Occasionally, we offer a beautiful young adult Shih Tzu to a forever home. These Shih Tzu adults have been raised within our own homes, becoming cherished members of our families. While it is undoubtedly difficult to part with our beloved Shih Tzu, we understand that responsible breeding requires finding suitable homes or else we risk overwhelming ourselves with more dogs than we can adequately care for.
Over time, we have discovered that many individuals and families are better suited to adopting an adult Shih Tzu. These mature dogs come with the advantage of already having been integrated into a family environment and have been showered with love and care throughout their time with us. Our Shih Tzu are of exceptional quality, purebred and boasting stunning appearances, with many even possessing Champion bloodlines. Their well-being has been a priority, as they have consistently received nourishing diets, regular veterinary attention, and professional grooming. We have taken the necessary steps to ensure their health, conducting relevant health screenings and selectively breeding them ourselves or acquiring them from reputable and quality breeders. Typically the adult Shih Tzu we offer are "retired" adults that have been part of our breeding program and likely are three to six years old. While these dogs have been part of our families we do not guarantee training or health.
By welcoming one of our young Shih Tzu adults into your family, you can expect to experience the same love and joy that they have brought into our lives. We are dedicated to the welfare of our dogs and, as such, we do not sell our adult Shih Tzu to other breeders. They are either already spayed/neutered or placed under a strict spay/neuter contract to prevent any further breeding.
Please be aware that young adult dogs may require a bit more time to adjust to their new home. However, once they have fully transitioned and become accustomed to your routine, they can be trained more quickly compared to a young puppy. We highly recommend continuing training in the new home and even considering group training classes. It's important to note that adopting an adult dog does not necessarily mean it will be easier than a puppy initally. In fact, an adult dog may be more difficult initially as they are leaving behind their family. If you do not have the time or patience to work with them, we kindly request that you refrain from contacting us. We apologize if this comes across as rude, but it is difficult for everyone involved, including the dogs, when people expect instant results and then reach out to us saying "it's not working" or that the dog "wants to go home."
Please be prepared to fully commit to the care and training of your new companion. For most of our dogs, leaving our home (or their second home) means leaving behind their Shih Tzu friends, the familiar routine, and everything they have known. During the transition period, accidents are to be expected as they adjust to your home and potty schedule. They may also experience separation anxiety, fear, or a decreased appetite initially. Setting them up for success requires planning during the first couple of weeks. This means avoiding visitors (including other dogs), refraining from taking the dog anywhere other than the vet, and even using a secure carrier for vet visits. We generally require fenced yards for our adult dogs, as the urge to flee out of fear, anxiety, or the desire to return home is common during the initial weeks.
Additionally, it's important to understand that adult Shih Tzu are not "perfect" and may have some cosmetic flaws or require minor regular medical care. They might have missing teeth, tartar on their teeth, scratches, minor scars on their eyes or body, or need specific dietary considerations or eye drops. We will do our best to inform you of any special care requirements the dogs may have, but please keep in mind that you are adopting a middle-aged dog, and perfection should not be expected.
All older puppies/ young adults receive a current vet check and are sold with a 30 day guarantee against life threatening un treatable genetic defects, so you are able to take them to your own vet. We can not guarantee potty training, socialization or training of any kind as dogs will behave in different environments and with different people. No other guarantees are made or implied.
Why Choose a Young Adult?
1. Minimize the unknowns: Our adult Shih Tzu have been a cherished part of our family, allowing us to have in-depth knowledge of their health, size, personality, and preferences. This enables us to make the best possible match between the dog and their forever family. We require all prospective owners to meet the dogs in person, providing you with a better understanding of each individual dog's traits.
2. Skip the puppy stage: Our young adults have already received all their core vaccinations, are accustomed to grooming sessions, and have regular vet check-ups. They typically sleep through the night and have been introduced to potty training. Although they may require some additional potty training in their new homes, they have already undergone a significant portion of the hard work involved. While puppies can be enjoyable, they also demand substantial time and effort, whereas a young adult Shih Tzu has already undergone much of the necessary training.
3. Cost-effective option: Our young adults are more affordable compared to our puppies, despite the significant investment we have made in preparing them for their new homes. Acquiring our Shih Tzu adults can save you a considerable amount, as they have already had extensive time and resources dedicated to their care. Typically, our adults cost between $1500- $3000 to purchase, and they offer the majority of their lifespan, considering the typical Shih Tzu lifespan of 12-18 years, with the advantage of having the majority of the hard work already completed.
4. Vet checked and up-to-date: Our young adult Shih Tzu are thoroughly vet checked, ensuring their overall health and well-being. They are up to date on vaccinations, worming, and flea prevention. Additionally, unless otherwise indicated, they are usually spayed or neutered, promoting responsible pet ownership.
5. By choosing a young adult Shih Tzu, you can minimize uncertainties, bypass the demanding puppy stage, benefit from a more cost-effective option, and welcome a well-cared-for companion into your family.
Prior experience with dog ownership and training is a requirement when adopting an adult Shih Tzu from us. Since adult dogs have well-established personalities, it is crucial that you meet them in person to ensure the best match for both you and the dog. Adult Shih Tzu require time and effort to adjust to new home situations and unfamiliar people. On average, it may take around 2 to 3 weeks for them to transition to their new homes, although this timeframe can vary. However, the time and effort invested in their adjustment are truly worthwhile, as they form close bonds with their new families and provide wonderful companionship. We strongly recommend enrolling your new adult Shih Tzu in basic training classes, as it serves as an excellent opportunity to bond with your new companion. It allows you to establish a solid foundation for their training and further strengthens your relationship.