Looking for a female shih tzu
would love liver or blue but will look at others
2007-01-12 22:45:30 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Try the AKC website. www.akc.org. They have a breeders classified section where they list puppies for sale. They also have a breed specific blisting for rescues in each state if you are interested in going that route. You can also try www.puppyfind.com. Be very, very careful about that site. There are too many puppy mills and backyard breeders that list on this site. However, if you know what you are looking for and the AKC standards for the breed, then you should do just find there, as long as you ask the right questions!.
Here are some of the questions that you need to ask the breeder:
1. Do you have both parents on site? -- This lets you see both parents and see how they behave. This is a good indicator on how the puppy will act.
2. Are the parents and puppies AKC?-- If not, run!!! AKC has some of the strictest guidelines of any of the registries. Most dogs that are not AKC (and even some that are) should never have been born because they are very poor quality.
3. Are the parents current on all shots and are currently on Heartworm preventative? -- Shows that the parents are well cared for.
4. Have all of the proper genetic tests been done on the parents before mating? -- Shows if there are any potential serious genetic defects in the lines.
5. What type of health guarantee does the puppy have? -- Most reputable breeders have a return or refund policy if the puppy has health issues.
6. What kind of contract must I sign to get the puppy? -- If there is no contract, RUN! This shows they really don't care who gets the puppy as long as they get money!
7. Will the puppy have its first shots and be wormed? -- This is a MUST!
8. How many litters has she had? How many litters do all of your dogs have per year? -- If she has had more than 4 litters, I would be concerned. If she has had more that 3 litters in two year, Backyard Breeder, RUN! If she has several litters a year out of very few dogs, STAY AWAY! Use some common sense. A dog really shouldn't have more than one litter a year. However, accidents happen, but more than three in two years means she was bred every time she went into heat.
9. Are the parents considered pets? Do they have free run of the house? -- If they are outside only, or contained to a small area of the house, they may not be well socialized. I would be very wary.
10. So you have references from your vet, neighbors, and people who purchased puppies from previous litters? -- References are so important, so that you know how others feel about the breeder. If the breeder refuses, then you should stay away!
Finally, make sure that you inspect the property where the breeder has the dogs. See how they interact with other animals, and yourself. You can tell by looking at them and interacting with them if they are well cared for.
Also, don't be surprised if the breeder asks you for some things too. I always ask for references, a letter from the landlord if they do not own their own home, if they have done their research, how they plan on house-breaking the dog, and who would be their primary vet.
Good luck! If you have any more questions, feel free to e-mail me!
2007-01-12 23:42:06 · answer #1 · answered by Katslookup - a Fostering Fool! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kats had some great questions to ask a breeder, if that is the way you decide to get one. I got my 2 tzu's from a rescue. I went to Petfinders.com and found a great rescue. Shih Tzu and Furbaby Rescue (STFBR). They have lots of Tzu's. You can check them out, they do have a website. And all the Tzu's are not on there. They will work with you to find the perfect pet for you. They are located in Georgia, but have foster homes all up and down the east coast. They do provide a transport, usually included in their fee to get the dog to you. If there is a charge for transport is is a very reasonable fee, just to cover gas. But there are other rescues out there. I just like this one.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
2007-01-13 10:08:42 · answer #2 · answered by just me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.barkbytes.com/rescue/shihtzu.htm
Get a rescued shih tzu. They may even have puppies. Give a dog a good home!
2007-01-13 06:51:49 · answer #3 · answered by ANSWER MY QUESTION!! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Get a rescue pup, 2. A reputable local breeder, 3. DO NOT get one from a pet store or puppy mill.
2007-01-13 07:12:10 · answer #4 · answered by breezyburgee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AWWW I have 2 twin shitzus,there sister acually. I love them.But...I dk where to get one in baltamore.
2007-01-13 14:11:08 · answer #5 · answered by Nicollette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋