So, you have finally decided to get a new Shih Tzu. You may think that it will be an easy process since this breed has become quite popular these days, right? Right? Wrong. In order to get a healthy and beautiful Shih Tzu pup, you have to make sure that you are negotiating with a responsible dog breeder and not shih tzu breeders who do not have any concern for the welfare of the puppies and are just in the business for the money.
So, how do you find a responsible Shih Tzu breeder? How do you differentiate the good ones from the bad ones? Here are some amazing tips that you can try.
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Ask for referrals
The best way to find the right breeder is to seek help and assistance from the professionals. You can ask for recommendations from your veterinarians or other pet lovers. Additionally, you can also keep in touch with local breed clubs. Another great idea to find responsible Shih Tzu breeders is by attending dog shows.
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Visit the breeding place
It is important that you take a look at how the breeding place of the puppies. It is a must that you personally visit the facility before you buy a puppy from them. In this way, you are assured that the puppy you will buy has been properly bred and taken care of.
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Ask the right questions
Being inquisitive is important if you wish to make sure that you are talking to a responsible Shih Tzu breeder. In fact, here are some of the information that you should explore more about:
Health background of the puppy and his parents
It is recommended that you get to know more about the health history of not just the puppy but the parents as well. Know if the parents have been screened for the diseases that are common to Shih Tzu. In addition to that, you should also try and know more about the possible genetic diseases the puppy might have. Lastly, you should also ask if the puppy has already been vaccinated and dewormed.
History and experience of the breeder
It is recommended that you ask the breeder about his certifications and qualifications. In addition to that, it is also important that he belongs to a recognized breeder organization. These ensure that he breeds dogs in accordance with the standards set forth by the organization or the government.
Return and refund policies
It is important that you make sure that you can have the puppies replaced or your money refunded once the puppy starts to show any genetically-related illnesses at any time during his life.
Many people think that the purebred documents that the breeders provide them are enough to guarantee the health and long life of their Shih Tzu puppies. This should not be your only requirement when buying a new puppy. You also have to do the things mentioned above so you are assured that you will get a puppy from a responsible breeder.