MARJA Shih Tzu has been dedicated for over 45 years to Shih Tzu Breed Preservation.

Since its inception, MARJA Shih Tzu has had over 100 A.K.C. recognized champions either bred or co-owned. MARJA Shih Tzu was started in 1976 with the introduction of our very first Shih Tzu: Hejato Tasha Lee "Tasha". Our show career was started by Mary Puglise (MAR) and Jacqueline Puglise-Stempel (JA). With Jackie's marriage to Mark Stempel, the original name could be kept as formed (MARJA).

We are longtime members of the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC), the governing body for the pure-bred Shih Tzu in the United States. We are also members o the Brookhaven All-Breed Kennel Club as well as members o the New York Progressive Dog Club (for Toy Dogs Only).

MARJA is very proud of our Best in Show, multiple Group placings, and Specialty winning Shih Tzu. We really appreciate our long line of Puppy Group, Puppy Best in Show, and Bred By Group winning Shih Tzu. It is so much fun watching our little Shih Tzu puppies in the Best in Show ring with all those "big" dogs towering over them.

For the past eight years, MARJA Shih Tzu have been excelling in the National Owner Handled Series (NOHS). We are proud that we have had the #1 Shih Tzu Owner Handled for 7 of the 8 years of the series existence. In 2016, Dreamer became the #2 All-Breed National Owner Handled dog in the country.

MARJA Shih Tzu is dedicated to the development of beautiful, healthy Shih Tzu that will live long lives as family pets. We continue to strive for stunning Shih Tzu that are true to the breed standard. A couple times a year we have puppies that are offered to "loving" families as new members.