A Shih Tzu breeder is the top place people go to when wanting to buy a puppy or a dog. Breeders can provide tons of useful information on the breed. Usually, breeders are committed to the advancement of the breed. When picking a breeder, make sure they are reputable and responsible. A good breeder is the key to finding a healthy, well-socialized puppy that can provide a lifetime of companionship.
After deciding to purchase a dog from a breeder, the first step is to find an actual Shih Tzu breeder. The easiest place to look for a breeder is on the internet. There are various online breeder directories offered that can help pinpoint a breeder in your area. A Kennel Club is another great place to look for online since they usually feature links to breeders in certain areas. If all else fails, you can easily Google breeders in your area and go from there.
After looking for a breeder, you must make sure that they are reputable and responsible. A reputable Shih Tzu breeder will possess lots of knowledge on the breed including known health conditions and genetic problems. They also will breed their dogs as closed to the standard as possible while concentrating only on Shih Tzus or one other breed. A good breeder will raise the puppies in their own home where they can give them continued love.
You will also want to ensure that the Shih Tzu breeder is actively involved with local, state or national Shih Tzu breeder clubs such as the American Shih Tzu Club. They should have accurate, up-to-date veterinary and vaccinations records. You want to make sure that the breeder you choose does not over breed. Breeders who breed their females every heat cycle are frowned upon since this is unethical and can be dangerous. Good breeders only sell their puppies when they are over the age of 12 weeks and will not sell unless they have a written contract. You do not want to pick a breeder who is willing to ship their puppies since this is a high risk for the puppy getting lost or possible death.
A Shih Tzu breeder that is reputable will allow you to see both the parents and the littermates of the puppy you are interested in. If the breeder will not allow you to see the parents and littermates, consider finding another breeder as this can be a sign that the puppy you want is from a puppy mill. Most reputable breeders will not advertise in the newspaper or in want ad websites, such as Craigslist. They rely on word of mouth for potential clients instead of advertising. You should avoid websites selling puppies online since these sites are usually a scam.
Luckily, there are numerous resources to aid in finding a Shih Tzu breeder. Even though it may take some dedication and work to find a reputable and responsible breeder, the time it takes is well worth the end result. A little research is well worth the lifetime of happiness the perfect puppy can bring to you and your family.
