Please answer - Advice

carcar10 · 08-15-2007, 01:39 PM

We are thinking about buying a Shih Tzu! If anyone has anything they can tell me about them please tell me! Thanks!

carcar10 · 08-15-2007, 01:42 PM

I need to know as soon as possible!

LilacDragon · 08-15-2007, 02:56 PM

You need to go to www.akc.org and look them up. Then you need to find the link for the national breed club. Then you need to make sure that the breeder you are interested in getting a puppy from is ETHICAL.

***Cassiepeia*** · 08-15-2007, 04:01 PM

I agree with LilacDragon, don't rush into buying a dog EVER. You need to do a lot of research on the breed. Research breeders if you want to get a pup (or adult dog) from a breeder and make sure you find one that tests for genetic problems (this is not a simple health check or vet check...ask them for proof of the tests). They should show their dogs in conformation (this is a companion breed so that's the only way to compete the dog to prove it).

You should also check out rescues and shelters, there are many Shih Tzus in rescue because they're quite a popular breed and a large number of backyard breeders (ie: small scale irresponsible breeders) and puppymills breed them, and people buy them without thinking so they end up in shelters or rescue as a result. There are puppies in rescue as well, just so you know.

Please don't rush into buying a dog. Slow down, take your time, do your research and you'll find the perfect pet.

Cass.

***Swiftwind*** · 08-15-2007, 04:15 PM

I agree, take your time, because buying a dog is a big committment to make. You need to make sure that the dog you intend on buying is the right one for you. Do your research (read websites, books and even consider ringing responsible Shi Tzu breeders for information on the breed).

TribalRats · 08-16-2007, 08:18 AM

Buying a dog is a 15 year long commitment and should never be a rush situation. Please do your research on the breed you are thinking of bringing into your life.
Visit the AKC website, visit the website of Shi Tzu rescues, they will tell you all of the draw backs as well as the highlights.

briarlow · 08-16-2007, 01:02 PM

I don't know about there but here in the UK I have noticed many with hernias, this is hereditary and if I were you I would check all the pups for a hernia.

carcar10 · 08-16-2007, 02:23 PM

I'm getting one for my b-day! Sept. 8th! Please give some more info!

LilacDragon · 08-16-2007, 03:09 PM

If you go to www.akc.org - you can look up the toy breeds and find the maltese. Then you go to the left of the page and find where it says breed club. This will get you to the website for the national club for the breed.

You really need to do your research. Some of the genetic issues in the breed can be crippling, if not fatal. Finding an ethical breeder is essential and finding one in under a month with available puppies is a bit unreasonable.

carcar10 · 08-17-2007, 08:18 PM

Keep them coming!

LilacDragon · 08-17-2007, 08:47 PM

If you go here:

http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/intro.htm

you will find a comprehensive list of genetic issues for the breed.

Punkygirl0101 · 08-18-2007, 02:47 AM

You are rushing into this WAY too fast...Take your time. Look for good rescues, thats a very overbred breed.

IceyBlueSibes · 08-18-2007, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punkygirl0101

You are rushing into this WAY too fast...Take your time. Look for good rescues, thats a very overbred breed.

I agree. I think you need to slow down a little bit. Even though you may be getting one as a birthday gift, you can always get it a little while later. I don't think you'd have to get it the DAY OF your birthday. Plus, if you choose the right breeder (if you get one from one), they probably wouldn't allow you to have a pup right away like that anyways. Most reputable, sound breeders will not give away their puppies as "gifts", whether it's birthday or christmas.

TinyAlbinoDancer · 08-18-2007, 10:50 AM

I agree. Where is this pup coming from? What do you know about it?

linnie · 08-29-2007, 04:39 AM

Take the time to check out the breeders ethics.
It could save you from a lot of heart ache.
Many people breed indiscriminately and the result is a sick puppy or a dog that has a shortened life span.
Please be very VERY careful in chosing your puppy as you want to be able to keep him for a long time

08-15-2007, 01:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
carcar10 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 51 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 0	Please answer - Advice We are thinking about buying a Shih Tzu! If anyone has anything they can tell me about them please tell me! Thanks!

08-15-2007, 04:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
*Cassiepeia* Chihuahua Mum Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 8,253 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 281	I agree with LilacDragon, don't rush into buying a dog EVER. You need to do a lot of research on the breed. Research breeders if you want to get a pup (or adult dog) from a breeder and make sure you find one that tests for genetic problems (this is not a simple health check or vet check...ask them for proof of the tests). They should show their dogs in conformation (this is a companion breed so that's the only way to compete the dog to prove it). You should also check out rescues and shelters, there are many Shih Tzus in rescue because they're quite a popular breed and a large number of backyard breeders (ie: small scale irresponsible breeders) and puppymills breed them, and people buy them without thinking so they end up in shelters or rescue as a result. There are puppies in rescue as well, just so you know. Please don't rush into buying a dog. Slow down, take your time, do your research and you'll find the perfect pet. Cass.
	__________________ Say NO! to animals in pet shops. Rescue a friend instead: Petfinder Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Book Club ~ Blogs ~ Art Classes ~ Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

08-15-2007, 04:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
*Swiftwind* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 5,442 Blog Entries: 2 Rep Power: 193	I agree, take your time, because buying a dog is a big committment to make. You need to make sure that the dog you intend on buying is the right one for you. Do your research (read websites, books and even consider ringing responsible Shi Tzu breeders for information on the breed).
	__________________ As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner. Get more out of Global Paw: Art Classes / Blogs / Book Club / Photo Gallery / Woof Review

08-16-2007, 08:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
TribalRats Take Responsibility Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Valley, CA Posts: 3,327 Rep Power: 142	Buying a dog is a 15 year long commitment and should never be a rush situation. Please do your research on the breed you are thinking of bringing into your life. Visit the AKC website, visit the website of Shi Tzu rescues, they will tell you all of the draw backs as well as the highlights.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

08-16-2007, 01:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
briarlow Join Date: May 2006 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 521 Rep Power: 62	I don't know about there but here in the UK I have noticed many with hernias, this is hereditary and if I were you I would check all the pups for a hernia.
	__________________ My dogs aren't my whole life but they make my life http://www.freewebs.com/briarlowsspanishwaterdogs

08-15-2007, 01:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
carcar10 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 51 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 0	I need to know as soon as possible!

08-15-2007, 02:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
LilacDragon Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 283 Rep Power: 54	You need to go to www.akc.org and look them up. Then you need to find the link for the national breed club. Then you need to make sure that the breeder you are interested in getting a puppy from is ETHICAL.

08-16-2007, 02:23 PM	#8 (permalink)
carcar10 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 51 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 0	I'm getting one for my b-day! Sept. 8th! Please give some more info!

08-16-2007, 03:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
LilacDragon Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 283 Rep Power: 54	If you go to www.akc.org - you can look up the toy breeds and find the maltese. Then you go to the left of the page and find where it says breed club. This will get you to the website for the national club for the breed. You really need to do your research. Some of the genetic issues in the breed can be crippling, if not fatal. Finding an ethical breeder is essential and finding one in under a month with available puppies is a bit unreasonable.

08-17-2007, 08:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
carcar10 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 51 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 0	Keep them coming!

08-17-2007, 08:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
LilacDragon Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 283 Rep Power: 54	If you go here: http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/intro.htm you will find a comprehensive list of genetic issues for the breed.

08-18-2007, 02:47 AM	#12 (permalink)
Punkygirl0101 7 Doxies-1 Chi-3 Mutts Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Valley,California Posts: 1,896 Rep Power: 75	You are rushing into this WAY too fast...Take your time. Look for good rescues, thats a very overbred breed.
	__________________ R.I.P Brad!(November 1st, 1998-July 1st, 2008) R.I.P Zen! (January 10th, 2008-May 17th, 2008) 24 Kitties-2 Rabbits-5 Rats-1 Mouse-1 Hamster-2 Turtles-Fish

08-18-2007, 10:50 AM	#14 (permalink)
TinyAlbinoDancer Always room for one more Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,537 Rep Power: 162	I agree. Where is this pup coming from? What do you know about it?
	__________________ ~Karen Missie~Trixie~Little Guy~Ollie

08-29-2007, 04:39 AM	#15 (permalink)
linnie tibbie girl Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 3,051 Rep Power: 169	Take the time to check out the breeders ethics. It could save you from a lot of heart ache. Many people breed indiscriminately and the result is a sick puppy or a dog that has a shortened life span. Please be very VERY careful in chosing your puppy as you want to be able to keep him for a long time
	__________________ Caution...Dogs can leave footprints on your heart

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