The short answer
Most Shih Tzu breeders in the US charge between $1,600 and $3,000 for a puppy. The typical price, $2,650, makes the Shih Tzu the 18th most expensive of the 53 breeds we checked. The most common price band is $2,500 to $2,999, where 4 of the 14 breeders are; one in ten asks less than $1,000 and one in ten more than $3,800. Of the 204 Shih Tzu breeders we list, 14 publish a price on their own website; most of the rest ask families to call or apply first.
From the puppy prices published by 14 Shih Tzu breeders in 11 states on their own websites, November 2026. Deposits, shipping, stud fees and breeding rights are left out, and only breeders of a single breed count.
How the prices spread
- Under $1,0002
- $1,000 to $1,4991
- $1,500 to $1,9992
- $2,000 to $2,4991
- $2,500 to $2,9994
- $3,000 to $3,4991
- $3,500 to $3,9992
- $4,000 and more1
Number of breeders in each price band.
Where these prices come from
Tennessee 2 breedersFlorida 2 breedersTexas 2 breedersMaine 1 breederNew Hampshire 1 breederGeorgia 1 breederIowa 1 breederMissouri 1 breederOklahoma 1 breederArizona 1 breederWhat changes the price
Health-tested parents. Good Shih Tzu breeders test for patellas, an eye exam and kidney screening; tested and titled parents usually mean a higher price.
Color, coat and size. Shih Tzu breeders also advertise teacup shih tzu; these are often priced differently from the standard Shih Tzu.
Registration. Pet puppies usually come with limited registration; breeding rights cost more.
Fake sellers advertise Shih Tzu puppies well under $1,000. How to spot a puppy scam
Questions
How much is a Shih Tzu puppy?
Most Shih Tzu breeders in the US charge between $1,600 and $3,000 for a puppy. The typical price is $2,650, the 18th most expensive of the 53 breeds we checked, based on the prices 14 breeders in 11 states publish on their own websites (November 2026).
Is a Shih Tzu more expensive than similar breeds?
A Shih Tzu typically costs $2,650. Pomsky ($2,600), Belgian Malinois ($2,750) and Boston Terrier ($2,750) cost about the same. Across all breeds, the typical puppy from a breeder costs $2,500.
Is a cheap Shih Tzu puppy a scam?
Not always, but a Shih Tzu offered well below $1,000 is a warning sign, especially if the seller cannot meet in person or on a live video call, or wants payment by wire, gift card, Zelle or crypto before you see the puppy.