Adopt a Shih Tzu – Is This Breed For You?
Fluffy, tiny, and outgoing — choosing to adopt a Shih Tzu pup is an easy decision for most people. Their temperament and personality, not to mention that a Shih Tzu pup is downright cute, draws people to this breed.
Unfortunately, this is the reason so many of these wonderful dogs end up in pounds or shelters — the owners didn’t take time to think of what it would take to keep their dog looking and feeling its best. Another problem this breed faces is that many people buy from disreputable breeders and end up with a dog of bad breeding. This very thing has given the Shih Tzu a bad reputation to many folks.
If you are looking to adopt a dog, you can make a difference in these problems by looking before you leap in regards to adopting one of these fabulous dogs. Also be sure to buy from a good breeder. We’ll talk of each in turn.
Before you adopt a dog, carefully consider the following:
- First off, if your Shih Tzu will be a family dog, you’ll need to talk it over with your family and be sure that this is the breed for you.
- If you plan to let your dog’s hair grow out, consider if you or someone in your family has time to keep Pup looking his best. If you plan on having him trimmed or professionally groomed, scout out grooming businesses and be sure to find one that you will be comfortable with.
- Your pup will need training and someone will have to take responsibility for teaching him how to behave.
- Mud, accidents on the carpet, feeding and watering, vet visits…all these have to be taken into consideration. Will someone always be there for your pup?
- If you decide that this is the breed for you, make sure that you scout around before buying just any Shih Tzu pup. Contact the breed association in your area and ask about a good breeder. Visit the breeder and note the following:
- Are the dogs friendly and ready to be your friend?
- Do they look well cared for, healthy, and happy?
- Is the facility clean and kept up?
- Is the breeder friendly and concerned about the well being of the pup you might adopt from him? Is he ready to give you care instructions?
- Would you be pleased if your pup turned out like his dogs?
- Before you adopt a Shih Tzu pup from a kennel, be absolutely comfortable with the breeder’s reputability and the dog’s care.
Once you’ve decided that the Shih Tzu is the breed for you and the breeder has been found there comes the nearly impossible task of choosing just one puppy!
Would you like more tips on to help you adopt a Shih Tzu for a pet?
