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So You Want a Shih Tzu?
Some Questions to Ask before Buying a Puppy
You have decided that you would like to become the proud parent of a Shih
Tzu puppy. Congratulations! Few things in life are more satisfying than
giving a good home to a loving and lovable puppy! But right now, before you
start your search, a little research will go a long way to ensure that ours is
the breed for you--and that the puppy you choose is likely to grow into the
healthy, happy companion you expect it will be.
Before you fall in love with the first adorable Shih Tzu face you see, take the
time to ask yourself some questions to be sure that you can offer a good
home to a Shih Tzu puppy for the rest of its life. You may decide that this is
not the time for you to get a dog, that the Shih Tzu is not the right breed for
you, or that you would rather provide a home to an older Shih Tzu who
needs one.
Rescue dogs in need of loving homes may or may not have been
responsibly bred. However, since they are adults, we are able to evaluate
them for any signs of a problem before you fall in love, something that can't
be done with a puppy. Our rescue workers think this is only one of the
advantages to adopting an older dog!
Are You Prepared To...
-Take full responsibility for this dog and all its needs for the next 10-18
years? (Shih Tzu live for a long time, and this is NOT a task that can be left
to children, no matter how well-meaning! It requires committment from an
adult.)
-Invest the considerable time, money, and patience it takes to train a dog to
be a good companion? (This does not happen by itself!!!)
-Always keep the dog safe--no running loose or being chained outside?
-Make sure the dog gets enough attention and exercise?
-Spend the money it takes to provide proper veterinary care including, but
certainly not limited, to vaccines, heartworm testing and preventative,
spaying or neutering, and annual check ups?
-Become educated about the proper care of the breed, correct training
methods, and how to groom? (Many good books are available. Invest the
time to read a few to learn about our breed.)
-Take the time needed to keep your Shih Tzu well groomed? You must at
least be responsible for daily maintenance. If you can't do it all, can you
afford to take the dog to a groomer regularly and/or be willing to keep it in a
"puppy cut?" (Those long flowing coats you see at dog shows are the result
of a lot of hard work and expertise.)
-Keep the breeder informed and up to date on the dog's accomplishments
and any problems that may arise?
-Take your questions to the breeder or other appropriate professional
before they become problems that are out of hand?
-Have the patience to accept (and enjoy) the trials of puppyhood and each
stage afterward?
-Continue to accept responsibility for the dog despite inevitable life changes
such as new babies, kids going off to school, moving, or returning to work?
-Resist impulse buying and instead have the patience to make a
responsible choice?
If you answered yes to all of the above, you are ready to start contacting
breeders. Start early because most responsible breeders have a waiting
list ranging from a few months to several years. Remember, the right dog is
worth waiting for!
All Shih Tzu puppies are cute, so take the time in an initial phone call to ask
the right questions. You may not find a breeder who fits 100% of these
criteria, but if you receive more than two negative responses, consider
another breeder.
Remember, your puppy will be a part of your family for many years. Now is
not the time to bargain hunt!
You may have known someone who has (or you may yourself have
purchased) a "backyard" bred dog or a pet store or puppy mill dog and had
great success. However, it is prudent to remember that such puppies may
have health or temperament problems due to a lack of knowledge about
breed health problems and genetics or a failure to provide proper
socialization at a young age. Responsible breeders do all that they can to
screen for and eliminate health and temperament problems. They also can
provide you with advice about your puppy both before and after you take it
home.
Do not be in a hurry. If getting a Shih Tzu, any Shih Tzu, Right Now, is
foremost in your plans, then you are not serious and will get what you ask
for...just any Shih Tzu. You should read books on the breed, attend dog
shows, and LEARN.
Finally, responsible breeders are expected to produce Shih Tzu to high
standards. They are entitled to respect and courtesy from the people they
are trying to please. Always be on time for any appointments and be honest
in explaining your lifestyle, family activity level, experience with dogs, and
knowledge of Shih Tzu.
Resource: www.shihtzu.org
Original articles can be read by visiting www.shihtzu.org.
Some Questions to Ask before Buying a Puppy
You have decided that you would like to become the proud parent of a Shih
Tzu puppy. Congratulations! Few things in life are more satisfying than
giving a good home to a loving and lovable puppy! But right now, before you
start your search, a little research will go a long way to ensure that ours is
the breed for you--and that the puppy you choose is likely to grow into the
healthy, happy companion you expect it will be.
Before you fall in love with the first adorable Shih Tzu face you see, take the
time to ask yourself some questions to be sure that you can offer a good
home to a Shih Tzu puppy for the rest of its life. You may decide that this is
not the time for you to get a dog, that the Shih Tzu is not the right breed for
you, or that you would rather provide a home to an older Shih Tzu who
needs one.
Rescue dogs in need of loving homes may or may not have been
responsibly bred. However, since they are adults, we are able to evaluate
them for any signs of a problem before you fall in love, something that can't
be done with a puppy. Our rescue workers think this is only one of the
advantages to adopting an older dog!
Are You Prepared To...
-Take full responsibility for this dog and all its needs for the next 10-18
years? (Shih Tzu live for a long time, and this is NOT a task that can be left
to children, no matter how well-meaning! It requires committment from an
adult.)
-Invest the considerable time, money, and patience it takes to train a dog to
be a good companion? (This does not happen by itself!!!)
-Always keep the dog safe--no running loose or being chained outside?
-Make sure the dog gets enough attention and exercise?
-Spend the money it takes to provide proper veterinary care including, but
certainly not limited, to vaccines, heartworm testing and preventative,
spaying or neutering, and annual check ups?
-Become educated about the proper care of the breed, correct training
methods, and how to groom? (Many good books are available. Invest the
time to read a few to learn about our breed.)
-Take the time needed to keep your Shih Tzu well groomed? You must at
least be responsible for daily maintenance. If you can't do it all, can you
afford to take the dog to a groomer regularly and/or be willing to keep it in a
"puppy cut?" (Those long flowing coats you see at dog shows are the result
of a lot of hard work and expertise.)
-Keep the breeder informed and up to date on the dog's accomplishments
and any problems that may arise?
-Take your questions to the breeder or other appropriate professional
before they become problems that are out of hand?
-Have the patience to accept (and enjoy) the trials of puppyhood and each
stage afterward?
-Continue to accept responsibility for the dog despite inevitable life changes
such as new babies, kids going off to school, moving, or returning to work?
-Resist impulse buying and instead have the patience to make a
responsible choice?
If you answered yes to all of the above, you are ready to start contacting
breeders. Start early because most responsible breeders have a waiting
list ranging from a few months to several years. Remember, the right dog is
worth waiting for!
All Shih Tzu puppies are cute, so take the time in an initial phone call to ask
the right questions. You may not find a breeder who fits 100% of these
criteria, but if you receive more than two negative responses, consider
another breeder.
Remember, your puppy will be a part of your family for many years. Now is
not the time to bargain hunt!
You may have known someone who has (or you may yourself have
purchased) a "backyard" bred dog or a pet store or puppy mill dog and had
great success. However, it is prudent to remember that such puppies may
have health or temperament problems due to a lack of knowledge about
breed health problems and genetics or a failure to provide proper
socialization at a young age. Responsible breeders do all that they can to
screen for and eliminate health and temperament problems. They also can
provide you with advice about your puppy both before and after you take it
home.
Do not be in a hurry. If getting a Shih Tzu, any Shih Tzu, Right Now, is
foremost in your plans, then you are not serious and will get what you ask
for...just any Shih Tzu. You should read books on the breed, attend dog
shows, and LEARN.
Finally, responsible breeders are expected to produce Shih Tzu to high
standards. They are entitled to respect and courtesy from the people they
are trying to please. Always be on time for any appointments and be honest
in explaining your lifestyle, family activity level, experience with dogs, and
knowledge of Shih Tzu.
Resource: www.shihtzu.org
Original articles can be read by visiting www.shihtzu.org.