My name is Debi Gerlinger and I’m the owner of Sapphire Shih tzu, a small Shih Tzu home in Montana offering Shih Tzu for sale. We also have Shih Tzu avaliable in Hawaii.

The first time I saw a Shih Tzu, it was love at first sight, and I still love the breed dearly. They are the most endearing little dogs who will steal any heart in a moment. To this day, when I walk into a specialty show and see all the Shih Tzu ready to go into the ring, all looking so stunning, it is still magical for me. I am very concerned about doing what is best for the breed, so that each Shih Tzu has the opportunity to live a full and happy life, free from pain of physical abnormality or emotional stress.

I enjoy showing my Shih Tzu dogs as an owner/handler in both the United States and Canada and I’ve championed several dogs from the Bred-by-Exhibotor class.  I believe that obtaining championship titles helps prove the quality. If they aren’t built correctly enough to win under several different judges, then there is a reason and “should that be in the gene pool?”. I maintain a small number of dogs so that they all get the time and attention they deserve. My personal goal is to breed the best quality Shih Tzu puppy I can for both structure and temperment. All Shih Tzu puppy breedings are planned well in advance and I breed according to the AKC standard for the Shih Tzu and adhere to the American Shih Tzu club’s code of ethics.

While I have may Shih Tzu for sale available as show prospects or for pets, I occasionally have a retired Shih Tzu adult to place in a loving family home. My Shih Tzu for sale are all raised in my house.   I do not have Shih Tzu for sale for breeding purposes. If you are outside the area, dogs can be shipped at certain times of the year, and I will be available by phone to help you with your new Shih Tzu puppy’s manners and any concerns you may have.  As an AKC Breeder of Merit, my Shih Tzu for sale are sold with a health guarantee, life-time support, AKC limited registry and a spay/neuter requirement.

I am a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and a mentor/instructor for Animal Behavior College, so my Shih Tzu puppies get lots of behavioral training. I am also an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Pet Professional Guild. I’m a liscenced presenter for Family Paws Dogs and Storks and Dogs and Toddlers, focusing on bite prevention for families who are expecting or who have toddlers in the home.  For older children, I’m also liscenced for Doggone Safe Dog Bite Prevention program.