Miniature Shih Tzu puppies do not cost less because of their small size. Although they eat less, their price and that you pay to your vet is not miniature.

Miniature Shih Tzu puppies are actually more costly than the regular size Shih Tzu. This is simply because of factors of supply and demand. It is a fact that small dogs bear fewer puppies than bigger ones, and with the miniature breeds, a single or two puppies per breeding is a common phenomenon. In addition, they require more attention than the regular Shih Tzu, coupled with the fact that it is very difficult for a Miniature Shih Tzu breeder to cover his cost, particularly since not many breed the miniature type. Moreover, this particular breed is not acknowledged by the American Kennel Club or the American Shih Tzu Club as a distinct breed.

Instead of stronger puppies, smaller and weaker puppies have been used to breed the Miniature Shih Tzu dogs. By breeding with weaker dogs, more health problems are bound to occur since naturally the weak are disadvantaged in terms of probability of survival. Therefore, problems like weak bones, blood sugar level problems, diarrhea, and teeth problem are common with the miniature Shih Tzu puppies.

However, to reduce the bills related to this breed of dogs, you can apply the following tips.

First, you need to purchase from a miniature Shih Tzu puppies breeder of good repute. A good breeder will have no problem supplying you with a guarantee, as he has confidence in his dogs. Untrustworthy breeders on the other hand will not offer a guarantee, since they may have engaged in questionable activities such as underfeeding the miniature Shih Tzu puppies to keep them small. Some of the other questionable practices include breeding with weak and dogs of poor health, selling too young puppies so that they appear small, and selling the tiniest puppy of a regular Shih Tzu as a miniature.

Secondly, it is advisable to be careful. The bones of miniature Shih Tzu puppies are fragile, and if stepped on, or they fall, they can easily break their bones. People with very small children should be extra vigilant, since children can easily hurt a Miniature Shih Tzu due to its size.

Likewise, it is also prudent to evaluate the temperature of your miniature Shih Tzu puppies frequently. You may achieve this by feeling the ears, which should be warm. If they are cold, then the puppy risks being chilled. You may also insert your finger in the puppy's mouth, tom ascertain that it feels warm.