mango 🥭 is a female Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, J Melinna decided to make her part of their program. J Melinna has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Shantii's Shih Tzu's 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.
DNA Profile
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 J Melinna to bring home their puppies.
Malia B.
Verified owner · Dec. 2025
+4
We adopted Ruby (now Lisa; named after Lisa from BLACKPINK!) from J Melinna at Shantii’s Shih Tzu’s, and the whole experience was great. Lisa came home healthy, sweet, and full of energy. You can tell she was well cared for and socialized. She adjusted quickly and has such a fun, loving personality. We’re really happy with our adoption experience and grateful to have her in our family.
EM
Eshita M.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Review
We recently brought home our Shih Tzu puppy from J Melinna, and we couldn’t be happier! From the very beginning, the experience was smooth, transparent, and filled with genuine care.
Our little girl is healthy, playful, and already showing such a wonderful temperament a true reflection of how much love and attention she received before coming home with us. It was clear that the breeder prioritized the puppies’ well-being, nutrition, and socialization.
J Melinna was incredibly patient with all our questions, providing updates, pictures, and guidance throughout the process. Even after bringing our puppy home, they made themselves available for advice and tips, which gave us so much peace of mind as new puppy parents.
We are truly grateful for the dedication and responsibility shown in raising these puppies. Our Shih Tzu has already brought so much joy into our lives, and we highly recommend.
Meghan B.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
+5
My husband and I were so happy to find Melinna. We recently had to put our baby Melody down after suffering from IMHA at only 5.5 years old. I found her through the good dog app and we were in contact to pick out a puppy after our planned summer vacation. We were planning to visit her to pick out a puppy but when that didn't work out she offered us Mia the puppy she was going to keep. We are so glad that she did. Mia is such a sweetheart and at 9 weeks old is all ready potty pad trained, she is so smart and she loves to cuddle and play with her toys. She sent us tons of updates and we are already doing the same. Mia has filled the void in our hearts and she has only been home for a few days. We are so glad that we found Melinna and her family. Thank you for raising our baby girl in a loving and caring home.
MS
Michael S.
Verified owner · Oct. 2025
I was a bit nervous about using a website to find a shihtzu puppy after our long time pets passed away.
J Melinna was very understanding and supportive. She worked with us on a calendar issue. She provided grooming and feeding tips. She’s very responsive to texts. She drove quite far to deliver our puppy.
As for the puppy herself, she’s perfect. Cute. Healthy. Good coat. Great personality.
Really, really happy with how things turned out!
Lori J.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
It went wonderful. She was very polite, she shared weekly pictures of my girl. The exchange was wonderful she gave me some items for the puppy. Everything was wonderful.
MD
Michele D.
Verified owner · June 2025
I’m forever grateful for finding Melinna of Shantii’s Shih Tzu’s. She has been an absolute godsend. I’d shared with her my recent loss of my beloved 10 yrs old Shih Tzu. He was diagnosed with stage 3 inoperative oral tumor. Melinna was both understanding & supportive during a difficult time in my life. She answered all of my 101+ questions (not the actual amount). She was easy to communicate with. She provided pics/videos of her puppies anytime I asked.
We discussed my health issues & came to the conclusion that Ronan was the right pup for me. I made my decision to adopt Ronan a few days before Mothers Day. She explained how the process worked in order to make him reserved. I asked Melinna if he could stay with her, while I puppy proofed my house? She graciously said yes.
Melinna offered to meet me half way between our homes which I truly appreciated. She arrived early & let me know they were there. Ronan smelled so good, & looked better in person. I fell in love with him the moment I saw him. He’s got beautiful hazel eyes. It was obvious that he was well cared for & loved. Melinna gave me a gift bag with a lot of goodies along w/folder enclosed with Ronan’s last vet visit, dates of vaccines past & future, & his AKC Reg paperwork. He’s seen my Veterinarian & passed his physical with flying colors. He’s almost piddle pad trained. He sleeps through the night in his crate with no accidents. He’s a smart little guy for only being 10 weeks old.
I credit Melinna’s training for him passing the milestones that he has. I would adopt a puppy from Melinna again with no reservations. I know we will stay in touch with each other. Thank you again Melinna for bringing Ro into my life. I ❤️ him to the moon & back forever & always his mom.