| Once you have made the decision to bring a Shih Tzu | | | | do any business with them. |
| into your family you are making a pretty important | | | | You can also contact the local authorities in your area |
| decision. You want to treat every step of the way | | | | to see if a Shih Tzu breeder you are considering has |
| like its own important decision and that is especially | | | | any complaints against them. This is a step many |
| true of the Shih Tzu breeder you choose. Good Shih | | | | people neglect to do but a breeder will smile at you |
| Tzu breeders are hard to find but definitely worth | | | | and tell you anything you want to hear while they |
| the search. You don't want to buy a pet from | | | | are trying to sell you a dog. You can find out the real |
| someone who only looks at them as merchandise | | | | story on that breeder by asking the local authorities |
| and inventory, you want someone that cares about | | | | if a particular breeder has any history of shady |
| pets as much as you do. | | | | dealings or if they have ever been in trouble because |
| You are going to talk to a lot of Shih Tzu breeders | | | | of their breeding practices. This is very important. |
| before you finally buy, and a good Shih Tzu breeder | | | | You can always get good pet advice from a vet. If |
| not only expects that but also would probably insist | | | | you do not have a vet, and you plan on visiting Shih |
| on it. You aren't hurting any breeder's pride by looking | | | | Tzu breeders and getting a new dog, then the |
| around and they know you will choose the breeder | | | | process of choosing a breeder is the perfect time for |
| that works best for you. If you see shady dealers | | | | establishing a relationship with a new vet. If you have |
| engaging in animal cruelty then report them to the | | | | a vet then discuss your breeder options with your |
| proper authorities right away. Shih Tzu dogs are living | | | | vet. Your vet's only concern is the health and safety |
| beings that deserve to be treated humanely and | | | | of your pet so they can offer you invaluable advice. |
| even breeders are capable of abuse. | | | | It is very important that you feel comfortable and |
| Always make sure any breeder you are dealing with | | | | trust the breeder that you select, so talk to all of |
| is listed with at least one of the national breeder | | | | them to get a feel for how you two will interact. |
| registries. You can find full listings by doing a search | | | | Your breeder will be in your life as long as your dog is |
| on the Internet and probably the gold standard that | | | | so you want to be sure that it is someone you know |
| all breeders use is the National Kennel Club. If a | | | | you can talk to. Finding the right Shih Tzu breeder is |
| breeder is not listed with any national breeder | | | | a difficult but important decision so take your time |
| registry at all then you want to question their | | | | and make sure you find the right one. |
| business practices and you probably do not want to | | | | |