Picking The Right Puppy From Shih Tzu Breeders

Knowing which breeder is right for you among all the Shih Tzu breeders out there is a task within itself. There is so much information to be learned on picking the right breeder – and the right puppy! How the breeder handles his puppies, and how he communicates with you all around is very important.

Some things to think about while searching through the mass of breeders would be the following:

- Breeder does not sell puppies to wholesalers, brokers, dealers or retail shops.
- Dog set up is clean and well kept.
- Breeder volunteered information on the health testing of most of the immediate relatives of the sire and dam, volunteered proof and offers a guarantee against genetic health problems of at least two years. (Note: It isn't possible to produce dogs entirely free of genetic problems.)
- Puppies for sale and dogs for sale have been introduced to children and other animals as part of their socialization.
- Breeder reviewed some of the problems some people have with the breed.
- Breeder asked if you plan to breed the dog.
- Breeder is available as a resource for advice and support for the life of the dog.
- Breeder promises to take the dog in (not return your money) if you can't keep it, for the life of the dog.
- Breeder raises no more than 3 or 4 different breeds of puppies for sale and dogs for sale. It is very difficult for a breeder to be competent in more breeds.
- Breeder's primary concern is finding a good home for the puppy, rather than getting paid.
- Breeder asked you lots of questions about your lifestyle, family, experience with dogs and other pets, why you are looking for a dog for sale.
- Breeder was happy to answer all your questions and made you feel comfortable asking for advice. *

“Please be very wary about "registered" puppies, regardless of which registry papers the puppy may hold. Please note, many, many of the "papered" puppies that come from puppymills and unknowledgable back yard breeders are registered through very official-sounding registries, even the long-established American Kennel Club. If you want a good-quality puppy, even a pet-quality one, check out the breeder IN DETAIL.” - Lone Star**

It’s so important to remember these details! As we choose our breeder amongst the many other Shih Tzu breeders out there, let’s have these questions ready to insure we make the right decision on our chosen breeder – for both our soon-to-be puppies and us!

Happy Hunting for Shih Tzu Breeders!


-Tiffa


*Checklist items taken from Breeders.NET

**Lone Star