I'm Rachel B., the breeder behind Southern Sass Shih Tzu located in Richfield, NC. We’re proud of the healthy, affectionate, and behaviorally well-rounded puppies we raise for other families to love! We raise our litters in our home to help set the foundation for happy and confident puppies to transition well into their forever homes. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to make an impact on each individual puppy!
Q. & A. with Rachel
Why did you start breeding?
I have been breeding Shih Tzu for over 20 years. I got my first one in 1997 and fell in love with this breed. They are great family dogs. I wanted to share that joy with other families.
What makes your program special?
I am very selective in my breeding program. I am constantly trying to better the breed and match the AKC standard as closely as possible.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include liver, brindle and white, liver and white, gold and white, and black 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.
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Toshi
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Rachel
Rachel 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 $750 - $1,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“The price includes AKC registration and vet clearance with first vaccinations and microchip. I have a one-year health guarantee. I will process a refund if something happens before the puppy goes home. I will not process a refund of the deposit if a buyer just changes their mind. I ask that any buyer speaks with me first.”
Contract & health guarantee
Rachel 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 Rachel 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 Rachel directly.
Southern Sass 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
Rachel B.
Litter update on 14 June •
Shadow and Missy's litter
Rachel B.
Litter update on 08 June •
You can see the red color in his coat when the sun hits it. He’s such a sweetheart.
Shadow and Missy's litter
Rachel B.
Litter update on 05 June •
Last baby boy 👀 for his new 🏡
Shadow and Missy's litter
Rachel B.
Litter update on 23 May •
Shadow and Missy's litter
Rachel B.
Litter update on 19 May •
They had a great vet checkup!!
Shadow and Callie's litter
Rachel B.
Litter update on 10 May •
Shadow and Callie's litter
Rachel B.
Litter update on 10 May •
Shadow and Callie's litter
Rachel B.
Litter update on 03 May •
Shadow and Missy's litter
Rachel B.
Litter update on 01 May •
Shadow and Callie's litter
Rachel B.
Litter update on 01 May •
They are starting to get around good.
Shadow and Missy's litter
Parent dogs
Missy, mom
Shih Tzu
About Missy
Missy is a female Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Rachel decided to make her part of their program. Rachel 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.
Callie, mom
Shih Tzu
About Callie
Callie is a female Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Rachel decided to make her part of their program. Rachel 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.
Shadow, dad
Shih Tzu
About Shadow
Shadow is a male Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Rachel decided to make him part of their program. Rachel 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.
Rosie, mom
Shih Tzu
About Rosie
Rosie is a female Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Rachel decided to make her part of their program. Rachel 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
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Southern Sass 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.
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.
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Rachel to bring home their puppies.
Monique S.
Verified owner · July 2025
We had such a wonderful experience working with Rachel from Southern Sass Shih Tzu! From the very beginning, Rachel was incredibly responsive, patient, and helpful with every question we had.
Being located in New York while she’s based in North Carolina could’ve made things complicated, but Rachel did her best to make the entire process feel seamless. She even offered to meet us at the airport for the pickup, which was over an hour away from her.
Throughout the entire experience, Rachel made us feel completely comfortable and confident. It was clear how much she cares about her pups and the families they go to. Even after we brought Koa home, she reminded us that we could always reach out to her with any questions or concerns.
We’re absolutely in love with our sour patch pup (crazy at first, then sweet and cuddly) and we’re so grateful to Rachel for making it all possible!
Libardo J.
Verified owner · June 2025
I had a wonderful experience with Rachel! She kept me updated throughout the entire process and always answered all of my questions promptly. It was clear she truly cares about her pups. Our Eva arrived happy, healthy, and incredibly well socialized—it made the transition to her new home a breeze. I couldn’t be happier!
Patty K.
Verified owner · Mar. 2025
We are so happy to have found Rachel and her adorable pack. She was wonderful with updating us as Georgie grew with his doggie mama. He is beautiful, adorable and healthy and we just love him so much❣️
Sabrina N.
Verified owner · June 2025
OMG! Our puppy was exactly as pictured and with the sweet temperament that Rachel daid he has! She is flexible with pick ups and super helpful with advice and tips on intergrsting Keanu into our home and existing pack!
🌟⭐️🌟⭐️🌟 review!
Duva D.
Verified owner · June 2025
+4
Great experience with Rachel. She kept me up to date weekly and sent videos and pictures as well. I was so glad to have found our forever boy and she took such great care with him
Carl P.
Verified owner · Dec. 2024
I have been very happy with my Shih Tzu puppy Sophie. Rachel was very quick to respond to all my questions. She has also been in contact with me after we brought Sophie home to check on her. Sophie continues to amaze us. She is very sweet, smart, and playful.