Welcome to MARJA Shih Tzu
MARJA Shih Tzu has been dedicated for over 50 years to Shih Tzu Breed Preservation.
Since its inception, MARJA Shih Tzu has had over 150 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 kennel name could be kept as formed (MARJA).
We are longtime members of the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC), the governing body for pure-bred Shih Tzu in the United States. Mark is on the Board of the ASTC and is also the standing delegate to the A.K.C. In April, Mark will be assuming the position of Vice President for the American Shih Tzu Club. We are also members of the Brookhaven Kennel Club and the New York Progressive Dog Club (specializing in Toy dogs).
MARJA is very proud of our Best in Show, multiple group winning and placing, National Owner Handled Series Best in Show, and specialty winning Shih Tzu. We are really proud of our long line of Puppy Group, Puppy Best in Show, and Bred By Exhibitor 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 thirteen 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 8 of those 13 years. In 2016, “Dreamer” GCHG Marja-Tu Chu Dream Catcher became the #2 All Breed Owner Handled dog in the country. “Dreamer” is currently the #1 NOHS Shih Tzu LIFETIME with over 6,000 points.
MARJA Shih Tzu is dedicated to the development of beautiful, healthy, Shih Tzu that will live long lives as a family pet. We continue to strive for stunning Shih Tzu that are true to the standard. A couple times a year we have puppies that are offered to “loving” families as new family members.
GCHS Marja-Tu Chu Singular Sensation (SAM) and Mark.
GCHS Marja-Tu Chu That's Not a Toy (GROGU) Award of Merit at the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club.
Wish along the way to her Championship.
Tori
MARJA Shih Tzu has had a wonderful string of award-winning Shih Tzu. Most notable being the #1 LIFETIME Owner-Handled Shih Tzu GCHG. Marja-Tu Chu Dream Catcher “Dreamer” who was also the breed winner at the American Kennel Club National Championships in 2016, Best In Show CH. Marja-Tu Chu Single Strand “Gene”, and Multiple Reserve Best In Show GCHS. Marja-Tu Chu Singular Sensation “Sam”.
The last few years have been extremely active for Marja Shih Tzu. In conjunction with Tu Chu Shih Tzu (Kathy Kwait) we have been producing some outstanding litters and new champions. “Sam” GCHS. Marja-Tu Chu Singular Sensation is a multiple Reserve Best In Show and Multiple Owner Handled Best In Show. “Mando” GCHB. Marja-Tu Chu This Is The Way and his brother “Grogu” GCHB Marja-Tu Chu That’s Not a Toy are both multiple Group winning and OH Best in Show. Right now we are most excited about presenting GCH Tu Chu-Marja Bad Moon Rising. Bob’s very first time in the ring at 4 months of age he was awarded Beginner Puppy Best in Show over a huge entry of 82 puppies! “Bob recently made his debut at the American Shih Tzu Club Nationals where we were floored when he was awarded 1st Award of Merit over some of the best Shih Tzu in America.
In the eight years that AKC has held the National Owner Handled Series (NOHS) - MARJA Shih Tzu have held the title of #1 Shih Tzu for eight of those years. Our last two being Bocchi (2018) and Gene (2019), Sam (2022 & 2023). Among all of our #1 Shih Tzu we've been blessed with over 25 Owner Handled Best in Show awards and over 20 Owner Handled Reserve Best in Show awards.
We are proud to have finished over 15 Champions over these past couple of years. Most exciting was finishing CH. Tu Chu Marja Time Bomb @ Kylin- "Ty", at 6 months and 3 weeks of age. A first for us.
MARJA Shih Tzu (Mark and Jackie Stempel) and Tu Chu Shih Tzu (Kathy Kwait) have a once in a lifetime relationship in dogs and friendship for over 54 years. We are all so proud of our winning awards and our relentless pursuit of Breed Preservation of the elegant and loving Shih Tzu breed.
GCHB Tu Chu-Marja Bad Moon Rising (BOB winning OH Group 1 in Rhode Island).
BOB receiving 1st Award of Merit at the 2026 American Shih Tzu Club Nationals.
GCHB Tu Chu-Marja Bad Moon Rising (BOB) winning the Toy Group at the NOHS regionals.
Trouble
Connor
Natalie