| Good Breeders |
| We have had several people ask us, "What should I look for when I am trying to find a good breeder?" So we have put together the following things we have learned along the way, and that we feel are important to finding the right breeder for you. Please understand that these tips are simply what we have gained from our own experiences. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like further information about anything we have learned. |
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Welcome you into their home. Are the breeders willing to let you come into their home? Do
you have to make an appointment days in advance or are you able to stop by on shorter
notice? When you get there, where do you go? Do you get to see where the puppies are being
Our breeding program in part of our everyday lifestyle just as our Shih-tzu's are part of our
everyday lives. They travel with us, they play with us, they sleep in our beds and their food is in
our kitchen. When we have puppies, people are always welcome to check us. Actually we've
had people come by even when we didn't have puppies simply to check out our own
Shih-tzu's. But when we do have puppies, we typically don't need more than a couple hours
notice simply because we have a very open policy when it comes to letting potential adopted
families come to see us. Our experience has been that unless someone is out of town, or has
company, there should be no reason why you shouldn't be able to stop by on a few hours
notice to see the puppies.
Veterinary reference. Does the breeder offer a valid reference from their vet? Do they have all
the contact information for their vet readily available for you? When you call the vet are they able
to answer all of your questions or are they evasive and not willing to cooperate?
One thing we make sure to include in our "going-home" kit is our veterinarian's contact
information. Not only have we run into our adopted puppies and their families, after they've
been adopted, at our vet's office but our veterinarian has referred us as breeders to people
who are looking to adopt Shih-tzu's.
Parents on-site/Stud service. Are both of the puppies parents on-site? Or do they use a stud
service? Also a question to ask would be do they stud their male dog out to other breeders?
We learned from the beginning that it is important to have both the mommy and the daddy on
site for people to see. It's important to see the temperament and colors of the parents so you
know what to expect from your puppy in the future. Plus, we know that we didn't want to use a
stud service for our girls because dogs can also get STD's (sexually transmitted diseases).
Which is the same reason we don't stud out Benjamin to other breeders. As I mentioned, our
Shih-tzu's our part of our family and their health and well-being are very important to us.
AKC Registered. Are the puppies registered with the AKC? If not, why aren't they? If they are,
do the breeders have proof/documentation? If they are registered with another kennel club,
which one and why did they choose that one instead of the AKC?
Puppies can only be registered with the AKC if both of their parents have been registered by
the AKC and haven been whelped (born) in the USA. We looked at several puppies when we
were trying to find the right ones for our family to adopt. However, we knew that we wanted to be
able to register with the AKC so we made sure to adopt puppies who had been registered. The
AKC requires accurate record-keeping which can be checked for verification at any time.
Visit with all the puppies. Are you able to see all of the puppies in the litter? Are you able to
visit with them while they interact with one another and the parents or are you only allowed to
see the one(s) you are interested in?
We feel it is important for potential families to see all the puppies, even if they have already
been adopted and haven't gone to their new homes yet, because it is crucial to see how the
puppies react and interact with one another. This is especially important if you will be adopting
a puppy into a home where a puppy or dog currently lives. You want to make sure that the new
puppy will be able to handle being around your other pets.
Previous owners/Adopting families. Do they use their previously adopted puppies' families
as references? Do they keep in contact with the adopting families afterwards?
We consider the families, that adopt one of our puppies, as our extended family. We call to
check on the puppies and we e-mail regularly to see how everyone is doing. We like to receive
mailings and picture updates as often as the families are willing to send them. We have such a
good relationship that our extended families are our best referrals for future litters!
Copy of Pedigree/Bloodline. Do they breeders have a copy of the parents and/or puppies
Pedigree or Bloodline? Are they willing to give you a copy or do they make a copy available to
you when you adopt the puppy?
In our "going-home" kit we not only include the Pedigree of both the parents we make sure to
include the Pedigree certificate of that puppy and the certification of litter registration as well.
We feel it is important to know where your puppy came from which is also why the Pedigree is
on our website under the Family Tree Page.
How do they handle the puppies. Are they gentle when they handle the puppies? Do they grab
them by the back of the neck or do they scoop them up to cradle them?
We have, unfortunately, seen some cruel behaviors when it comes to full grown Shih-tzu's as
well as puppies. Shih-tzu's require the most tender loving care you and I can offer them and in
return you will have a life-long companion who will return that love whole-heartedly.
What are the puppies eating. Do the breeders feed the puppies appropriate food (i.e. puppy
food and not adult food)? Is is a name brand you have heard of? Is is something that is readily
available at the pet store or your local grocery store? Do they offer to send home some when
you adopt the puppy?
We are currently feeding our dogs Pedigree. We feed them Small Breed when they are not
pregnant and Puppy when they are pregnant. It is important that the mommy's get all the extra
vitamins and nutrients they need for the puppies growing inside them plus they need to taste
the food in the mommy's milk so that they will ween easier when the time comes. In our
"going-home" kit we make sure that the adopting families have enough food for at least the first
couple of days. This will allow them to go straight home with the puppy without having to stop
for food. Or it also allows them to slowly introduce a new food if the new families decide not to
feed the puppy Pedigree.
Cleanliness. What does the area look like where the puppies are being kept? Is their food
everywhere? Is there poop and pee everywhere? Are the puppies clean? Are they mated from
food and poop not being properly cleaned up?
As I said, we have seen some cruel behaviors by breeders including not keeping the puppy
area nor the puppies clean. This is very unhealthy both for the puppies and mommy's, not to
mention the people living in the house. It is not good to give a puppy a bath too often but then
they won't need one if their space is kept clean and sanitary. This is something we pride
ourselves on because we feel that it is SO important! Cleanliness is the key to healthy happy
puppies.
Copy of vet records for you. Whether the breeder takes care of the shots or it is done by a
veterinarian are the papers available and accurate? Are you given a copy of the shot record, for
the puppy, when you adopt them?
When we put our "going-home" kit together we make sure to include a personal shot record for
each puppy, which can continue to be used throughout the puppies life, as well as copies of all
the vet records for each visit from the time they are whelped (born). We feel that it is vital to
continuing the healthy start that we have given that puppy.
Going home instructions. Does the breeder give you any kind of "next step" when they send
you on your way with your new puppy? Do they write it down or make any resources available
for you?
We feel that whether this is your first puppy or your 100th it is important to know what the next
steps need to be to keep your puppy healthy and happy. As part of the "going-home" kit we
make sure to go over everything with you before you leave. And we know what a crazy and
exciting time this can be so we make sure to have the list in the kit for you.
Further contact after the adoption. Does the breeder do any kind of follow-up after you've
adopted the puppy? A phone-call? A note? An e-mail? Are they available for you if you have any
further questions or concerns?
As I mentioned before, the adopting families are like our extended families and we continue to
keep in touch. We follow-up initially by phone to make sure everything is going ok and we
make sure you have all of our contact information in case there are any questions or
concerns. We send e-mails and letters, and love when we hear from our extended families
when they send us stuff as well.
Questions answered. Did you ask questions of the breeder? Were they able to answer you? If
with an answer?
Deciding to breed has taught us a lot. Plus we did a lot of research before we began. We have
some books in our personal library plus we check books out from our local library on a
regular basis. So if you ask a question we will be prepared to give you an accurate answer,
and if we don't know the answer, we know how and where to find it for you.
Interview/Screening. Are you required to go through any kind of screening or interview
process with the breeder? Do they ask you any questions about yourself or your family? Do
they try to learn about you so they can help match you to the appropriate puppy?
One thing we have learned is that not every family should have the same kind of dog. And not
every dog is suited for every family. For example a family who has several rough and tumble
little boys should not have the same kind of dog that an older couple would have. It is
important for us to get to know the adopting families and what their dynamics are like. This
includes but would not be limited to, how many people are in the family, how often the puppy
would be alone each day, who would be the primary caretaker of the puppy, have you ever
had a puppy before and if so what breed, etc. All of these are important to matching the proper
breed with the proper family. And yes we have denied families from adopting our puppies
when we have felt that it would not be a proper fit.
Male stud DNA registered. Has the male stud dog had his DNA registered with the AKC? In
not, why?
The AKC requires that any male who has sired (fathered) seven or more litters in his lifetime or
more than three litters in the calendar year, have his DNA profile on file with the AKC. We
registered Benjamin's DNA profile with the AKC and have the certificate on file for anyone who
wants to review it.
Contract and/or health guarantee. Do they breeders have a contract or provide any kind of
health guarantee on they puppy?
We decided from the beginning that it is important to protect the interests of everyone involved,
from you the adopting family to us the breeder and of course the puppy. We have made our
health guarantee part of our contract which can be reviewed on our Puppy Agreement Page.
you have to make an appointment days in advance or are you able to stop by on shorter
notice? When you get there, where do you go? Do you get to see where the puppies are being
Our breeding program in part of our everyday lifestyle just as our Shih-tzu's are part of our
everyday lives. They travel with us, they play with us, they sleep in our beds and their food is in
our kitchen. When we have puppies, people are always welcome to check us. Actually we've
had people come by even when we didn't have puppies simply to check out our own
Shih-tzu's. But when we do have puppies, we typically don't need more than a couple hours
notice simply because we have a very open policy when it comes to letting potential adopted
families come to see us. Our experience has been that unless someone is out of town, or has
company, there should be no reason why you shouldn't be able to stop by on a few hours
notice to see the puppies.
Veterinary reference. Does the breeder offer a valid reference from their vet? Do they have all
the contact information for their vet readily available for you? When you call the vet are they able
to answer all of your questions or are they evasive and not willing to cooperate?
One thing we make sure to include in our "going-home" kit is our veterinarian's contact
information. Not only have we run into our adopted puppies and their families, after they've
been adopted, at our vet's office but our veterinarian has referred us as breeders to people
who are looking to adopt Shih-tzu's.
Parents on-site/Stud service. Are both of the puppies parents on-site? Or do they use a stud
service? Also a question to ask would be do they stud their male dog out to other breeders?
We learned from the beginning that it is important to have both the mommy and the daddy on
site for people to see. It's important to see the temperament and colors of the parents so you
know what to expect from your puppy in the future. Plus, we know that we didn't want to use a
stud service for our girls because dogs can also get STD's (sexually transmitted diseases).
Which is the same reason we don't stud out Benjamin to other breeders. As I mentioned, our
Shih-tzu's our part of our family and their health and well-being are very important to us.
AKC Registered. Are the puppies registered with the AKC? If not, why aren't they? If they are,
do the breeders have proof/documentation? If they are registered with another kennel club,
which one and why did they choose that one instead of the AKC?
Puppies can only be registered with the AKC if both of their parents have been registered by
the AKC and haven been whelped (born) in the USA. We looked at several puppies when we
were trying to find the right ones for our family to adopt. However, we knew that we wanted to be
able to register with the AKC so we made sure to adopt puppies who had been registered. The
AKC requires accurate record-keeping which can be checked for verification at any time.
Visit with all the puppies. Are you able to see all of the puppies in the litter? Are you able to
visit with them while they interact with one another and the parents or are you only allowed to
see the one(s) you are interested in?
We feel it is important for potential families to see all the puppies, even if they have already
been adopted and haven't gone to their new homes yet, because it is crucial to see how the
puppies react and interact with one another. This is especially important if you will be adopting
a puppy into a home where a puppy or dog currently lives. You want to make sure that the new
puppy will be able to handle being around your other pets.
Previous owners/Adopting families. Do they use their previously adopted puppies' families
as references? Do they keep in contact with the adopting families afterwards?
We consider the families, that adopt one of our puppies, as our extended family. We call to
check on the puppies and we e-mail regularly to see how everyone is doing. We like to receive
mailings and picture updates as often as the families are willing to send them. We have such a
good relationship that our extended families are our best referrals for future litters!
Copy of Pedigree/Bloodline. Do they breeders have a copy of the parents and/or puppies
Pedigree or Bloodline? Are they willing to give you a copy or do they make a copy available to
you when you adopt the puppy?
In our "going-home" kit we not only include the Pedigree of both the parents we make sure to
include the Pedigree certificate of that puppy and the certification of litter registration as well.
We feel it is important to know where your puppy came from which is also why the Pedigree is
on our website under the Family Tree Page.
How do they handle the puppies. Are they gentle when they handle the puppies? Do they grab
them by the back of the neck or do they scoop them up to cradle them?
We have, unfortunately, seen some cruel behaviors when it comes to full grown Shih-tzu's as
well as puppies. Shih-tzu's require the most tender loving care you and I can offer them and in
return you will have a life-long companion who will return that love whole-heartedly.
What are the puppies eating. Do the breeders feed the puppies appropriate food (i.e. puppy
food and not adult food)? Is is a name brand you have heard of? Is is something that is readily
available at the pet store or your local grocery store? Do they offer to send home some when
you adopt the puppy?
We are currently feeding our dogs Pedigree. We feed them Small Breed when they are not
pregnant and Puppy when they are pregnant. It is important that the mommy's get all the extra
vitamins and nutrients they need for the puppies growing inside them plus they need to taste
the food in the mommy's milk so that they will ween easier when the time comes. In our
"going-home" kit we make sure that the adopting families have enough food for at least the first
couple of days. This will allow them to go straight home with the puppy without having to stop
for food. Or it also allows them to slowly introduce a new food if the new families decide not to
feed the puppy Pedigree.
Cleanliness. What does the area look like where the puppies are being kept? Is their food
everywhere? Is there poop and pee everywhere? Are the puppies clean? Are they mated from
food and poop not being properly cleaned up?
As I said, we have seen some cruel behaviors by breeders including not keeping the puppy
area nor the puppies clean. This is very unhealthy both for the puppies and mommy's, not to
mention the people living in the house. It is not good to give a puppy a bath too often but then
they won't need one if their space is kept clean and sanitary. This is something we pride
ourselves on because we feel that it is SO important! Cleanliness is the key to healthy happy
puppies.
Copy of vet records for you. Whether the breeder takes care of the shots or it is done by a
veterinarian are the papers available and accurate? Are you given a copy of the shot record, for
the puppy, when you adopt them?
When we put our "going-home" kit together we make sure to include a personal shot record for
each puppy, which can continue to be used throughout the puppies life, as well as copies of all
the vet records for each visit from the time they are whelped (born). We feel that it is vital to
continuing the healthy start that we have given that puppy.
Going home instructions. Does the breeder give you any kind of "next step" when they send
you on your way with your new puppy? Do they write it down or make any resources available
for you?
We feel that whether this is your first puppy or your 100th it is important to know what the next
steps need to be to keep your puppy healthy and happy. As part of the "going-home" kit we
make sure to go over everything with you before you leave. And we know what a crazy and
exciting time this can be so we make sure to have the list in the kit for you.
Further contact after the adoption. Does the breeder do any kind of follow-up after you've
adopted the puppy? A phone-call? A note? An e-mail? Are they available for you if you have any
further questions or concerns?
As I mentioned before, the adopting families are like our extended families and we continue to
keep in touch. We follow-up initially by phone to make sure everything is going ok and we
make sure you have all of our contact information in case there are any questions or
concerns. We send e-mails and letters, and love when we hear from our extended families
when they send us stuff as well.
Questions answered. Did you ask questions of the breeder? Were they able to answer you? If
with an answer?
Deciding to breed has taught us a lot. Plus we did a lot of research before we began. We have
some books in our personal library plus we check books out from our local library on a
regular basis. So if you ask a question we will be prepared to give you an accurate answer,
and if we don't know the answer, we know how and where to find it for you.
Interview/Screening. Are you required to go through any kind of screening or interview
process with the breeder? Do they ask you any questions about yourself or your family? Do
they try to learn about you so they can help match you to the appropriate puppy?
One thing we have learned is that not every family should have the same kind of dog. And not
every dog is suited for every family. For example a family who has several rough and tumble
little boys should not have the same kind of dog that an older couple would have. It is
important for us to get to know the adopting families and what their dynamics are like. This
includes but would not be limited to, how many people are in the family, how often the puppy
would be alone each day, who would be the primary caretaker of the puppy, have you ever
had a puppy before and if so what breed, etc. All of these are important to matching the proper
breed with the proper family. And yes we have denied families from adopting our puppies
when we have felt that it would not be a proper fit.
Male stud DNA registered. Has the male stud dog had his DNA registered with the AKC? In
not, why?
The AKC requires that any male who has sired (fathered) seven or more litters in his lifetime or
more than three litters in the calendar year, have his DNA profile on file with the AKC. We
registered Benjamin's DNA profile with the AKC and have the certificate on file for anyone who
wants to review it.
Contract and/or health guarantee. Do they breeders have a contract or provide any kind of
health guarantee on they puppy?
We decided from the beginning that it is important to protect the interests of everyone involved,
from you the adopting family to us the breeder and of course the puppy. We have made our
health guarantee part of our contract which can be reviewed on our Puppy Agreement Page.