I'm Susan W., the breeder behind Susan's Shih Tzus and Maltese located in Melvindale, MI. I am "all about the dog". My breeding program is small in number. Health is most important. My commitment as a breeder is to do my best, stay knowledgeable through continued education. My goal is to preserve the breed by producing healthy, happy puppies with quality traits not by quantity.
Q. & A. with Susan
Why did you start breeding?
My interest in breeding and showing grew after attending a decade worth of dog shows.
What makes your program special?
I have a small breeding program revolving around my commitment to be the best steward, develop a rapport with my dogs, do my very best to produce healthy, happy puppies. Preserving the breed with quality not quantity.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Susan
Susan 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 $300 deposit and between $900 - $1,700 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price includes health guarantee, wellness exam, age appropriate vaccines, and new puppy kit. The deposit will be applied to the price of the dog.”
Contract & health guarantee
Susan 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 Susan 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 Susan directly.
Susan's Shih Tzus and Maltese 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
Parent dogs
Stella, mom
Maltese
About Stella
Stella is a female Maltese. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Susan decided to make her part of their program. Susan 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
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Susan's Shih Tzus and Maltese 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 Maltese.
Cardiac Evaluation (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.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Vet Wellness Exam
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
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).