I'm the breeder behind Locust Creek Shih Tzu & Havanese located in Vinita, OK. My babies are bred for health temperament and confirmation. I do all DNA testing and all OFA testing that is required. I do deworming, microchipping, vet check with fecal, vaccines, and offer a health guarantee.
About Darla
I am retired from farming and ranching. I focus on my fur babies full time. They are home raised and sleep with me and are now my children. I have had shih tzu and Havanese for going on 15 years now. I breed for top quality and temperament. I focus greatly on health and temperament in both breeds.
What makes Darla’s program special
I have full time dedication and time allotted to my dogs.
Darla’s certifications & recognitions
CHIC Certified, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T.
Newborn Shih Tzus from Rip and Queen
Born Jan. 2025. Ready Feb. 27
Newborn Shih Tzus from Rip and Lizzy
Born Jan. 2025. Ready Mar. 9
Newborn Shih Tzus from Rip and Rizz
Born Feb. 2025. Ready Apr. 23
Newborn Shih Tzus from Rip and Queen
Born Jan. 2025
Ready Feb. 27
Newborn Shih Tzus from Rip and Lizzy
Born Jan. 2025
Ready Mar. 9
Newborn Shih Tzus from Rip and Rizz
Born Feb. 2025
Ready Apr. 23
Darla has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Puppy prices range from $800 - $2,300 and include a non-refundable deposit of $200.
“Price includes AKC registration, microchip, vaccines, deworming, health guarantee, vet check certificate and fecal exam before leaving to their new family. Deposit is non-refundable, unless for some reason the puppy does not pass their vet check.”
Darla may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Darla offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Darla directly.
All of my puppies are litter box train, which makes them easier to house train. They are well socialized with people, cats & other dogs. All puppies are used to a crate/pen, so they travel & transition to their new families better. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Socialized with other animals, Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Socialized with other dogs, Daily handling, Socialized in new places, Surface & tactile stimulation, Car rides, Various sounds, Outdoors (when Weather permits), Noise desensitized , Various Surfaces , Noises , Strangers, Chew, e.g. Bone, Toys, e.g. Ball, Touch Desensitization, Early Neurological Stimulation, Grooming Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Socialized with Other Animals, Socialized with Cats, bathing, Early socialization, surface and tactile stimulation, Noise desensitization, Litter Box Trained, Human Interactions , Basic manners, Name recognition , Crate Training, and Potty Training.
Certified Good Dog breeders ensure their puppies are healthy and ready for their new homes. Puppies receive the appropriate vaccinations and are dewormed or have a clear fecal exam before they leave. While Locust Creek Shih Tzu & Havanese hasn’t shared details about their specific health practices yet, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about how they care for their puppies.
We send our puppies home with Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent, Initial potty training, Microchip, Puppy starter kit, Toys, Food & treats, Vet records, Basic obedience & manners, Registration, Welcome Home bag, Sound and texture enrichment, Dew claws removed, Blanket with Littermates' and Mom's scents, Vaccinations, Toy with Mom's Scent, Microchip, Bone, Food Starter Bag, and AKC Registration.
Darla offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
Work with a trusted transporter to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at a meeting point close to home.
Why Darla started breeding
I live and work on a farm and ranch and have had my fur babies for many years. I decided to breed upon Retirment and it is my passion now.
Darla is a Preferred Good Dog Breeder
Preferred Breeders are recognized for their quick replies and exceptional buyer support.
Darla has been a member of Good Dog for almost 2 years
Darla was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.
Darla’s program includes 13 colors
Darla’s Havanese puppies include cream, chocolate sable, chocolate, black and tan, and black. Darla’s Shih Tzu puppies include liver and white, liver, gold and white, gold, blue and white, blue, black and white, and black. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Locust Creek Shih Tzu & Havanese meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Havanese
About Storm
Storm is a female Havanese. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Darla decided to make her part of their program. Darla has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Good health testing
Patellar Luxation
Shih Tzu
About Casey
Casey is a female Shih Tzu. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Darla decided to make her part of their program. Darla has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Uploaded health tests
Patellar Luxation
Shih Tzu
About Lizzy
Lizzy is a sweet gold and white girl. She is APRI & UABR registered.
Shih Tzu
About Rizz
Rizz is a happy and fun girl. She is AKC registered.
Shih Tzu
About Ping
Ping is a classic gold AKC registered girl
Excellent health testing
Patellar Luxation, DNA Disease Panel, +2 more
Shih Tzu
About Queen
Queen is a brindle and white, AKC registered.
Shih Tzu
About Rip
Rip is lavender and white, AKC registered, OFA CHIC certified and genetically clear. He is a very happy and outgoing boy.
Excellent health testing
Patellar Luxation, DNA Disease Panel, +10 more
Havanese
About Rumor
Rumor is a small, sweet girl. She is APRI registered.
Havanese
About Megan
Megan is a charming AKC registered girl. She is happy and loves attention.
Shih Tzu
About Kermit
Kermit is a sweet small boy.
Excellent health testing
DNA Disease Panel, Patellar Luxation, +7 more
Havanese
About Gin
Gin is a sweet small girl. She is AKC registered.
Havanese
About Mooch
Mooch is AKC registered, fully health tested and OFA CHIC certified.
Excellent health testing
Wisdom Panel, Patellar Luxation, +13 more
Havanese
Shih Tzu
Excellent level
Locust Creek Shih Tzu & Havanese reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Havanese.
Hip Dysplasia , Hip Dysplasia (Preliminary)
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia (Preliminary), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Congenital Deafness (BAER, registered with OFA), Legg-Calve-Perthes (OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
DNA Coat/Trait Panel, DNA Disease Panel
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Hear what other owners say about working with Darla to bring home their puppies.
Kimberley W.
Mar. 2025
Adding Alfie to our home was an amazing experience; Lines of communication were wide open from the beginning. Alfie is a wonderful puppy. He is happy and healthy. He is smart and great with my other...
Michelle V.
Feb. 2025
It was a pleasure meeting Jenny Sasha is beautiful she is growing she has cutest personality. She plays well with her brother tank (chocolate lab). She is sleeping all night in her crate she has...
Kay C.
Oct. 2024
Our puppy is doing great! Clearly he was very well cared for the 1st two months of his life. In just a couple days he started using the doggie door. He's had very few accidents in the house. He's...
DIAMOND D.
Sept. 2024
I had a very great experience with being matched with the most perfect Shih Tzu baby!! Everything went smooth and they really accommodated me throughout the whole process, very caring people and I...
Alex L.
Aug. 2024
From start to finish I had nothing but a positive experience with Darla. The weekly video updates of my now puppy, quick responses to any questions I had and following up with me after picking up...
Gia C.
July 2024
Darla was amazing to work with! She is extremely kind and responsible. They gave us all medical records as well as a a list if all the dog products they used. (the food, soap, ect.) She was even...
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.