subject: How To Find The Best Quality Shih Tzu Puppy For Sale [print this page] Shih Tzu dogs have a history going back more than 3,000 years. They were originally given by Tibetan monks to Manchu Dynasty Chinese emperors as gifts around 1,400 years ago and were then called lion dogs. They were considered as good luck charms and still are - and are therefore highly valued to this day.
There are really only two types of Shih Tzu that are considered to be purebred - the American and the European. There are other Shih Tzu dogs which many also consider to be purebred (but are not), such as the Imperial Shih Tzu, the Tiny Shih Tzu and the Teacup Shih Tzu. These breeds are not recognised by any international level kennel club standards, as they are genetically defective and it is therefore not recommended to purchase them.
When you see a Shih Tzu puppy for sale notice, you need to check the breeder carefully to ensure that you will be buying a healthy and genetically pure puppy. You should ask the breeder how long he has been breeding and if he is knowledgeable about Shih Tzus. Check to see if he is honest about his puppies and if he can give you information on their pedigrees, how to look after them and how to groom them. Has he checked for genetic problems in their breeding lines? Ask if he shows his dogs in competitions and, if he does, how his dogs fair. If the puppies have been raised in a home, they will be more sociable and adapt to a new home more easily. Note that this type of puppy should not leave its mother before 12 weeks of age.
Ask the breeder how often the dam (mother) is bred, as if it is too often, the puppies will be weaker; and it will show that the breeder is more interested in the profits to be made than the welfare of dogs. The puppies must look healthy, have lots of energy, have no discharge from their eyes, ears or noses and must smell clean. Their fur should also be clean, thick and be very soft.
If the breeder advertises that he has a Shih Tzu puppy for sale, ensure that he is able to provide you with a 3 to 5 generation pedigree; the puppy's complete medical history, and immunisation certificates. He should also advise you to have your puppy checked by a vet within 2 days of sale and provide you with a written guarantee offering either a replacement puppy or a full refund of the payment price, should the vet finds something wrong with the dog. He should sell you the puppy under the mandatory condition that it is either spayed or neutered, or that any puppies it may produce can not be registered with the kennel association, in order to preserve the strength of the genetic line.
Finally, any breeder of reputation with a Shih Tzu puppy for sale will be willing to take the dog back at any time and for any reason if you are unable to keep it. If you follow the above advice, you should be able to find the best quality Shih Tzu puppy who will give you years of happiness and good luck.
