As of 2026, average pricing is about $1,800 for Dalmatians and about $2,800 for Shih Tzus. Individual puppies may be priced differently depending on guardian status or other circumstances. Breeds that have 10 per litter on average can cost less, that is not the case with these breeds. This covers the cost of the litter as well as food and extensive veterinary care for the year at best, so far, I am in the hole as they say.

Why My Pricing Reflects Responsible Breeding

I work hard to raise healthy, well-prepared puppies, and my pricing reflects the real costs of responsible breeding. That includes OFA health testing beyond a basic pre-sale vet check, quality day-to-day care, time-intensive early development, and lifelong accountability for every dog I produce.

• Priority: OFA health testing and documented care.

• Focus: Early socialization, routines, and a strong start.

• Commitment: Lifelong support and a return-to-breeder safety net.

What Lower Pricing Can Mean

If a puppy is priced far below typical market rates, that may reflect differences in health testing, veterinary care, socialization time, potty training, or how long the puppy stays with the litter.

Questions to Ask Any Breeder

• Which OFA or other health clearances were completed, and can you show the results?

• What veterinary care is documented for both the parents and the puppies?

• What support, guarantees, or contract terms are provided after purchase?

Value Beyond the Sticker Price

The initial cost of a puppy is only one part of long-term ownership. Verified health checks, proper veterinary care, and thoughtful early development can reduce risk and uncertainty over time.

What’s Included with My Puppies

• Health testing: OFA evaluations are completed as applicable to breed-specific testing. For example, Shih Tzu breeding dogs receive eye and patella evaluations, while adult Dalmatians receive eye clearances (CAER) and hearing (BAER).

• DNA testing: All sires and dams are DNA tested to support informed breeding decisions.

• Lifelong support: I remain available for questions and will always take back any dog I bred if rehoming is ever needed.

Puppy Go-Home Package

• Pro Plan kibble 

• A favorite toy carrying the familiar litter scent

• Breed information and complete health records, including vaccinations, deworming schedules, and copies of the parents’ OFA certificates. I provide vaccine information in the folder and by photo text message, since many new owners end up at the vet without the paperwork in hand.

Costs Behind the Scenes

Small litters can raise the per-puppy share of those costs considerably. Shih Tzus average about 2.5 puppies, and Dalmatians may have around 6, unlike breeds with average litters closer to 10 that can often be priced lower more easily and many don't do OFA testing that can cost $600 avg. per dog.

I provide around-the-clock supervision and hands-on support for mothers before, during, and after whelping. I am their doula and midwife, preforming mandatory belly rubs during pre-labor (that's what the dogs told me anyway) and we share sleepless nights together. That can mean hours assisting during labor in the middle of the night, jumping up and checking on every squeak or squeal, emergency veterinary visits at 2 am in the morning, or tube-feeding puppies every two hours if a mother is too ill to nurse.

Each day also includes caring for young puppies, guiding them through age-appropriate experiences, cleaning the nursery and play areas, washing bedding, and keeping up with constant laundry. Puppies can require close monitoring to make sure each one stays warm, safe, and well-fed. In practice, that means I am on call 24/7 for more than 2 months with each litter, followed by several more weeks of intensive part-time care.

Final Perspective

The price of a well-bred purebred puppy is not arbitrary. Once pregnancy costs, year-round care, health testing, and time are factored in, I often only break even if that, some years my credit card stays maxed out. My goal is simply to help cover the added expenses involved in producing the healthiest, best-prepared puppies I can. Costs for veterinary care, testing, and quality nutrition have risen substantially over time, and responsible breeding standards have expanded as more screening tools become available. They can't cost what they used to because what is required of a 'responsible breeder' has expanded beyond dogs having neighborhood mixes under the porch. Thank you for your support.