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If you’re looking to own a Shih Tzu, one way is to look for Shih Tzu puppies to buy or adopt. Going for a specific breed means you want a Shih Tzu breeder. Most animal shelters, including those rescues that focus on specific breeds, usually take in whatever abandoned or orphaned dogs can find - and that means a minority of puppies are taken in. If you want to raise puppies yourself, you need to be aware of the possible problems in purchasing a Shih Tzu from a breeder.

1. You may be duped into buying an unhealthy pup or one that’s not from a genuine bloodline. Because they are driven by profit, some breeders that are pare of puppy mills, defy the usual Kennel-approved breeding guide and breed runt to run to come up with designer dogs smaller than the already small Shih Tzu, and these puppies are often unhealthy. If you interview the breeder, you might be told of lavish tales of having bred for key dog owners, or being part of some prestigious breeding club, so it might be too late if you buy from him and check his background later on - conmen are good talkers. So that you’d get a list of breeders that are most likely legitimate, you want to start by using the referral services or list of recommended breeders on reputable sites - if a breeder is member of a breeding club, you can check his background and talk to people who can vouch for him.

2. When you do find good breeders offering healthy and standard-bred Shih Tzu dogs, you need to be ready to pay the price. As you may already know, this particular toy dog breed does not come cheap, so if you’re really decided on spending for it, that’s well and good. That’s why some pet owners get conned into buying unhealthy pups. But even when you do find legitimate breeders, who must be members of breeding circles, you may need to prepare a sum of money just for that breed. For example, if you love to enter your toy dog into dog shows, the conformation standards must be adhered to, and for that, only a reputable breeder may do to supply you with the pure breed you need.

3. Raising a Shih Tzu pup can be a challenge if you’re new to this; raising several can be a nightmare. Some dog owners may be surprised how much money it costs to raise a small dog breed. For one thing, there are the veterinaty expenses ranging from, but not limited to, check ups and inoculations. You will need to train the pup to pee and poop where and when expected, by setting up a schedule. You’ll need to establish a schedule, a routine when you take the pups to the potty area of your house or outside - usually that’s after a meal and after they wake up from a nap.

Should you reconsider, remember there are some advantages to having an adult Shih Tzu to a puppy, and of adopting instead of buying a dog. Adult dogs, those you can adopt at Shih Tzu rescue, tend to be already potty-trained - so fewer headaches for you; no more training required. Also, you will be helping the shelter or animal rescue take in more orphaned dogs when you adopt from them.

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