Shih Tzu puppies for sale in Miami

The Shih Tzu was bred for one job: to be a loving companion. For centuries these little dogs lived with Chinese royalty, and they still act like their main purpose in life is to sit with you and be adored.

Shih Tzus are friendly, cheerful, and gentle. Most greet strangers as new friends and get along well with other dogs and cats. They are playful in short bursts, then happy to nap for hours.

They are not big barkers, though most will let you know when someone is at the door. Their calm nature makes them a favorite for apartment dwellers, families, and seniors alike.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. Always talk with your vet about your own dog.

Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic, or short-faced, breed. Their short noses can make breathing harder in heat or with exercise, and some dogs have narrow nostrils or a long soft palate. Many snore or snort.

Their large, prominent eyes need extra attention. Common eye problems include dry eye, corneal ulcers and scratches, irritation from facial hair, and, rarely, an eye slipping out of its socket after a hard bump or rough handling.

Other common issues include:

• Luxating patella (slipping kneecaps)
• Hip dysplasia
• Dental disease from crowded teeth
• Ear infections in their heavy, hairy ears
• Skin allergies
• Spine problems such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

Before you choose a puppy, ask what health information is available for the puppy. Useful tests include OFA hip and patella evaluations, an eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist, and a breathing (airway) check.

Call your vet right away if your Shih Tzu has loud or labored breathing, gums or tongue turning blue or gray, collapse, a red, cloudy, squinting, or bulging eye, pawing at the face, sudden weakness in the back legs, or pain when you touch the back or neck.

Many owners enroll in pet insurance while their puppy is young, before any condition becomes pre-existing. Read the policy closely to see if eye, dental, and breathing problems are covered.

Florida has a pet lemon law that protects puppy buyers. Learn more about your rights under Florida law.

Miami's heat and humidity are a real danger for this short-faced breed. Shih Tzus cannot cool themselves well by panting, so they overheat quickly. Walk early in the morning or after sunset, keep walks short, and bring water. Keep your home cool with AC, and a short haircut helps a lot. Know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, or stumbling.

Shih Tzus are not strong swimmers, and a wet coat gets heavy fast. Fence or supervise pools, use a dog life vest near pools, boats, and the beach, and rinse off salt water and sand afterward.

For the Miami basics every dog owner needs, like hot pavement, parked cars, year-round parasites, cane toads and hurricane prep, see our Miami puppy care guide.

The Shih Tzu has a long, flowing double coat that sheds very little. The AKC standard accepts all colors and markings. Common colors include gold, white, black, brindle, red, liver, silver, and blue, often in combinations like gold and white or black and white. Many puppies also change color as they grow, so a puppy's coat may lighten or darken by adulthood.

Your first week sets the tone. Here is a simple checklist:

• Get supplies ready: crate, bed, food and water bowls, the same food your puppy has been eating, a harness (not a neck collar for walks), a leash, ID tag, chew toys, puppy pads, a pin brush and comb, soft cloths for the eyes, and small hair clips or bands
• Book a first vet visit within a few days of bringing your puppy home
• Keep the vaccine schedule going and bring your puppy's records to the vet
• Start a crate and potty routine on day one: out after waking, eating, and playing
• Get your puppy used to brushing, face wiping, and having paws touched in short, happy sessions
• Begin gentle socialization with new people, sounds, and surfaces once your vet says it is safe

Questions about the breed or our current litters? Ask us about our Shih Tzu puppies, and see our financing options.