
The charming Shih Tzu is one of America’s favorite small dog breeds. It’s easy to see why. These charming and affectionate little dogs first appeared in Tibet about 1000 years ago! Beloved by Chinese royalty for centuries and is now found all over the world. Researching a breed before you get a puppy is always a good idea so you can know what to expect and find the right fit for your household.
What should you know before taking home a Shih Tzu? What do the pros say about raising Shi Tzu’s? Silver Nickel Puppies has the answers to all your Shih Tzu puppy questions right here — let’s get started!
What Are Shih Tzus Like?
An adult Shih Tzu weighs between 9 and 16 pounds and is about 9 inches (from floor to shoulder). A Shih Tzu’s body is small — but their personalities are anything but! They aren’t as dainty and delicate as some small dogs, like Chihuahuas, for example.
Shih Tzus have wide, round heads and flat faces with very little snout area — that makes them super cute, but can sometimes cause some breathing issues, snoring, and so on. They have large, expressive eyes and a luxuriant double coat that often shows several different colors, including caramel brown, white, black, and grey.
Shih Tzu’s are affectionate and quickly form bonds with their humans. They are good with seniors, and children (as long as they know to be gentle with a small dog). They are playful and spunky but rarely aggressive. In general, they are pretty mellow and “go with the flow”. This adaptability makes Shi Tzu puppies and adults easy to live with and love.
Shih Tzu characteristics:
- Mellow: Shi Tzu’s tend to go with the flow, they’re not super needy or rambunctious.
- Spunky: Shi Tzu’s love to play, but they’re very rarely aggressive or hard to control.
- Alert: They pay attention to sounds and movement outdoors to keep you safe.
- Curious: The Shi Tzu likes to explore their environment, but doesn’t roam far.
- Sociable: Shi Tzu’s are usually pretty excited to see other dogs and play nicely.
- Communicative: Shi Tzu’s bark to alert you, but they don’t bark their heads off all day.


Where Did The Shih Tzu Come From?
The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. While its exact origins have been lost to the mists of time, Shih Tzus are believed to have been developed from Tibetan breeds such as the Lhasa Apso and have been associated with Chinese royalty since the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644 A.D.)
Shi Tzus were bred and cherished by the Chinese nobility for centuries. But the outside world at large didn’t become aware of this adorable breed until the 1930s. The Shi Tzu breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969. Isn’t it amazing to think about Chinese emperors and princesses cuddling with their sweet little Shi Tzus just like we do today?
FAQ About Shih Tzu Puppies
Here are answers to a few of the Golden Retriever puppy questions we get asked most often. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here — please give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!
Shi Tzu puppies are tiny when they are born, weighing as little as 4-8 ounces. Just for reference, that’s about the same weight as a deck of cards! But like most small-breed puppies, Shi Tzu puppies grow fast. It’s not unusual for them to quadruple in weight after just 3 weeks.
A fully-grown Shih Tzu weighs between 9-16 pounds and stands roughly 9-10 inches tall at the shoulder. They’re small but sturdy and strong! Their compact size makes them a great choice for someone who lives in an apartment, travels often or just prefers a small and easy-to-manage dog.
Shih Tzu’s have sweet personalities and are pretty clever — but they
Yorkies are VERY smart and they learn quickly. They can be a little stubborn though, so training them requires consistency, but that’s true of any breed to some degree. Buy a good book about puppy training and follow it to the letter. Your praise, positive reinforcement, and patience will be well-rewarded.
Shi Tzus are generally pretty healthy. One thing to watch for though is breathing issues. Like all flat-faced breeds, Shi Tzus can sometimes have breathing difficulties. Usually, they aren’t serious and may amount to just some cute snoring sound. Just be sure to pay attention to the signs of anything more serious and consult with your veterinarian.
Shi Tzus have a wooly coat that requires a little more maintenance than a short-haired breed. But they shed very little fur and are considered hypoallergenic, so they’re a fine choice for many people with allergies. Note that no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic though. Brush your little friend’s fur a few times a week to keep matting and tangles at bay.
Your Shih Tzu Puppy is Waiting for You at Silver Nickel Puppies
Your newest family member is at Silver Nickel Puppies and can’t wait to meet you! In addition to lovely Shi Tzu puppies, our Bergen County puppy boutique has a broad range of the most loveable breeds for you to choose from. They include Corgi, Cavapoo, Mini Dachshund, Chihuahua, Golden Retrievers, and more.
Silver Nickel Puppies is proud to work with only the most reputable and humane breeders in New Jersey and surrounding areas. Silver Nickel Puppies is here to help puppies find their forever homes. Give us a call at 201-871-8484, write us an email with any questions, or visit — just be prepared to fall in love!
Have a Question?

I went in just to give a look or at least that was the idea but it was love at first sight and she came back with me to her forever home. Sal was amazing, kind and helpful. He answered any doubts, concerned or thousands questions my mind had for him.
Luna is such an healthy, happy, good listener and well behave puppy.
Please if you’re looking for your soul best friend this is the right place to go to!
Thanks again for everything, me and Luna are so happy together!❤️

Two years later, Bruno has never (knock on wood) had any health issues and continues to be a happy, healthy pup who brings so much joy to my life every day. I truly feel lucky to have found my first ever furry best friend through them.
Thank you for helping bring Bruno into my life! I couldn’t be happier!


What really stood out was how they followed up with multiple phone calls to check in and see how our puppy was doing, it truly shows how much they care even after you take your puppy home. I highly recommend Silver Nickel Puppies to anyone looking for a trustworthy and attentive breeder. Thank you again for the whole Silver Nickel Team!


A few notes for transparency - Chai did come home with giardia but that is common in puppies who are around other dogs, and with a few rounds of medicine he was okay. Additionally, I didn't *love* the vet they recommended for the first visit required after bringing them home. She started him too early on one of his vaccines and we had to do the whole series over, and it didn't end up really being free anyways - so I would recommend going to your own vet of choice after bringing your dog home!
When Chai is ready for a sibling - we will definitely be back to Silver Nickel!!

I was greeted by Sal and instantly detected how much he cares about his puppies finding the right owner and vice versa. Sal is not a salesman, nor is this a business centered on profit; they are instead looking to make this world a better place by pairing the right puppy with the right prospective owner.
It has been 3 days at home with my treasured companion, Tilly. She has adjusted wonderfully and is the best companion I could have ever asked for. It is clear that the ease of her transition has a lot to do with how well she was cared for by the staff at Silver Nickel Puppies. After only 3 days, I cannot imagine being in my apartment without Tilly.
I operate a private psychiatry practice that is mostly telehealth, and even my patients have noticed a positive difference in me since bringing Tilly home! She tends to sit alongside me during my appointments because she is so very curious. She serves as an excellent reminder that curiosity is what keeps us alive. There are many things I love about my new dog, but what stands out most is how she inspires me to remain curious, be inquisitive, and find more passion in life.



From the moment we first contacted Silver Nickel Puppies, we were blown away by their professionalism, knowledge, and genuine love for dogs. The staff is incredibly helpful and takes the time to make sure each puppy is matched with the right home. They were patient, informative, and answered every single question we had, big or small.
And let’s talk about the health and quality of their puppies. Addie and Chloe arrived in absolutely perfect health, clearly well cared for and properly socialized. They were happy, energetic, clean, and clearly had been loved long before we met them. Our vet was equally impressed with their condition and temperament. It’s easy to see that Silver Nickel truly prioritizes responsible breeding and the well-being of every pup they place.
Our dachshunds are not just pets, they’re family. They’ve brought endless joy, laughter, and love into our home, and we owe it all to the incredible team at Silver Nickel.
We’re already seriously considering adding a third pup to our pack, and there’s no question in our minds: we will ONLY go through Silver Nickel Puppies. They are the best in the business, hands down.
If you're thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your life, do yourself a favor and visit Silver Nickel Puppies. You won’t find a more caring, reputable, or professional place to find your new best friend. We are forever grateful!



I can’t say enough wonderful things about SNP. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by how clean, welcoming, and well-cared-for everything was. Sal was truly exceptional—caring, knowledgeable, and clearly devoted to the well-being of every animal.
I adopted my beautiful mini dachshund here several months ago, and the entire process was smooth, supportive, and filled with genuine kindness. They took the time to answer all my questions, made sure I had everything I needed, and showed such love and compassion toward my pup.
I am so grateful for the wonderful experience and for helping me find my little beauty. I highly recommend this SNP to anyone looking to welcome a pet into their lives.
Here's a few pictures of my beauty, Olive, living her best life. I just love her.



My experience with Sal was exceptional. I came in on a whim because I’ve been following their IG and wanted to “just look” at some of the puppies I had seen online. I had been seriously considering getting a dog for a few years, but was worried about which breed is best for me as I’m someone who works long hours. Sal really helped get to know me and what I was looking for, while keeping the puppies well-being in mind. Based on what we talked about, there were a few breeds he suggested that would be best for me.
I asked if I could see the chocolate cockapoo who had just walked over toward me in her crate, so Sal brought her out so we could interact. That was it, I fell in love and we instantly connected!
Sal is truly so knowledgeable about dogs. I found him to be really patient, understanding, and informative. You can tell he wants to find forever homes for these sweet puppies and wants the person who’s taking them home to feel confident in their decision. He even followed up with me a few weeks later to check in on Coco and me. I had a few questions for him, now that I’ve had her for some time, and he took time out to give me some tips on caring for her as she grows.
Thank you so much Sal and Silver Nickel. I can’t wait to bring her by one day for a visit!






They took the time to thoroughly go over everything we needed to know before bringing our puppy home - Nothing was rushed or left out.
What stood out the most was the follow-up: One of the staff members called us about a week after we brought our puppy home just to check in and see how things were going. You can genuinely tell he loves what he does and cares about the puppies and their new families.
We couldn’t be happier with our experience or our new furry family member. Highly recommend!




Sal's genuine passion for these adorable puppies shone through in our conversations, and it was evident he truly cares about the well-being of both the puppies and their future families. What impressed me the most was his follow-up call the next day to check in on how my new furry friend was settling in. It was such a thoughtful touch that made me feel valued as a customer.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Elli, the owner, for providing such wonderful and healthy puppies. It’s clear that a lot of love and care goes into raising these little ones. The environment at Silver Nickel Puppies is welcoming and friendly, making it an enjoyable experience for anyone looking to bring a new pet into their life.
If you're considering adding a pup to your family, I highly recommend visiting Silver Nickel Puppies. You won't be disappointed – you'll find not just a pet, but a loving companion, and the support from the team is unparalleled. Thank you, Sal and Elli, and the team for everything!

The staff is not just friendly but also incredibly patient and supportive. It took us about a year to find our perfect fur baby, but they were with us every step of the way, offering expert advice and genuine care. Their dedication truly stands out!
Now, our fur baby Winston (mini dachshund) is almost 6 months old, around 14-15lbs, and he's growing into a healthy, handsome, smart boy. We're so grateful for all the help we received in finding him.
If you're looking for a new pet, this store should be your first stop. Their exceptional service and commitment to pet care make them a standout in the community.
Thank you for everything!🐾😊




Silver nickel puppies is the best!
Skye is the second puppy I bought from silver nickel puppies.
They have the best puppies !
Staff is knowledgeable, patient , puppies are extremely loved , healthy, well trained and sweet not to mention beautiful!
I have been trusting in this business for many years and they NEVER disappoint.
Not to mention many of my friends have bought super healthy , sweet puppies from silver nickel puppies .
Location is immaculate, and it’s obvious how much the owner and the staff loves these puppies!
Thank you again silver nickel puppies for Skye !
We love her soooo much! Tiffany




VISIT TODAY
Beautiful Healthy Shih Tzu Puppies From Trusted Breeders
Silver Nickel Puppies
85 W. Englewood Ave.
Englewood, NJ 07631
- silvernickelpuppies@gmail.com
- 201-871-8484


