We Shih Tzu Not!
Meet the breeder
I'm Ariel C., the breeder behind We Shih Tzu Not! located in Austin, TX. Our dogs are an integral part of our lives. We raise them as a cohesive part of our family from day one to ensure that they’ll make the best and most versatile companions to your family!
Q. & A. with Ariel
Why did you start breeding?
This is our first litter and it's a doozy.. we have 8 Shih Tzu puppies in addition to their well loved an spoiled parents. We did not intend to be breeders, well not immediately anyway. Ducky, our first dog has a huge fan base because of his amazing temperament and ebouilliant personality and evident intelligence. He is nine now and we became aware of the waning possibility for him to procreate when we were told by our vet that because of an undescended testicle, he was almost certainly sterile. We knew it was an extremely slim chance that he could breed at all and as he got older even less so, but we decided to give it a try. We really couldn't stomach the idea of a world without more Ducky..without us even having attempted it. We found that searching for a potential breeding mate proved difficult as either approaching single doggy ladies and their owners was sometimes awkward or apparently offensive. In addition, trolling the internet for available females proved similar strange bars to entry. So we decided to get Lucy, our second Shih Tzu. They fell in love almost immediately. In fact seeing them check in with each other with kisses and licks while presiding over their pups is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. We didn't intend for Lucy to become pregnant so quickly but at 10 months she was stacked with 8 of the most healthy and beautiful pups you will ever see.What makes your program special?
It's not a program... It's a lifestyle. Our home is open and free and we treat our dogs with the love and respect we treat each other and every other human with. Our dogs have a very high capacity for understood language and though their ability to communicate back is limited, they take direction and get verbal information from us easily. They too have their own methods of communication that we are receptive to and understand well. This is also a "hunger for words" household, employing the occupational learning tools that the program promotes for better canine communication. Buttons may be found throughout our home and we are all still learning this new technique of language. It's not just cognitive and behavioral modification for them... It's us too. The invaluable gift of voice to our hairy companions is one I will work hard for- and do, to give.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include brindle and white, gold and white, and black white and silver. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Ariel
Ariel 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 $1,500 non-refundable deposit and between $3,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“A deposit is the best way to secure a spot on our waiting list. We will conduct a preliminary interview to determine if you and/or your family are a good fit for our Shih tzu puppies. A deposit of half of the total price of any puppy in a litter will secure you a puppy from that litter post interview. An ambiguous/general deposit of 1500 can secure a general member of the litter.”
Contract & health guarantee
Ariel 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 Ariel 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 Ariel 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
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Ariel.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Austin, TX
1296 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
More about Ariel
Ariel has been a member of Good Dog for almost 3 years
Ariel was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.
Ariel is a trusted Good Dog breeder
We Shih Tzu Not! 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
Lucy, mom
Shih Tzu
About Lucy
Lucy is a female Shih Tzu almost 4 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ariel decided to make her part of their program. Ariel 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.
Ducky, dad
Shih Tzu
About Ducky
Ducky is a male Shih Tzu over 12 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Ariel decided to make him part of their program. Ariel 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
We Shih Tzu Not! 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.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
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 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.
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.
