Shih Tzu Stud Dog: Health Testing, Color Genetics, and What to Look For

The Lion Dog of the Chinese imperial court — built for companionship and deserving of careful breeding

The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest and most beloved companion breeds in the world. Known for their flowing double coats, flat faces, and endlessly affectionate temperament, Shih Tzus make outstanding family dogs. But the breed's brachycephalic structure, combined with common issues like hip dysplasia, juvenile renal dysplasia, and eye problems, means that responsible stud selection is not optional — it is essential.

Health Testing for Shih Tzu Studs

The American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) has established minimum health testing recommendations for breeding dogs. A responsible stud owner will have documentation for all of the following:

OFA Hip Evaluation

Hip dysplasia occurs in Shih Tzus despite their small size. OFA evaluates hips at 24 months or older. A Good or Excellent rating is preferred. Fair is borderline acceptable; Dysplastic is a disqualifier.

CAER Eye Examination — Annual

Shih Tzus are prone to several hereditary eye conditions, including hereditary cataracts, refractory corneal ulcers, and progressive retinal atrophy. A CAER exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist should be performed annually and must be current at the time of breeding.

Patellar Luxation — OFA Evaluation

Like most toy breeds, Shih Tzus are prone to slipping kneecaps. An OFA patella evaluation rated Normal (Grade 0) is required for a well-screened stud.

Renal Dysplasia Awareness

Juvenile renal dysplasia (JRD) is a serious, often fatal kidney condition seen in Shih Tzus. There is no widely available DNA test, but the stud's lineage should be free of known JRD cases. Ask about the health of the stud's parents and siblings.

BAER Hearing Test (Optional but Recommended)

Congenital deafness occurs in some Shih Tzus, particularly those with heavy white patterning. A BAER test confirms normal hearing in both ears.

Shih Tzu Color Genetics

Shih Tzus come in an enormous variety of colors, and color genetics can be complex. Here are the most common and sought-after patterns:

Solid Colors

Black, white, gold, red, liver (brown), blue (dilute black), and silver are all seen in Shih Tzus. Liver and blue are produced by dilution genes and require two copies to express.

Parti and Bicolor

Most Shih Tzus carry some white patterning. The S locus (piebald gene) controls how much white a dog expresses. Dogs with large white patches are often called "parti" Shih Tzus.

Brindle

The brindle pattern (dark stripes on a lighter base) is produced by the K locus. A brindle stud bred to a brindle female has a high chance of producing brindle offspring, though the exact pattern depends on both parents' genetics.

Gold and Red Fading

Many Shih Tzus are born with rich gold or red coats that fade significantly as they mature. If coat color retention is important to your buyers, ask the stud owner how his color has held — and look at photos of the stud at 2+ years old compared to puppy photos.

Brachycephalic Breeding Considerations

The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed, meaning the flat face and shortened skull create specific respiratory considerations. When selecting a stud:

• Avoid extreme flat faces — A stud with severely compromised airways should not be bred. Look for a dog with open nostrils, good palate length, and no history of BOAS surgery.
• Good respiratory function is heritable — A stud with open, functional airways is more likely to pass that trait to his offspring.
• Whelping difficulty — Shih Tzu litters often require C-sections due to head size. Discuss this with your veterinarian before breeding.

What Does a Shih Tzu Stud Fee Cost?

Stud fees for Shih Tzus in 2026 typically range from $400 to $2,000 depending on AKC Championship title or champion lineage, color rarity, proven breeding history and litter quality, and local market demand. Pick-of-the-litter arrangements are common, especially for first-time pairings.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

• Can I see OFA hip, patella, and current CAER eye exam certificates?
• Does the stud or his close relatives have any history of juvenile renal dysplasia?
• What is the stud's coat color, and what colors has he produced?
• How is his breathing — does he have any signs of BOAS?
• Is he AKC registered, and can I verify his pedigree?
• Has he produced litters before, and can I speak with previous dam owners?
• Will you provide a written stud contract?

Finding a Shih Tzu Stud Near You

1. The Stud Dog marketplace — Browse Shih Tzu stud listings with health testing documentation and color genetics.

2. The American Shih Tzu Club — The ASTC's breeder referral network connects dam owners with members committed to health testing.

3. Local kennel clubs — Regional all-breed clubs often know the quality Shih Tzu breeders in your area.

Summary

A quality Shih Tzu stud has OFA hip and patella clearances, a current CAER eye exam, and a family history free of renal dysplasia. He breathes well, has a sound temperament, and comes with an owner who answers your questions honestly. Take your time — the right stud dog produces healthy, beautiful puppies that reflect well on your breeding program for years.