How do you recognize a good Shih Tzu breeder?
I am getting a Shih Tzu soon, and I need recommendations on breeders for them. If you know of good Shih Tzu breeders near Redwood City, CA, tell me!
4 Responses
Amy
01 Nov 2010
Rayven~Summer Tr
01 Nov 2010
From the Breed club
Questions to ask A Breeder
http://americanshihtzuclub.org/questions_to_ask_breeder
Questions a Breeder May Ask You
http://americanshihtzuclub.org/questions_a_breeder_may_ask_you
So You Want a Shih Tzu
http://americanshihtzuclub.org/so_you_want_a_shih_tzu
http://americanshihtzuclub.org/breeder_referral Breeder Referral contact
Valerie
01 Nov 2010
make sure you see both of the puppies parents, they breeder only breeds one breed of dog, if its more than that he could run a puppy mill, make sure the puppies are registered, have all shots, dewormed, and make sure that the breeder has all license and ask him a couple questions, and if he seems to answer them correctly and confidently, he might be legit.
lde10475
01 Nov 2010
Both of the parents should be AKC registered and have already made champion. The breeder should have not issue will allowing you to see the parents-unless the stud is not living with the breeder, which can often be the case. They breeder should have not issue with allowing you to see their kennel facilities and how the puppies are being kept. The breeder can breed more than one type of dog and they often do, but watch for breeders who are breeding puppies all year long. Litters of puppies require a lot of work. Most responsible breeders plan their litters carefully and only breed a couple of times each year so that they can give the puppies maximum attention.
Here is what I think makes a "good" breeder, regardless of breed:
1) They ask YOU a ton of questions as a potential owner of one of their dogs. If they don’t ask you many questions, that is a red flag. Good communication is the key.
2) They are involved with their dogs personally in various things such as conformation showing, obedience training, therapy work, etc. They don’t have to be involved in everything, but if they do nothing but breed, that is a red flag. (And I don’t count sending their dogs out with handlers to be "involved" with their dogs.)
3) Ask them why they bred the litter. The answer must be satisfactory for you. For me, good answers would be that they were ready for a puppy for themselves and they should be hoping to keep at least 1 puppy from the litter. If they are not keeping one, I would have to question their reason for breeding the litter.
4) Ask the breeder basic questions and see if they are willing to take the time to answer them for you. If not, big red flag. Good breeders, regardless if you get a puppy from them or not, will be more than happy to help you with questions.
5) See the dogs, visit with them, and watch the interaction. Is the facility/home/yard clean and well maintained for the safety of the dogs. Are the dogs in good condition? Are they well socialized? Are they just kenneled all the time? Where are the puppies raised? See for yourself. I’ve heard them say "raised underfoot", but they were out back in a kennel and underfoot only when fed and watered. I think you get the idea.
6) Make sure the dogs are registered with either AKC or UKC.
7) See the pedigree. If the breeder doesn’t know what this is, it’s a red flag. Ask about the dogs in the pedigree…
8) Ask about a contract. What type of health guarantee is offered? Make sure the contract is acceptable for you and you feel comfortable with the conditions.
These are the first things that come to mine. I’m in Missouri, so don’t know if any breeders in CA, but I wish you the best of luck finding the right puppy for your family.