Le Leone means  "THE LION"

Welcome to Le Leone Imperials.  (Pronouced Lay-Lee-on). The Chinese translation of the word Shih Tzu is "lion dog", given because of it's long, flowing mane-like coat, and Le Leone translates to "the lion".  We are proud to offer Imperial size Shih Tzu in a variety of solid colors, including black, blue, silver, chocolate, red, white, cream, and brindle.  As well as some very pretty parti colors in those shades.  And we have recently added the more rare shades of black and tan, chocolate and tan, orange cream, rose blue, and lavender.  We specialize in the smaller sized Shih Tzu refered to as the Imperial, as we are enchanted with these little lap dogs. We are also now involved with the development of the Chinese Imperial Dog (9 pounds and under) and it's recognition as a breed in the rare breed category.  

(To accurately and honestly show the colors , we prefer to photograph our dogs in full natural sunlight when possible, rather than use special lighting, or specialized color-altering lighting...although tiny puppies are not taken outside when weather conditions could risk their health).

 Over the years, we have carefully picked each and every addition to our sires and dams, putting together what we feel is a perfect combination.  While we prefer to see our puppies in loving pet homes, we do not breed "pet quality". We strive to produce the best Imperial Shih Tzu and CIDs possible, by using some of the most respected champion lines from kennels in America, Canada, Europe and Brazil. The breathtaking beauty and conformation of this "royalty of the ring" is what we like to bring into our breeding program, in a much smaller package.  We also are proud of our foundation studs that come from well-known and proven tiny lines. We give a sincere thank you to the kennels that have trusted us with their wonderful lines and helped us to acheive our goals. Our sires and dams are picked for beauty, classic features, temperament and health.  We believe in breeding those factors first, size and color second. Whether it be for the show ring, or as a tiny loving pet, we feel that a Shih Tzu should well bred and from good lines. So if you are looking for an outstanding companion, we can offer you what you are looking for with our commitment to excellence and quality.   Each puppy is carefully planned and lovingly raised to come to your home as a healthy, happy, well-adjusted member of your family.  We love this breed very much and it shows in the results.  Le Leone is proud of the many puppies we have placed in loving homes over the years and encourages continued updates on them. We will be available after your puppy goes home for advice and information.  For us, our little dogs are our family!  Unless a perfect pet home situation can be found for the dogs that are not being bred anymore,  Le Leone's "retirees" spend their entire lives here. 

Our program is large enough to have a diverse gene pool to work with, and small enough that our dogs get lots of love and attention.  I do not work outside of my home and spend the day with my babies.  When I can't be home, my husband and daughters are happy to fill in. We have been inspected by the Humane Society and passed with flying colors.  

 My email address is thetzukeeper@aol.com.  I would be happy to answer any questions you may have and look forward to helping you find what you want.  We love to talk about our little dogs.  If we do not have what you are looking for, we would be glad to recommend breeders who might.

 While we have been raising our dogs for years, our website is fairly new and a work in progress.  Please be patient as it grows!  Any comments and suggestions are welcomed.