When you decide that it is time to bring home a Shih Tzu to you and your family, you want to be sure that you are having the best possible start when you begin life with your new pet. The best way to make sure you get the best dog you can get and a breeder you can trust is to do a little research and make sure you get a reputable Shih Tzu breeder. A good breeder makes a difference in the world, so take your time and make the right choice the first time.
The first thing you can do is check with the National Kennel Club to find a reputable breeder in your area. The National Kennel Club will have a list of most of the good breeders near you and also some information on the dogs the breeder offers. There are other breeder records that any potential local breeder you may want to deal with can also refer to and verify. If they are not included in a registry, you may want to avoid them.
The relationship between you and your Shih Tzu breeder extends far beyond the transaction itself. A good breeder wants to make sure you have a positive experience owning the dog, so they will be available for consultation or when you have any questions. If the breeder you are dealing with is not very approachable and seems unable or unwilling to answer questions, you may want to choose a different Shih Tzu breeder to deal with.
Every good breeder is very concerned about the health of their dog, so a good breeder will make sure that you leave your property with not only a healthy dog, but also detailed care and feeding instructions so that you know exactly how to care for your dog. Many of the more reputable breeders will also send you home with a sample of the type of food your dog will need so you know exactly what to get.
A reputable Shih Tzu breeder will get an added incentive from insurance companies that more shady breeders don’t get. A reputable and registered breeder will have the option of offering new owners free pet insurance for their dog that runs for six weeks after the date of purchase. Insurance companies want you to use the insurance only once at a vet appointment and then extend the insurance. The breeder just wants to make sure the dog is covered.
Any good breeder will offer many options and advice to any new or experienced owner. You should discuss any of these conditions with your prospective breeder to see if you are dealing with a reputable breeder or not. A reputable breeder will offer to take the dog back at any point in its life if it can no longer be cared for, with no cash refund. That is something you don’t get from a suspicious breeder.
