If you've been searching "Shih Tzu puppies for sale near me" from Knoxville, Chattanooga or Athens, Tennessee, you've probably noticed how many listings there are, and how hard it is to tell which ones are real. This guide explains who we are, why families from around East Tennessee come to see us in Niota, and what a visit actually looks like.
Who We Are: A Home Shih Tzu Breeder in Niota, TN
Sherman's Shih Tzu Puppies is Shannon Sherman's home breeding program in Niota, Tennessee. Our puppies are raised in our home and handled every day, so they're used to people, voices and normal household life before they ever go home with you.
Here's what you can expect from us:
- Registered puppies. We are both an AKC and CKC registered breeder. Our available puppies right now are AKC registered.
- DNA tested. Our dogs are DNA tested.
- Health guarantee. Every puppy comes with a health guarantee. Ask us to walk you through it at your visit.
- Clear pricing. Our AKC puppies are $1,600.
Why Families Drive to Niota
We welcome families from Niota, Athens, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and farther away, including Nashville, Atlanta and Asheville. A few reasons families tell us the drive is worth it:
You meet the puppy before you bring it home
Puppy scams are a real problem. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises seeing a pet in person before paying any money, and notes that most scams can't hold up to an in-person meeting. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says legitimate breeders will encourage an in-person or video visit. We agree. Coming to see us is the easiest way to know you're dealing with a real breeder and a real puppy.
You see where your puppy was raised
The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages buyers to choose a responsible breeder who screens for health issues and talks openly about their dogs. When you visit, you can ask us anything about how our puppies are raised, handled and cared for.
Pickup in person, never shipped
We never ship puppies. Every Sherman's puppy goes home in person, with its new family. BBB advises against buying a pet from out of state unless you can visit the breeder before you pay and bring your puppy home yourself. Pickup in person means you can ask your last questions, and your puppy rides home in your arms.
What a Visit Is Like
Visits are by appointment, so we can give your family our full attention.
Visiting hours
- Monday through Saturday: 9 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM to 5 PM
We're located in Niota, Tennessee. We share directions when your appointment is confirmed.
Kids are welcome
Bring the whole family. Children are welcome at visits. Shih Tzu are small, so we'll show kids how to sit on the floor and let a puppy come to them. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that Shih Tzu can be good with children, but kids should be supervised because they could easily hurt such a small dog.
Can't visit yet? FaceTime or text first
If the drive isn't possible right away, we're happy to set up a FaceTime call or answer questions by text at 423-920-3750. Both the BBB and FTC recommend a live video call as a way to see a pet and meet the seller when an in-person visit isn't possible yet.
Questions worth asking
Bring your list. Good questions include:
- What does the health guarantee cover?
- What DNA testing has been done?
- What vet records come with the puppy?
- What should I feed at home, and on what schedule?
BBB recommends getting a written record of your puppy's medical care and taking it to your vet. AKC suggests that a vet check your puppy within the first few days at home.
How Reserving a Puppy Works
- Book a visit or a FaceTime call. Meet the puppies and ask your questions.
- Place a deposit. A deposit holds your puppy.
- Pay the balance at pickup. The final payment is due when you pick up your puppy in person.
Getting Ready for the Drive Home
A few practical tips for the trip:
- Bring a small crate or carrier. AKC says a crate should be just big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around and lie down.
- Watch the heat. Shih Tzu are a short-faced (brachycephalic) breed, and VCA notes they overheat easily in warm weather. Keep the car cool and never leave your puppy in a parked car.
- Plan the first vet visit. Call your vet ahead of time to get an appointment within the first few days.
Before you visit, you may want to read our guide, Is a Shih Tzu Right for Your Family?, and our Shih Tzu Puppy Care 101 guide for the first months at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We're in Niota, Tennessee. We share directions when your visit is booked.
Do you ship puppies?
No. Our puppies are never shipped. Pickup is in person only.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Visits are by appointment, Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes. Kids are welcome. We'll help them meet the puppies gently.
How much are your puppies?
Our AKC registered puppies are $1,600. A deposit holds your puppy, and the final payment is due at pickup.
Are your puppies AKC or CKC registered?
We're an AKC and CKC registered breeder. The puppies available right now are AKC registered.
Book a Visit With Sherman's Shih Tzu Puppies
Whether you're coming from Knoxville, Chattanooga, Athens or farther away, we'd love to meet you. Call or text Shannon at 423-920-3750, or book a visit online.