Finding the right breeder
questions to ask
I had not realized just how hard it was to get a really nice
shih tzu until a few weeks ago when I acompanied a friend to look
at a shih tzu for her daughter's 4H project next year. The dog her daughter
has been showing in 4H is way to big for a shih tzu and we were hoping
to find for her a nice show prospect. Now I KNOW, and I tell others,
what questions they should be asking BUT we were headed to a
breeder I thought I knew and I also thought I knew the dogs
behind this puppy so, I just sorta lost sight of what I knew I should
be doing and asking. SOOOO If I can allow myself to do this, over
a cute puppy, how much easier it must be for those who are
looking for the first puppy.
Here is what I would ask, if my mind were working and I was not
falling in love with the puppy, in short, ask these questions
before you go to see the puppy.
1. How many years have you been breeding Shih Tzu?
2. How many other breeds do you have?(It is a really plus
here if all they have are shih tzu)
3. What are the most significant problems in your shihtzu
or the breed in general?
4. Do you have an agreement to take or buy back the dog,
no matter how old if it should become necessary?
Will you put that in writing for me
5. What temperment problems can be encountered? Is it an
easy breed to train and house break?
6. Do you have a shot record on them? Are their shots
documented?
7. What type of contracts, conditions or guarantees are
involved in the sale of your puppies?
8. Could you give me two references of someone who has
acquired one of your puppies in the past?
9. At what age will you allow your puppies to go to homes?
If it is under 12 weeks think real hard before you
even go see these puppies. The National club and most
breeders agree that the puppy should be at least
12 weeks old before it comes home with you.
You can do yourself a big favor and maybe keep away
from some unforeseen trouble if you keep searching for
a breeder who has the best interest of the puppies as
their main priority. IF you do not go to see the
puppies if you have any questions about the breeder
you will not end up with a puppy you love that is
either really sick or has some other problems.
Ask yourself, was the breeder responsive to my
questions. Was he/she willing to discuss these
concerns or did he/she seem defensive, or offended.
NOW, if the breeder is anything like me, she will have
questions for you and you should not be defensive or
offended by them. After all they are entrusting one
of their babies to your care. I'll want to know:
1 Have you ever owned a Shih Tzu before? If not why do
you think you want one now?
2 Have you ever owned a dog before? What happened to
him/her?
3 Do you have small children? How many? What ages? Do
you know that puppies are fragile?
4. Do you have any other pets? How will they bearound
a new puppy?
5. Do you rent? Will your landlord allow you to have a dog?
6. Have you every gotten rid of a dog before? Why? What
happened to it?
7. What do you know about raising and training a dog?
8. Is anyone in your household alergic to dogs?
9. Do you have the time for a pupppy? Time to groom,
socialize, and train?
10. What type of socialization do you plan?
11. How long will the puppy be alone during the day?
12. Do you have the patience to house breek the puppy and
get you thru grooming when the puppy starts to loose
its puppy coat and get its adult coat?
I know all these questions can seem like an invasion
into your life but when I place a puppy I try to make
it for life and these types of questions help me to
decide if that will be a case if I allow you to have
one of my puppies. If the breeders only interest in
you is can you pay cash or did you want to write a
check, keep looking.
I hope this has helped you as you think about or search for a perfect shih tzu to share your life.
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