- Facts

1.     Professional Affiliations:

Shih Tzu breeders must affiliate themselves with at least two local Shih Tzu clubs along with an all-breed club such as the American Kennel Club (AKC).

2.     Why Use a Breeder:

Breeders can use methods of coupling to produce Shih Tzu’s of desired coat colors and temperaments. They give guidance on inoculation and vaccination schedules.

3.     How to Find:

Shih Tzus are easy to find. They are prominently listed in yellow pages and doggie magazines. You can take references from your vet or even attend dog shows.

4.     What to Expect:

There will be a form to be filled which will ask information on how you are going to maintain the puppy and what liberties you are going to give it. If there are other pets in the house, that will have to be mentioned too.

5.     Breeder's Surroundings:

Shih Tzus must be brought up in well-maintained and hygienic surroundings. Never buy a Shih Tzu from a mangy rug; it may be a breeding house of diseases rather than puppies.

Shih Tzu Breeders - Newborn Facts

1.     Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

Shih Tzus produce small litters of 2 to 4 puppies.

2.     Age To Be Sold:

Shih Tzus can be sold early, when they reach 4 weeks of age. Their development is fast compared to other dogs.

3.     What to Look For in a Newborn:

Avoid puppies with close-set eyes that have too much white in them. Nose, lips and eye rims should be black and their pinkness is undesirable.

4.     Registry:

The Shih Tzu must be registered under the AKC in the toy breed category.

5.     AKC Recognized Characteristics:

AKC recognizes the Shih Tzu as a sturdy lively dog with a silky double coat of any color. Its height can be from 9 to 10.5 inches. It has a domed skull and drooping ears with large deep-set eyes. It is slightly more horizontally distended than vertically.

6.     Dam and Sire Information of your Newborn:

Shih Tzus are not prone to genetic disorders and parental information is not as important. But it helps if the parents are certified for breeding.

Shih Tzu Breeders - Breeder Concerns

1.     Breeder Reputation:

Select a well reputed breeder who is mentioned on several sites and is trusted by the previous buyers.

2.     Pet Health:

Shih Tzus suffer from persistent dental problems and require dentition replacements sometimes. They may also suffer from slip discs. Eye and ear ailments are common. They tend to wheeze and snore. They may develop kidney problems.

3.     Assurances:

The breeder must provide medial and dental guarantees. Pedigree records of at least three preceding generations must be shown.