How To Buy Shih Tzu Puppies of Quality

It is important when purchasing a Shih Tzu puppy, to make sure of certain things. Choosing the right pup can eliminate the majority of Shih Tzu Health problems other owners may have.

Yes, you will want to grab the first pup that scampers over to you and licks your face, but it is very important with regards to the pups future life and your responsibility, that you go through a few important points before picking one.

Find a good breeder
First and foremost, before you even spot the lucky pup, is to find an accredited and good breeder with a reasonable reputation. You do not want to bring a sick or unhealthy puppy home, and if you are looking for a pure breed Shih Tzu or Imperial, you want to be sure of the authenticity. Once you have done so, through research or referral, it is time to go out and meet your pup.

Examine the pup
Now, when examining the young pup, be sure to look for various things physically. The Shih Tzu pup should have a sturdy body to begin with. Good bone structure will only really be visible with a trained eye so make sure from your perspective that the young animal doesn’t seem to be uncomfortable in any given position, seated or standing. Secondly, check the coat. A Shih Tzu has a very dense and fine coat; obviously it will not be fully matured at this stage but make sure it is clean and soft to the touch.

Move from the coat and body to the face. Examine the eyes, checking that they are clear, and then the snout and nose to make sure it is mucus free. Check that the pup’s ears are clean and finally, even check the stool of the animal. A healthy puppy will have firm regular stools and will indicate a good digestive system.
Remember, the majority of Shih Tzu Health Problems can be eliminated by choosing the right pup.

Personality
From a personality point of view, the puppy should be lively and energetic. The particular personality will develop and arise as the animal grows older, so at the start don’t be worried if the pup seems a bit shy, because most animals come into their own as they get older.

Paperwork
Also make sure that when you have the pup in your arms, you find some room to carry the paperwork that should accompany the dog. The paperwork should include any medical information or procedures the pup has already had and basically all the general information about your new addition ranging from breeder information to birth weight etc.

Visit your vet
And finally, when you bring your beloved pup back home, be sure to visit your own or local vet, to do a complete check up and to ascertain if there are any inherent health problems, and provide you with possibly additional information about your chosen Shih Tzu.