Shih Tzu Stud Dogs for Breeding

Shih Tzu stud fees typically range from $800 to $3,000, depending on health test status, bloodline, champion titles, and breeding history.

Companion-quality studs with basic health clearances sit at $800 to $1,500. Studs with full health testing, OFA Good or Excellent hips, current eye exams, and documented breeding history command $1,500 to $2,200. Champion-titled studs with multiple generations of health clearances and proven litters reach $2,200 to $3,000. Some stud owners offer pick-of-litter agreements as an alternative to cash payment.

Always ask what’s included in the fee: does it cover one or two breeding attempts, pregnancy monitoring, or a return breeding if conception fails?

Total breeding costs for Shih Tzus are higher than for larger breeds due to artificial insemination frequency and higher veterinary care. Budget $100 to $200 for progesterone testing to time ovulation, $400 to $800 for artificial insemination (AI is common for this breed due to size constraints), $300 to $600 for whelping supplies, and $1,000 to $2,500 for puppy care through 8 weeks.

Shih Tzus are brachycephalic (flat-faced) and have high rates of cesarean section delivery. Many studs cannot breed naturally due to size and airway anatomy. Budget $1,500 to $3,500 for a planned cesarean section if the dam cannot deliver naturally, which is common. Surgical recovery and post-op care add significant cost.

Small litters are typical for Shih Tzus, usually 1 to 4 puppies per litter. This reduces puppy-rearing costs but also means fewer puppies to sell, so plan breeding margins accordingly.

Get everything in writing. A stud contract should cover breeding method, number of attempts, pregnancy monitoring, responsibility for veterinary costs if complications arise, and what happens if conception fails.

Learn more: Stud Services for Dogs

Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, meaning they have a shortened muzzle and flat face. This breed trait has health implications that responsible breeders must address when selecting studs and planning litters.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is the primary concern. This condition involves narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and reduced airway diameter. BOAS ranges in severity from mild (occasional reverse sneezing) to severe (breathing difficulty, exercise intolerance, heat sensitivity). Affected dogs tire easily, struggle in warm weather, and may require surgical correction.

The American Shih Tzu Club emphasises breeding for open nostrils and moderate skull structure to reduce BOAS risk. Studs should have clear nostrils (not pinched), good air passage, and no audible breathing issues. A preliminary BOAS screening by a veterinarian can identify severe cases, though formal endoscopy is the diagnostic standard.

Select studs with minimal exaggeration of facial features. Preference for moderate muzzle length and open nasal passages reduces the likelihood of producing puppies with severe BOAS. Avoid studs marketed for extremely flat faces or rare “baby-faced” types, as these traits correlate with airway obstruction.

Shih Tzus also experience higher rates of eye problems due to brachycephaly, including dry eye (keratitis sicca), ulcers, and entropion (inward-rolling eyelids). Annual eye screening by an ACVO ophthalmologist is critical for breeding studs.

When evaluating a stud, ask about BOAS history, respiratory health, and eye status. Request video or photos showing the stud’s breathing at rest and during activity. If the stud has any breathing difficulty, snoring at rest, or heat sensitivity, it should not be used for breeding.

Breeding for health means selecting studs with balanced features, not extreme exaggeration. Responsible Shih Tzu breeders prioritise dogs that can breathe, see, and move comfortably.

Use PairMyPet to browse stud profiles by breed and location, then message owners directly to discuss health clearances, pedigree, and breeding terms.

Check the stud’s structure and type. Review the AKC breed standard and assess the stud’s balance: correct head type, moderate muzzle, well-set eyes, balanced body proportions. Avoid studs with extreme exaggeration of facial features.

Evaluate brachycephalic health. The stud should have clear, open nostrils, no audible breathing issues at rest, good exercise tolerance, and a history of healthy offspring with no BOAS complaints. Ask for video or recent photos showing the stud’s breathing during normal activity.