As of 2026, average pricing is about $1,800 for Dalmatians and about $2,800 for Shih Tzus. Individual puppies or litters may be priced differently depending on the 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 veterinary care for the year. I donate to those who qualify for service dogs as well as keep one from almost every litter to expand the gene pool thus ensuring the future health of the breed whether or not they are a show dog prospect to prevent bottlenecking of genetics and disorders. Guardian homes are an option for those within a few hours of me. I also consider barter of professional services as a viable payment agreement for those short on cash but full of expertise or pure labor. There are many who price their dogs the same or higher than me that don't offer the same value by way of go home package, focus on health, early development, and training preparation.

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 Dalmatian puppies receive BAER hearing testing.

• 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 (lamb and oatmeal variety)

• 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.

Go-Home Age and Testing Timeline

Shih Tzu: In the early weeks, development is often a little slower than in larger breeds, so I prioritize a gentle transition to solid food, basic handling, and early socialization. For Shih Tzus and other small breeds, waiting until at least 10 to 12 weeks gives their tiny bladders more time to develop control.

Dalmatian: Timing can be affected by BAER hearing tests and other breed-specific screenings and documentation. For Dalmatians and other larger breeds, going home any time after 8 weeks is generally appropriate.

Sometimes I keep puppies a little longer to support socialization, provide age-appropriate care, or allow time to complete planned testing.

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.

I provide around-the-clock supervision and hands-on support for mothers before, during, and after whelping. That can mean hours assisting during labor in the middle of the night, emergency veterinary visits, 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 a month 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. My goal is simply to help cover the added expenses involved in producing the healthiest, best-prepared puppies I can. Thank you for your support.

Cost Context

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.

Guardian homes, barter arrangements, and service dog donations are available for reduced pricing options