ETHICAL BREEDER PROOF | Pup-Tzu WNC

Wow! There’s a lot to unpack here. Most significant is your personal attack on two people who clearly you know nothing about. Full disclosure, I do know them and I know your accusations are completely inaccurate and totally out of line.   Tina and Montana are two of the most caring, committed, dedicated breed specialists one could ever hope to know. Your accusations that they “exploit animals to line their pockets” and operate a “puppy mill much” are slanderous, irresponsible and indicative of just how little you know about the good people you target. Truth is, the people you slander are actually people who have GIFTED puppies to retirees, the widowed and others… both because they wanted to brighten the lives of others and to ensure their puppies were placed in good homes where they would not only be loved, but treasured. These people whom you assume operate a “puppy mill” also gave a significant discount to an adopter to ensure two little sister pups be adopted together rather than have the bond they shared be broken. This behavior is certainly in contrast to your allegation of people who “exploit puppies to line their pockets!” and “puppy mill much?”. No lauriefransisco1084, “puppy mill much” does not define Tina and Montana. Not “much”; not at all.  People whose desire (according to you) is to line their pockets, do NOT gift puppies to others. Nor do they care about whether or not bonded little sisters stay together, especially when there’s a wait list of potential adopters more than willing to immediately pay full price for that same puppy. The math just doesn’t back up your allegations. I strongly encourage you to not make slanderous accusations about people you don’t even know, especially not these people. They deserve better. Tina and Montana are very good, very compassionate, very responsible people. Your accusations are not only false, they are libelous. You owe them a big apology.   Less appalling yet also concerning is the assumption that individuals do not have the autonomy to decide what is the right choice for their personal situation. As a rescue volunteer, I respect and appreciate the valuable services rescue organizations provide. However, I equally respect each person’s right to decide what is most appropriate, desirable and achievable for their individual family or station in life. This is America where we enjoy the freedom to express our personal choices without fear of judgment or harassment. Hard stop. No apologies or explanations needed. No one has the authority or responsibility to decide whether someone should adopt a new breeder puppy or a rescue puppy/adult dog. Quite frankly it is no more your business than the car I drive, the home I live in or the number of children I bring into this world. My life, my choice. Your life, your choice. 100%! We all just need to stay in our lane, out of other people’s business and restrain from slandering innocent people. That is all. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts—it’s clear that you’re passionate about animal welfare, and that’s something we truly respect. “Adopt, don’t shop” is a powerful message, and adoption is a beautiful choice that has given countless animals a second chance at life. At the same time, it’s important to recognize that not all breeders are the same. The breeder in question is the opposite of a puppy mill. They have dedicated decades to raising and nurturing these dogs with unmatched care, integrity, and heart. Their puppies aren’t just animals—they’re family. From birth, they are surrounded by love, socialized in a warm home environment, and given the best start in life.  What makes this breeder exceptional is their commitment before and after the puppy goes home. They support families throughout the journey, offering guidance, answering questions, and remaining a part of their puppies’ lives long after they’re placed. That kind of lifelong connection and care is something you don’t find just anywhere.  While adopting is the right path for many, others may choose to get a puppy that they know has been responsibly bred and raised in a loving environment from day one. Responsible breeding with compassion and purpose can coexist with the mission to protect animals. At the end of the day, we all want what’s best for these amazing companions—and that means supporting ethical practices in all areas of animal care.  We’re all on the same team—fighting for animals to be treated with love and dignity. 

 *Laurie Francisco * 

Perhaps you need to do your homework before you start trolling & making inaccurate & ridiculous comments!! 1st off, let me start by saying I am a member of (2)puppy mill rescue organizations for over 25+ years. So you're preaching to the choir here. I can tell you the reason I am getting a HEALTHY puppy from Tina & Montana  is because their love, passion & care for this breed is unlike any other. There is nothing wrong with being a private breeder raising beautiful healthy puppies.  The mommy and daddies are all on the property & stay until their last day on this earth.  I made the decision to seek out a reputable breeder after 20+ yrs of rescuing, fostering & adopting puppy mill dogs and having my heart broken year after year when they passed away.  I've spent tens of thousands of dollars on never-ending vet bills, surgeries, emergency transfers to vet hospitals from dogs that were too sickly to be sold in pet stores from neglect & over breeding at these mills. Either the rescue takes them in that condition or they are inhumanely euthanized. My heart has been broken over and over so I finally made the decision  to research & find a reputable breeder who truly loves Shih Tzus & breeds them only in a  healthy, loving & safe environment. Their track record is impeccable and the care that they put into their dogs is unlike any other.  While I appreciate your passion and advocating for puppy mills, you are so very wrong here. Please take down your comment & spend your time on a real "miller" website.  Have a blessed day!  

These folks are the furthest thing from a puppy mill that you could possibly find. They never overbreed and treat each of their babies like royalty.  I urge you to do a little research before disparaging truly fine people. They don’t sell their puppies to just anyone. Each of their potential puppy parents are fully vetted before they will even take any payment and if they don’t feel a puppy is going to a perfect home, then the puppy won’t go to that home. They are amazing at breeding shi-tzus and don’t breed any other dogs. I agree that puppy mills are the worst, but please don’t lump this breeder into that category. 

Granted,  the world is full of puppy mills and hoarders as well as unethical  breeders who breed indiscriminately creating substandard puppies with  multiple health problems. Maybe instead of bashing ethical breeders,  like these folks, it would make more sense to lobby for stricter laws  and enforcement of those laws against the people creating the problems.  If it were not for breeders like Pup Tzu WNC that strive do everything  right these beautiful breeds would soon disappear. I whole heartedly  support these folks and their mission. They breed beautiful, healthy  Shih Tzus! 

I’ve dedicated much of my life to rescuing dogs and giving them long, happy lives. Two years ago, I welcomed a puppy from Tina and Montana into my home to join my two elderly rescue dogs—and me, a senior myself, but still full of love to give. I've also served on the boards of two rescue organizations and have always worked to make a positive difference.  Rather than trying to make people feel guilty about their choices or accusing breeders of being part of a puppy mill, it’s important to understand who you’re actually talking about. Tina and Montana are responsible breeders who genuinely care for the well-being of their dogs. No one here is exploiting puppies for profit, as you’ve claimed.  My little pup has brought so much joy and transformation to my life. If you're passionate about making an impact, consider advocating for spay and neuter programs—because that's where real change begins. 

Tina and Montana are nothing like that. They are very loving and caring. I  promise you if you ask them about a baby they can tell you the name and  where the baby is located in an instant. They have become family to me. My furbaby knows them as Aunt Tina and Uncle Montana. I have never met a more loving and compassionate couple. So sorry you feel the way you do  without knowing them. 

What a Nasty thing to post to a wonderful legitimate business like pup-tzu wnc. Montana and Tina are amazing people. They raise top of the line shih tzus in every way.  If you had checked out their website you would have realized how special they are in the breeding world of Shih tzus. As of Adopting, people like you don’t help the support  of adopting by bashing other loving dog businesses. Not everyone feels comfortable adopting for their family. I chose not to adopt because of my small grand children.  That is a choice everyone is allowed to have. 

Tina  and Montana are the most caring loving people…they love these puppies  with all their heart.  How dare you imply that they are exploiting  anyone or anything. 

Hi. I understand what you're saying and I know it comes from a good place in your heart, but... our long time Shih Tzu family member and emotional support dog is at the tail end of his life. We rescued him  years ago in Fairbanks, AK. We have severe allergies and require a  hypoallergenic dog. We looked and looked for a rescue but couldnt find a  Shih Tzu. We then began a long search for the most reputable, loving breeder of Shih Tzu's we could find. Our research led us to these wonderful people and their loving, pups. Throughout my life I have  found my best friends in pounds, at rescues, mysteriously on the porch or on the side of the road, or at a breeder. My best friends have been  dogs for the last 60 years. Your well-meaning post reminds me of an adage I try to live by. Before condemning, seek first to understand. 

There  is a difference between just breeding puppies to make money and  breeding because you actually love what you do.  Tina and Montana love  all their fur babies and share what they do with others. I love  everything they do and have taught.  They educate you and are always  there after you get fur baby. We are a big family and they truly love  their dogs. I have done my shopping and they are nothing like a puppy  mill. Please do your research and find out for yourself before just  posting. They are far from a puppy mill !!! 

They treat these puppies like the family they are and are very selective about the families they are placed with. 

We all share a common goal - doing what’s best for animals. That’s exactly why I chose to get my pup from this breeder—because they’re one of the most ethical, responsible, and compassionate people I’ve ever met.    This is not someone “exploiting animals to line their pockets.” Quite the opposite. They devote their life to raising healthy, happy puppies in a home filled with love, structure, and socialization. The level of care they put into every single dog—from health testing and proper nutrition to early development and emotional well-being—is above and beyond. These pups are treated like family from day one.    Adopting from a responsible breeder like this is a perfectly ethical choice. It’s not at odds with rescuing or adopting—it’s just another path to giving a dog a wonderful life. I’m proud of my decision, and grateful every day for the incredible start my pup got in the hands of such a devoted, loving breeder. 

I suspect you are on a mission to protect all animals but this breeder is the most ethical that I have dealt with. I had to be approved before I could purchase one of their precious pups.  I was asked questions to determine my suitability before I could be approved.  These are not the actions of a puppy mill.  My Shih Tzu from Pup Tzu is the healthiest pup I have ever had and I would purchase from them again. Please leave these loving people alone because there are indeed many unethical puppy mills out there which might be more deserving of your attention. 

In Defense of Ethical Shih Tzu Breeders

Before we welcomed our sweet pup into our home, we spent over a year researching and connecting with breeders. When we finally spoke with Tina and Montana at Pup Tzu WNC, our very first conversation lasted more than three hours. They didn’t just want to “sell” us a puppy — they wanted to truly know us. They asked thoughtful questions, shared their breeding philosophy, and gave us a huge list of references, even connecting us with people who have siblings of our dog.  In a world where "breeder" can sometimes be a dirty word, I want to speak up for the ones who do it the right way. Reputable breeders:  Health test and genetically screen their dogs Raise puppies in a loving, clean, and stimulating environment Provide lifelong support and education to their puppy families Match pups with homes based on personality, lifestyle, and experience Love their dogs deeply and are committed to bettering the breed We didn’t just “buy a dog.” We became part of a community, supported by people who care deeply about their pups, even after they go home. So, before lumping all breeders together, please know: ethical, responsible breeders exist — and they are a vital part of preserving the health and integrity of beloved breeds like the Shih Tzu. We’re forever grateful to Pup Tzu WNC and wouldn’t change a thing about how we found our fur baby. 

Obviously,  you care about dogs. Your suggestion to adopt is wonderful but you can  also own a dog who is ethically bred and healthy and loved and cared for  from conception thru birth and the process adoption and ownership. I  have both adopted dogs from shelters and rescued dogs and llams too. I  purchase dogs but only from vetted fine breeders. These breeders and  their dogs are the finest. 

 It is unfortunate that in your attempt to advocate for the ethical  treatment of animals, you have generalized all breeders as "puppy  mills." This decreases your credibility. Pup-tzu WNC is what every  breeder should be. Before making assumptions, it would've been worth  your effort to explore the vast information they provide on their  website or even give them a call with any questions. Tina and Montana  are not just breeders.They are committed to their roles as educators for  this wonderful breed and, in doing so, they become life-long family. We  are fortunate that there are truly ethical breeders like Tina and  Montana for those of us who prefer this path. 

I  was very sorry to read your comment, as most of us who find our way to Tina and Montana of WNC Pup Tzu, do so after spending months, if not years of intensive research.  Many, like myself, have been former Shih Tzu owners and are educated on the breed.  Having decades of extensive experience specifically in dogs and animal rights activism, I can attest that not only are Tina and Montana dedicated to the health and well being of their dogs and puppies, but each puppy is also raised with an  abundance of love and care. Further to ensure true success each puppy is then carefully matched with the right prospective owner.  Their program  speaks to the highest level of devotion and integrity. 

Much like humans- some people are called to adopt and some people have a different calling. Variety and individual callings make for a complete puzzle picture . Neither are “right” and neither are “wrong”. For those that are called to adopt - Amazing! … For those that are not called to adopt - and searching for their next Shih-Tzu baby…. Tina and Montana are the MOST honorable breeders imaginable. By NO means are they a puppy mill!!! The exact opposite actually!   They completely respect the female’s body/breeding cycles. Not only that…. they pamper their expectant mommas more than I may have been pampered as a human!! They focus on their nutrition.  They focus on their comfort. They focus on their overall health! They are at the ready when the momma is ready to birth.   Fast forward…. precious, beautiful, HEALTHY puppies come into this world in such a safe and secure way. Tina and Montana take care of those puppies with a “white glove” approach. As the puppies grow - they impact their development with their unique methods! (check out their website and YouTube for more info!!)… (For real…. Check it out!!!) Those were the “formalities” …. And now let me speak from the heart…. When we felt ready for a new Shih-Tzu baby and began our search, (my Charlie passed 3 summers ago📷) - I had VERY specific criteria in mind. I approached my search with eyes wide open and extreme skepticism. My search began in September- - and conversation after conversation with different breeders raised red flag after red flag for me… UNTIL… I had the complete privilege of coming into contact, then RELATIONSHIP, with Tina and Montana!!    The first online interaction I had with them impressed me exponentially…. Not only did they want to get to know me personally- specifically to vet the environment their babies could potentially inhabit - but even more so to form relationship! They held fast to their narrative of  required information from me as to what type of environment their babies would potentially be exposed to!!   I immediately loved and RESPECTED that! Again…definitely NOT a puppy mill  approach! They actually CARE to ensure their babies are placed in a loving, appropriate, respectable home. Another checkbox is Tina and Montana’s steadfast devotion to the purity of the Shih-Tzu breed and the genetics is entirely vetted.   Cannot recommend Tina and Montana (Pup-Tzu-WNC) ) enough to bless you with the gift of your new Shih-Tzu baby, as well as relationship with a huge family community. 

Tina & Montana are not in the Puppy Mill business. I have one of there puppies and they are the most loving and caring people I have ever met. I am 100% against Puppy Mills and have several rescues, but please believe me when I say they are good people and great with all their fur babies. They treat them like family, just  as they should be treated. 

Hi there, I totally understand your concerns and I’m with you. Puppy mills are heartbreaking, and I fully support adoption. In fact, I rescued a dog from a puppy mill myself, and despite spending over $20k on vet care for all his health issues, he only lived for three years. It was devastating. That experience made me realize that when it came time to bring another dog into my life, especially since my dogs are emotional support animals, I needed to know they were coming from a responsible, ethical breeder focused on health and longevity.  That’s why I chose Montana and Tina of Pup Tzu WNC. They are absolutely not a puppy mill. They take excellent care of their parent dogs, never overbreed, and are dedicated to producing healthier, longer-living Shih Tzus. My dog Ernie, who came from them, is now 7 years old and has never had a single health issue. He’s truly the healthiest dog I’ve ever had.  Ethical breeders like Montana and Tina are doing things the right way. They’re not in it to exploit animals—they genuinely care. I believe there’s room for both adoption and ethical breeding, and it’s important not to paint all breeders with the same brush. I appreciate your passion for animal welfare. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: happy, healthy dogs in loving homes. 

Montana and Tina are caring and responsible people who do a wonderful job of  raising pups for adoption. In no way are they like a puppy mill. 

While I know that there are a lot of "Puppy Mills" this in not one of them. Puppy mills often fail to invest the time and effort necessary to ensure that the puppies are healthy and well-adjusted. My wife and I have several puppies from Pup-Tzu WNC, and all of them are wonderful dogs.   Healthy, Smart, Playful, and extremely loving. I would suggest that  before you make comments about other people and their intentions, you should get to know them and understand their motivations.   Pup-Tzu WNC  is far from being a puppy mill. 

While I do share your feelings about puppy mills and respect your choice to rescue instead of shop, I have rescued in the past and feel there is room and a need for both rescue and breeders. Without wonderful breeders like Tina and Montana eventually the many beautiful breeds of dogs in the world today would cease to exist.  And I, for one, cannot imagine my life or home without a Shih Tzu. I adore my Becca was so blessed to have found these 2 wonderful people. I did quite a bit of research before applying at Pup-Tzu and as soon as I spoke to Tina and Montana, I knew that I had made the right decision. They are very special  and I love them dearly.  They do not and would not run a puppy mill, they breed Shih Tzu puppies out of their love for the breed!! Just because someone fills out an application does not mean they will be accepted by Pup-Tzu. Tina and Montana are extremely careful about who is allowed to adopt one of their babies because they want to be sure they are going to homes that will love and take good care of them.  Before  making an assumption and posting an accusation about someone, hopefully next time you will gather some information and facts.  I feel that taking the chance on damaging the reputation of two absolutely fantastic people and their breeding program without doing so was unfair and undeserved. 

We are very proud and honored to have met Tina and Montana as Shih-Tzu Breeders. We found them to be truthful and honest and they do love and care for their Shih-Tzu’s. THEY ARE NOT A PUPPY FARM. They are very particular as to whom their pups go too. They have always been there for us when we needed them. We highly recommend them for anyone who wants to purchase a Shih-Tzu puppy.

Sue and Bob Smith 

Thank you Tina and Montana. You care so much. All babies ate healthy and well  bread. Of course my two are the most beautiful in the world. They bring so much joy and meaning to my life. But all the puppies you bread are beautiful. Thank you for bringing blessings into this world.   May  God bless you greatly. 

Omg Reba’s puppies are so very precious! I want another!! My wonderful fur baby, Milo, who we adopted from you guys in March of 2024 has been one  of the greatest gifts from God we could have ever received! We are not able to rescue or adopt from anywhere because our son is highly allergic to dogs and cats! So while we would love to rescue an animal it is just not feasible for us! From research we found out that Shih Tzu’s do give  people who are allergic to dogs or cats any allergic reactions! That’s why we chose to adopt a Shih Tzu puppy. The reason we decided to adopt adopt our beloved Milo from Tina and Montana is because of their supremely excellent breeding practices, their live and attention  (before, during, and after their puppies are born and adopted). They will not allow you to adopt one of their babies unless they are 150% sure that you are the best possible “parent” for their babies!! I cannot  even explain the depth and length that they go to in order to breed puppies that are in excellent in physical and emotional health!! I have had 2 prior Shih Tzu fur babies that we loved and cherished u til they passed and Milo’s physical and emotional health is undeniably of a much much higher level!! Tina and Montana not only love and care for their  mommies, daddies, and puppies physically, they also give them exceptional mental and neurological health! Their breeding differences are undeniably!! There is no better breeders than Tina and Montana!