Before you fall in love with those tiny paws and big eyes, you need to know one thing, not all breeders raise their puppies the same way. And when it comes to a Shih Tzu, that difference matters more than most people realize. A responsible breeder sets the tone for your puppy’s entire life: their health, confidence, temperament, and how easily they adapt to your home.
But with so many breeders out there, how do you know who to trust? The answer starts with asking the right questions.
1. Are the Parents Health-Tested?
This is a big one. Ethical breeders perform health testing on both parent dogs before breeding, not just a vet check.
At Divine Pups, every parent dog is fully tested and cleared before any breeding pair is chosen. It’s how we protect the breed and your future pup.
2. How Are Puppies Raised Before They Go Home?
The first eight weeks shape who your puppy becomes. Ask your breeder what kind of early stimulation and exposure the puppies receive. Puppies raised with structure, like the advanced curriculum we use at Divine Pups, develop stronger confidence, better problem-solving skills, and smoother transitions into family life.
If your breeder can’t explain their socialization process in detail, that’s a red flag.
3. Do You Perform Temperament Testing?
Every Shih Tzu has their own little personality, from bold explorers to quiet cuddlers. Temperament testing helps take the guesswork out of matching the right puppy to the right home. It ensures that the puppy’s natural traits fit the lifestyle they’re joining, so families don’t end up with a shy pup in a high-energy household or a fearless one where calm was the goal.
At Divine Pups, each puppy is professionally evaluated across 12 traits to ensure their temperament aligns with your lifestyle and needs. These evaluations are done by a certified Tier 2 Puppy Evaluator, the highest level available, to make sure we truly understand each puppy’s unique temperament. That’s how we help you find your perfect match, not just a cute face.
4. What Support Do You Offer After Adoption?
A reputable breeder doesn’t disappear once the puppy goes home, they become a trusted partner in your puppy’s lifelong care. From feeding recommendations and training guidance to quick reassurance during those “is this normal?” moments, real breeders stay connected. That ongoing support ensures your puppy continues to thrive long after the first car ride home.
At Divine Pups, we mean it when we say once a Divine family, always a Divine family. Whether you reach out weeks or years later, you’ll always have a direct line to us. We love seeing updates, offering advice, and helping families navigate every stage of puppyhood and beyond. Because raising a Shih Tzu isn’t a one-time transaction, it’s a lifelong relationship built on trust, care, and genuine love for these little dogs.
5. Are You AKC Inspected or Certified?
AKC inspections hold breeders accountable for proper care, cleanliness, and record-keeping.
Divine Pups is proud to be AKC inspected and fully compliant, meaning our practices have been verified to meet (and exceed) national standards.
Don’t be afraid to ask a breeder for proof. A reputable program will gladly show you.
6. Can I Meet the Parents or See Where Puppies Are Raised?
This is one of the most common questions I get, and I completely understand why. Transparency matters. You want to know your puppy is being raised in a clean, safe, and loving environment. And you should.
But here’s something most families don’t realize → in-home visits are no longer the standard for ethical breeders. It’s not about secrecy, it’s about safety. The reality is, with the rising value of purebred dogs and the unfortunate increase in pet-related theft and scams, inviting strangers into a home filled with puppies simply isn’t safe anymore. My dogs are family, and protecting them (and my children) comes first.
Transparency doesn’t require a front-door invitation,it comes through consistent visibility and accountability. At Divine Pups, families get to see everything through:
✓ Daily updates and behind-the-scenes videos on social media
✓ Facetime calls when discussing litters or match options
✓ Third-party inspections through AKC and BAB certifications that verify the quality and welfare of our program
So if a breeder doesn’t invite you into their home, don’t assume it’s a red flag, instead, look for how they show transparency in safer, smarter ways. Because the best breeders protect their families just as fiercely as they care for their dogs.
7. What’s Your Matching or Waitlist Process Like?
An organized breeder has a clear, ethical process for matching families. Ask how they decide which puppies go to which homes.
At Divine Pups, families can join through the Ultimate Match Program (UMP) for first-pick priority or through our Expecting List for upcoming litters. Every placement is based on temperament, not appearance alone.
Final Thoughts
Finding a Shih Tzu breeder is about trust. The right breeder won’t rush you, they’ll educate you. They’ll care where their puppies go and stand by them for life.
At Divine Pups, our mission has always been simple: to raise puppies with purpose and place them with families who’ll love them as much as we do.
Because when you ask the right questions, you don’t just find a puppy.
You find peace of mind, and your perfect Divine Pup.
Looking for a well bred, well cared for Shih Tzu to complete your family? Click here to see who is available and who is on the way!
