Pricing can be such a hot button topic when talking about purchasing a dog. There’s never a blanket answer that will fit every situation and feelings can get hurt on both sides of the purchase agreement.
Unless the breeder runs a puppy mill, no breeder is breeding dogs to make money. It takes a lot of dogs and a lot of litters before a breeder will break even and start making a profit on their puppies. We have to cover the cost of purchasing breeding dogs, vet care, showing, genetic testing, temperament testing, certifications, health checks, basic training, equipment, grooming, and basic health care. And lets not talk about the bills for the actual breeding, there are stud fees, vet fees, ultra sounds, pre-natal check ups, potential C-sections and countless other costs that can arise when we under take a litter. This doesn’t even take our time into consideration. It is truly is a labour of love.
I like to be upfront about my pricing, but do offer a warning that prices do change. Especially if transportation, vet, and supply costs increase. I’ve also included the purchase terms of purchase. I’d also like to provide options for those considering a dog from Roxini, as not every situation is the same.
Pet: Baby Puppies (8-16weeks) – $2000 (CAD)
No puppy leaves my home until at least 8 weeks of age, I may choose to withhold puppies until 12-16 weeks so that I can ensure they start with a strong foundation. I do not vary my price based on gender, colour or size – the same cost and effort goes into every pup. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to join the waiting list. The deposit is non-refundable, but is applied towards the purchase price of your pup, the remainder is due at pick up.
My primary goal in breeding is to have puppies who would do well in a working home in a service or therapy role. I DONATE these dogs to non profit groups whose goal is to provide a fully trained service/therapy dog to a person in need at no cost. I do, however still need to pay for the expenses of breeding, raising, and caring for these puppies. By purchasing a Roxini puppy, you are not only getting an amazing pet, but you are also helping a person in need to get a fully trained service/therapy dog to assist them in their daily life.
Each puppy will receive age appropriate vaccinations and de-worming. Each dog is also covered by guarantee that they are free from serious genetic health issues. Every pup has a money back guarantee with a veterinary health certificate, you should have peace of mind when you take your puppy home that you should not need major medical care due to illness or health issues. Not all health concerns can be seen at the time of examination, which is why this exists. And should provide peace of mind that should your puppy show symptoms of illness that may have been picked up the day before you arrive to take your puppy home, that you will not be saddled with an unhealthy puppy or expensive vet bills. I would never knowingly, allow a puppy to leave my home in anything less that tiptop condition. Please be aware that this does not cover illness or injury caused after they leave my home.
Every pet pup is sold on a STRICT non-breeding contract. I do allow up to 14months of age for you to provide proof of spay or neuter, but the final payment is considered received once you have provided a spay or neuter certificate from a licensed veterinarian. Once received the dog’s ownership & registration will be transferred, at no cost, into your name. Please be aware that my contract does state that the pup will be returned to me should you fail to provide the required documentation within the allotted time frame, and you will not receive a refund on the purchase price of the dog. If you do not intend on having your future pet fixed, I am not the right person to purchase a dog from.
I also require that if for ANY REASON, the dog can not remain in the home that was originally approved that the dog, without refund, be returned to me. If I am able to sell the dog to another family and monies remaining after expenses will be returned to you. A Roxini dog should NEVER EVER end up in a shelter, puppy mill, or abusive home. I am responsible for the dog I bred through the life of that dog. If you EVER run into trouble with your pup, please come back to me and I will do everything I can to help.
Pet: Young and Adolescent Pups (16weeks – 18months) – $2750 (CAD)
There are two reasons why a pup may reach this age an
d need a home. The first is that the dog was set a side as a service, therapy or show prospect but has not met the requirements. Sometimes a dog would just prefer to be a pampered pet, and we know you will be able to better provide the individual pampering and attention the dog needs. The second is that you have chosen to leave your dog in my care for this time period – for training, you are away, a drastic life change has happened and you are unable to take your pup home as a baby. These dogs are sold at a higher rate because you are getting a LOT of my time to care for and train your new dog. They will ALL leave my house with a strong training foundation including house breaking, crate training, proper meal behaviours, leash training, grooming, basic commands (sit, down, come) and likely a few not so basic commands. You do save time, money and frustration when you look at the costs to raise, train (including the cost of puppy and basic obedience classes), feed and provide the vet care your new pup will need in the first year.
Most people choose to take their dog home as a baby puppy, but I have had requests to train the dog before the dog moves to its forever home. I’ve also had requests from people for already trained older dogs, and this is why this price point exists. You’re not just paying for a great pup, you’re paying for my time and skill in raising a well behaved and balanced dog.
The same conditions will apply as any pet, including spay/neuter requirements. Please be aware that if your pup is older than 6 months old, you may opt to have the dog fixed while in my care. You will be responsible for that additional cost, but I will give you the price I get from my vet which is generally less than the general public. They will also have 3yr vaccinations and a one year rabies shot at this age.
Show, Breeding, Service/Therapy Prospects
Each of these situations is very unique which will have differing prices based on need, experience and availability. I’ll be upfront about this as well – the terms that apply to each of these situations may be different and may require a co-ownership or other stipulations laid out in the contract for the purchase of one of these dogs. My reputation follows that dog and I take it very seriously. Don’t let that stop you from reaching out, just know it wont be as simple as money for a dog.
BUT, I want a Roxini pup, I just can’t afford the upfront price
EVERYONE has a story and Roxini is not just about dogs, its about the people and the lives these dogs impact.
When I have a potential working dog I will donate the dog(s) to PADS, Companion Paws as well as other organizations whose goals are to support people through the incredible capacity of dogs. I do not ask for anything in return, but the best home and placement for my dogs. If you are an individual or organization looking to have a Shih Tzu as a working dog, please reach out. Money/cost should never stand in the way of an individual getting the freedom and support that a dog can bring.
But I just want a pet………What about Lay-a-away. 
I, like most breeders, maintain a waiting list for upcoming litters. I am willing to work with a potential new owner and give them priority on the waiting list if they would prefer to make payment arrangements for the purchase of their pup. I do not charge fees or interest on payment arrangements to purchase a pup, I just understand that sometimes you need to wait for your income tax return, bonus or heck you just need to take longer to pay for the dog you want. I’ve been there too! So, consider it lay-a-way for puppies!
Just like in store lay-a-way, no dog will leave until full payment (minus spay/neuter depending on age) has been made. With a lay-a-way plan you know you are 100% going to get a pup from the next litter and because you are pre-paying for your pup you will get priority on picking the puppy you want. A contract will be drawn up so that both parties are clear on the expectations before allowing and payments to be made. Should you find a pup elsewhere that you can afford prior to the pups birth, your payments are refundable. Please note that once a litter is born your $500 deposit is not refundable.
At the end of the day,……
There are many opportunities for the right placement, and at Roxini people come first. Please reach out and let me know your needs and I’ll be happy to talk to you and see if there is a right fit for you!