The Ruff Life Tribe
- Kettering, OH
- Responds within an hour
Upcoming litters
Expected Shih Tzu litter
Due Nov. 2025
Ready Jan. 31, 2026
Expected Companion Cross litter
Due Dec. 2025
Ready Feb. 20, 2026
Meet the breeder
I'm Mindy S., the breeder behind The Ruff Life Tribe located in Kettering, OH. My goal is to provide families with the best possible pets, that are affordable, loving, and healthy. My breeding dogs are DNA health cleared, vet checked, up to date on vaccinations and well visits. My puppies are also exposed to several programs to improve socialization skills and new puppy fear.
Q. & A. with Mindy
Why did you start breeding?
I started breeding in 2023 when I was a stay at home mom with my youngest child. I will only breed with caution and I will always put the health first. I will not breed dogs if it’s not recommended due to health or age.What makes your program special?
My breeding program is special because all of my breeding dogs reside in my home with my family. We also work with the puppies multiple times a day and we work on multiple tasks such as early neurological stimulation, exposing them to atleast 7 challenges, exposure to a doggie door with indoor grass area, introduction to harness and leash walking, and daily handling.What are the different breed sizes in your program?
Companion Cross puppies are small size. Sizes will vary depending on the parent dogs.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our Shih Tzu puppies include sable, liver, liver and white, gold and white, and black gold and silver. Companion Cross puppies include brindle, red, white, and cream. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Mindy
Mindy 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 $700 - $2,100 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“My price includes a 1-year health guarantee, free 30-day health insurance policy through Trupanion, first set of vaccinations, deworming, vet checked and cleared all before going home. All of my deposits are 500.00.”
Contract & health guarantee
Mindy 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 Mindy 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 Mindy 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
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
- Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
Extras
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Food & treats
- Toys
- Initial potty training
- Basic obedience & manners
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Mindy.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Kettering, OH
Other pick-up locations
Meet at John Glenn Columbus Airport
Meet in Dayton, OH
More about Mindy
Mindy has been a member of Good Dog for about 2 months
Mindy was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2025.
Mindy’s links
Mindy is a trusted Good Dog breeder
The Ruff Life Tribe 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
All breeds
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Quesa, mom
Lhasa Apso
About Quesa
Quesa is a very gentle natured dog. She loves going on walks, car rides, participating in community activities, belly rubs, and dancing around in a circle 3 times on her back legs for a treat! She is very socialized with children and unfamiliar people. She is truly a great companion.
Uploaded health tests
Full Embark Panel.Goldie, mom
Shih Tzu
About Goldie
Goldie is AKC registered. She is a very mellow girl and loves attention. She loves daily walks especially when she gets to see my kids getting off the bus. She has been DNA tested and vet checked and cleared.
Excellent health testing
DNA Disease Panel.Hondo, dad
Shih Tzu
About Hondo
Hondo is a male Shih Tzu 11 months old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Mindy decided to make him part of their program. Mindy 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.
Uploaded health tests
DNA Profile.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
The Ruff Life Tribe 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 Disease Panel, DNA Coat/Trait Panel, 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 Mindy to bring home their puppies.
- MO
Michael O.
Verified owner · Oct. 2025
The entire process was very seamless. Mindy was very helpful every step of the way and made the process very smooth and simple.
