Dog Breeding
Best Age To Breed A Dog (Male & Female)
5 min read
Find out the best age to breed dogs and the key factors involved. Ensure your dog’s health and safety with our expert breeding insights.
December 4, 20251,230 views
Everything you need to know about breeding Shih Tzus responsibly - from health testing to finding the perfect breeding partner for your beloved companion.
Essential characteristics to consider when breeding these imperial companions
10-18 years
Long-lived breed
Friendly, Outgoing
Happy lap dogs
Discover what makes Shih Tzus exceptional breeding companions and treasured family members
Breeding Shih Tzus preserves Chinese imperial heritage! These "Lion Dogs" were exclusive to palace royalty, creating a legacy of dignity and charm that enriches every home.
Years of royal heritage
Imperial bloodlines create exceptional value
Every Shih Tzu showcases the famous "chrysanthemum face" where facial hair grows in all directions creating a flower-like appearance that captivates hearts worldwide!
Modern breeding prioritizes breathing comfort! Select for open airways ensuring Shih Tzus who breathe easily, play joyfully, and rest peacefully throughout their lives.
Shih Tzus offer one of the longest companionships in the dog world! Their robust health and devoted nature means families enjoy nearly two decades of unconditional love.
Your breeding creates decades of family joy
These exceptional traits make Shih Tzus one of the most rewarding companion breeds
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible and successful Shih Tzu breeding
Small breeds mature beautifully! Complete health testing ensures excellence. Shih Tzus often enjoy successful breeding into their golden years.
Comprehensive testing creates thriving bloodlines!
Once per year max
3-4 litters lifetime
Skip one heat cycle
Veterinary partnerships ensure safe deliveries! Many Shih Tzus deliver naturally.
Becomes cherished bonding time
Eye Care Essentials:
Daily care creates bright, healthy eyes throughout their royal lives!
Select Open Airways
Quiet breathing = excellence
Climate Control
Air conditioning essential
Moderate Exercise
Cool morning walks ideal
Your focus on breathing comfort ensures Shih Tzus who thrive!
Grooming Excellence
Professional every 4-6 weeks
Small Bladder Management
Indoor potty systems work
Companion Nature
Thrive with constant love
Royal Heritage
Preserve imperial dignity
Connect with verified Shih Tzu owners for safe and ethical breeding
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Shih Tzu mix
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Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu mix
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From profile to puppies - your shih tzu breeding journey in 4 simple steps
Set up a detailed profile with photos, health records, and pedigree information
Browse verified breeding partners based on breed, location, and compatibility
Message owners directly to discuss breeding plans and health certifications
Meet safely, complete breeding agreements, and welcome healthy puppies
Set up a detailed profile with photos, health records, and pedigree information
Browse verified breeding partners based on breed, location, and compatibility
Message owners directly to discuss breeding plans and health certifications
Meet safely, complete breeding agreements, and welcome healthy puppies
Join thousands of responsible shih tzu owners who trust us for quality breeding connections
Every breeder is verified, ensuring you connect with genuine, responsible pet owners.
Find breeding partners near you to make meetings convenient and stress-free.
Customize your search with detailed filters for breed, age, health status, and more.
Chat directly with pet owners to discuss all details before making any commitments.
Join thousands of responsible shih tzu owners who've found quality breeding partners on Petmeetly.
Get Started NowReal stories from dog owners who found perfect breeding matches on Petmeetly
So far, it has been such an easy journey for Milo and me. Thanks so much!
Sabrina
British Columbia, CA
It’s been wonderful connecting with people nearby. We’ve found a dog that’s almost exactly what we were looking for and seems very compatible. We just haven’t met in person yet, but we’re very satisfied with the experience so far
Mac
Florida, US
Thank you for providing this animal match-up platform. It fulfills a need that would otherwise require posting across multiple social media platforms. This truly is a GREAT service!
Lee W
Arizona, US
Modern health testing empowers you to create vibrant, healthy Shih Tzu bloodlines that bring joy for generations
Modern care creates comfortable breathing! Your selection for open airways ensures Shih Tzus who breathe easily during play and rest.
Daily Eye Care Ritual
Creates bright, healthy eyes through bonding
Annual CERF Exams
Celebrate clear vision throughout life
Your dedication ensures lifelong vision
OFA or PennHIP testing confirms excellent structure for graceful movement throughout long lives.
OFA evaluation celebrates strong knees for confident prancing and play.
Annual wellness monitoring celebrates healthy organ function! Bile acid testing provides peace of mind.
Supporting vibrant lives through wellness
Regular dental care creates brilliant smiles! Professional cleanings every 6-12 months maintain healthy teeth.
Supporting overall wellness
Genetic testing ensures muscle coordination! Your knowledge of bloodlines creates confident movement.
Your screening creates confidence
Your dedication to health excellence preserves the Shih Tzu's imperial heritage while creating companions who bring joy for nearly two decades. Each thoughtful breeding decision contributes to healthier, happier Shih Tzus for generations.
Your care creates decades of joy
Expert advice and tips for Shih Tzu breeding
Find out the best age to breed dogs and the key factors involved. Ensure your dog’s health and safety with our expert breeding insights.
Understand the importance of socializing your pet. This guide will help you create positive experiences for your pet, ensuring they thrive in various environments.
Planning to breed your dog? Use our step-by-step dog breeding checklists to manage health tests, mating, whelping and puppy care—always with vet-backed guidance.
Get answers to common questions about breeding Shih Tzus responsibly
Excellence testing includes: Annual eye exams (CERF/OFA) celebrate clear vision! Hip evaluations (OFA/PennHIP) confirm structure. Patellar assessment ensures graceful movement. Kidney function monitoring maintains wellness. Cardiac evaluation celebrates healthy hearts. Episodic falling testing provides genetic confidence!
Your selection for breathing comfort creates thriving Shih Tzus! Modern care ensures comfortable airways. Quiet breathing demonstrates excellent structure. Healthy Shih Tzus enjoy normal play and rest comfortably. Your focus on open airways, not extreme features, ensures happy companions who breathe easily!
Daily eye care creates bright, healthy eyes! This special bonding ritual prevents issues while maintaining beauty. Stylish grooming keeps facial hair away from eyes. Modern eye care products make maintenance simple. Quick attention to any concerns ensures lifelong vision. These routines become treasured moments families enjoy!
Shih Tzus showcase luxurious hair that grows continuously! While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, their minimal shedding delights many families. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks maintains their royal appearance. Daily brushing becomes special bonding time that prevents matting while creating stunning beauty!
Brachycephalic anatomy causes breathing difficulties. Elongated soft palate, stenotic nares common. Heat intolerance, exercise limitations. Surgery may help severe cases. Breeding for extreme flat faces worsens issues. Select for more moderate features.
Prominent eyes prone to corneal ulcers, dry eye, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts. Daily eye cleaning essential. Minor trauma can damage eyes. Many lose vision with age. Breeding selection should prioritize eye health.
Many Shih Tzus need C-sections due to large heads, narrow pelvis. Natural delivery risks include stuck puppies, hypoxia. C-section rate around 20%. Emergency fund essential. Experienced reproductive vet important for breeding.
Daily brushing required to prevent matting. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Many owners maintain puppy cuts for easier care. Eye area needs daily cleaning to prevent staining. High-maintenance coat limits suitable owners.
Inherited kidney malformation causing kidney failure in young dogs. No genetic test available. Symptoms include excessive drinking, poor growth. Fatal condition. Screen breeding dogs via urinalysis, avoid affected lines.
Shih Tzus have hair (not fur) that sheds less, producing less dander. However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Regular grooming reduces allergens. Individual reactions vary. Spend time with breed before committing.
Discover breeding guides for different dog breeds and find the perfect match for your breeding program
Join our community of responsible Shih Tzu breeders committed to preserving this noble breed