Researching reputable Shih Tzu breeders is a crucial step in finding a healthy and well-socialized puppy.
Reputable breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, ensuring they receive regular veterinary check-ups and are properly vaccinated.
Before contacting a breeder, it's essential to do your homework and research their reputation online.
A reputable breeder will be transparent about the health clearances of their breeding dogs, such as hip and eye exams, and will provide you with documentation to prove it.
In addition to health clearances, a good breeder will also have a contract in place that outlines the terms of the sale, including spay/neuter requirements and return policies.
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Choosing a Breeder
A reputable Shih Tzu breeder will insist that you visit their home where the dogs are kept, allowing you to view the puppy's environment and meet the pup's parents.
They will also be forthcoming with all information, health concerns, and any other present issues with their dogs. This is a sign of a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their animals.
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A good breeder will be organized and ready to provide you with all the necessary paperwork, including the puppy's pedigree, health records, and other important statistics.
Here are some key characteristics to look for in a reputable Shih Tzu breeder:
- They will not rush the sale and may even keep a puppy longer than the recommended six to eight weeks if it's in the dog's best interest.
- They will have a contract that they sign and ask you to do the same, ensuring that the puppy's needs will be met and the breeder will be available to answer any questions that may arise over the coming years.
- They will likely show their Shih Tzu dogs in competitive events and have another job or source of income, as they don't rely solely on breeding dogs for money.
- They will answer all your questions thoroughly and have questions for you as well, to ensure you're a good fit for the puppy.
Traits of a Good Shih Tzu Breeder
A good Shih Tzu breeder will insist that you visit their home where the dogs are kept, allowing you to view the puppy's environment and meet the pup's parent.
You can find reputable breeders through the AKC or UKC, but it's essential to ask many questions and take notes before making a decision. A good breeder will be forthcoming with all information, health concerns, and any other present issues with their dogs.
They should also be organized and ready to provide you with all the paperwork concerning your pup's pedigree, health records, and other important statistics. A list of references is also a must-have.
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A good breeder will not rush to get your money and send the puppy home with you. In fact, they may even keep a puppy longer than the recommended six to eight weeks if they feel it is necessary and in the dog's best interest.
A reputable breeder will have a contract that they sign and ask you to do the same, ensuring that the puppy's needs will be met and the breeder will make themselves available to you throughout your pup's lifetime.
Here are some key traits of a good Shih Tzu breeder:
- The breeder insists that you visit their home where the dogs are kept.
- The breeder is forthcoming with all information, health concerns, and any other present issues with their dogs.
- The breeder is organized and ready to provide you with all the paperwork concerning your pup's pedigree, health records, and other important statistics.
- The breeder is willing and able to provide you with a list of references.
- The breeder is in no rush to get your money and send the puppy home with you.
- The breeder has a contract that they sign and ask you to do the same.
- The breeder most likely shows their Shih Tzu dogs in competitive events.
- The breeder most likely has another job or another source of income because they do not rely solely on breeding dogs to make money.
Traits of a Good Breeder
A good breeder will insist that you visit their home where the dogs are kept, allowing you to view the puppy's environment and meet the pup's parents.
A reputable breeder will be forthcoming with all information, health concerns, and any other present issues with their dogs. They will also have a contract that they sign and ask you to do the same, ensuring that the puppy's needs will be met and the breeder will be available to answer any questions that may arise over the coming years.
A good breeder will be organized and ready to provide you with all the paperwork concerning your pup's pedigree, health records, and other important statistics. They will also be willing to provide you with a list of references.
You can expect a reputable breeder to ask you many questions, including why you want a Shih Tzu, whether you will personally be responsible for the dog's care, and where the dog will spend the majority of its time.
Here are some key traits of a good breeder:
- They insist on meeting you in person or at least having a phone conversation with you.
- They are willing to keep a puppy for at least 8 to 12 weeks before letting it leave its mother.
- They have a contract that includes a clause stating you will return the Shih Tzu to them directly if you are unable to keep the dog for any reason.
- They are transparent about health concerns and any other present issues with their dogs.
- They are willing to answer any and all questions you have in a thorough manner.
A good breeder will not be in a rush to get your money and send the puppy home with you. Instead, they will prioritize the puppy's best interest and well-being.
Pre-Purchase Preparation
Before you bring home your new Shih Tzu puppy, it's essential to do your research and prepare for the responsibilities that come with dog ownership.
A reputable breeder should have a contract with a health guarantee in place to protect you and your puppy.
You should also ask about the breeder's return policy in case your puppy develops a genetic disease.
A breeder who is fair and just will have a clear plan in place for situations like this.
Researching the breeder and their breeding practices will help you make an informed decision.
A health guarantee brings peace of mind to puppy owners, but it's crucial to understand what it covers and what it doesn't.
Finding a Puppy
Not all flat-faced dogs will have the health issues described, but it's essential to take extra precautions when buying a puppy.
You can use the Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service to get contact details for breeders who have puppies available, helping you find your new best friend.
If you're considering buying a puppy, take the time to research reputable breeders and ask plenty of questions to ensure you're making an informed decision.
Find a Puppy
If you're thinking of buying a puppy, there are some important things to consider. Not all flat-faced dogs will have the health issues described, but it's crucial to take extra precautions.
To find a reputable breeder, you can use the Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service. This service provides contact details for breeders who have puppies available, making it easier to find your new best friend.
Before contacting a breeder, research their reputation and ask plenty of questions. Let's help you find your new best friend with the Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service.
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Health testing is a crucial step in ensuring the well-being of both the breeding parents and the puppies they produce.
Shih Tzus, for example, are a hearty breed, but even they can be prone to hereditary conditions that can be detected with a genetic panel.
Responsible breeders should rule out common health conditions in breeding adults before a mating occurs.
The parent breed club for Shih Tzus doesn't require mandatory health testing, but it's still a good idea to run a genetic panel on adults to be sure there aren't any hereditary conditions lurking in the lines.
Health and Wellbeing
When buying a Shih Tzu from a reputable breeder, health issues should be a top concern.
Some breeds are prone to specific health problems, and it's crucial to know what to look out for in your Shih Tzu.
Respiratory issues can be a problem in Shih Tzus due to their flat face, which can lead to breathing difficulties.
Reputable breeders should use DNA tests to identify potential health issues in their breeding stock.
Inbreeding coefficient calculators can also help breeders avoid breeding dogs that are too closely related, which can increase the risk of inherited health problems.
Screening schemes can help identify potential health issues early on, allowing breeders to make informed decisions about their breeding program.
Health tests should be a priority for Shih Tzu breeders to ensure they're breeding healthy dogs.
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The Breeding Process
Shih Tzu breeders carefully select breeding pairs based on temperament, conformation, and genetic diversity to produce healthy puppies. This process is crucial for maintaining the breed's characteristics.
Good breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, often working with veterinarians to ensure the breeding pairs are in top condition. This attention to detail is essential for producing robust puppies.
Shih Tzus are prone to certain health issues, such as brachycephalic syndrome and patellar luxation, so responsible breeders take steps to minimize the risk of these conditions. They may choose to breed dogs with fewer genetic risks.
Responsible breeding practices also involve socialization from an early age to help puppies develop good temperaments. This socialization process is critical for creating confident and friendly adult dogs.
Sources
- Shih Tzu | Breeds A to Z (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- United Kennel Club (ukcdogs.com)
- American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- About Shih Tzu Breeders (shihtzusavvy.com)
- Shorkies (2) (gapuppiesonline.com)
- Shinese - Shih-Tzu/Pekinese (1) (gapuppiesonline.com)
- Shih-Tzu (1) (gapuppiesonline.com)
- Havashu (Shih-Tzu Havanese) (1) (gapuppiesonline.com)
- Coton/Shih-tzu (1) (gapuppiesonline.com)
- Call, text or email us (gapuppiesonline.com)
- Ethical Shih Tzu Breeder | Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos (arizonasunriseshihtzusandpoos.com)
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