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Our story
Four decades of breeding. One big calling.
Holy Shih Tzu is a family program in Burleson, Texas. We breed tiny and imperial Shih Tzus with the same care we would want for our own family, because to us, they are family.
How it all started
- 1980s
Our breeding story begins in New York State with a German Shepherd program. Those dogs went on to serve with law enforcement.
- 1996
We moved to North Texas and paused the Shepherd program.
- 1997
We met our first Shih Tzu and fell completely in love. Holy Shih Tzu was born.
- Called to serve
After several years of Bible school, we began joining mission teams to Thailand, South Africa, Albania, Mexico and more.
- 2012
National Geographic Channel’s Taboo featured a tiny Shih Tzu wedding, and Holy Shih Tzu became a National Geographic featured breeder.
- 2016
Dee was appointed by the State of Texas to the Licensed Breeder Advisory Committee of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and later served as its Chairperson.
- Today
Two National Champions, a bloodline other breeders build on, breeder mentoring and summits, rescue placements, and a whole lot of tiny, happy faces.
Raised in our home
We turned a former garage into a dedicated birthing and whelping nursery so every mama and litter gets a calm, clean, watched over start. Our boys have their own chapel style building with private suites and outdoor runs. Yes, even the boys live in a chapel.
Licensed and accountable
Holy Shih Tzu holds Texas breeder License #252 through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Dee has helped shape breeder standards in Texas from the inside, on the state’s own advisory committee.
Every puppy sends light somewhere
A portion of every puppy sale helps fund mission work: rescuing victims of human trafficking, drilling water wells, building orphanages and bringing aid to people who need it most.
Our foundation
The angels who started it all.
These are some of the dogs who built the Holy Shih Tzu program years ago. They are all angels now, and their lines live on in every litter. Tap any of them to see the original photo.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.Psalm 91:11
Why “Holy” Shih Tzu?
Because every one of them is a little miracle.
Yes, the name makes people smile. That is part of the point. But it is also a reminder of where these little lives come from. We see God’s fingerprints in every litter, and we try to honor that in how we breed, raise and place every puppy.
We also believe in doing this the right way for the whole breed. Dee mentors other breeders, has hosted annual breeder summits, and helps with rescue placements. And we will always tell you what we tell everyone: check references, interview your breeder, and never judge a program by its website alone. Including this one.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.Psalm 19:1
Ready to meet your little blessing?
Every Holy Shih Tzu puppy starts with a conversation. Message Dee to hear about current and upcoming litters, sizes, colors and timing.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” James 1:17