All of our Dogs are akc registered
We choose to work as hard as we can to preserve the accepted standard of the Shih Tzu breed. This means using AKC registered dogs, with traceable lineage, who possess the traits most likely to pass on those best traits to their offspring. Not every dog should be bred even if it is purebred. If we want to preserve the integrity of this ancient breed we, as breeders and consumers, should be insisting on the best of the best.
AKC Standard SHih Tzu Structure
Anyone can fall in love with a cute puppy, but if you want a well-bred Shih Tzu you need to know what you're looking for in appearance and structure.
Ask your breeder about the structure and conformation of their dogs: a reputable breeder will know about, has studied conformation and knows how to answer your questions about the breed and their own dogs. **and if you do a little studying you'll be able to tell if they really know what they are talking about or not...
No dog is perfect, and many breeders don't like to talk about the faults of their dogs - but a breeder who is striving to produce puppies that improve the breed will know the faults of their dogs and will pair dogs that can complement each other's faults.
Ask your breeder about the structure and conformation of their dogs: a reputable breeder will know about, has studied conformation and knows how to answer your questions about the breed and their own dogs. **and if you do a little studying you'll be able to tell if they really know what they are talking about or not...
No dog is perfect, and many breeders don't like to talk about the faults of their dogs - but a breeder who is striving to produce puppies that improve the breed will know the faults of their dogs and will pair dogs that can complement each other's faults.
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What do AKC papers really mean?
I'll tell you what AKC papers don't guarantee:
- that you have a purebred dog - even disreputable breeders can have AKC registered dogs...
- that your dog will be a good representative of the breed.
- that the dog was raised in a clean facility.
- that the dogs the breeder claims are the parents are actually the dogs that were bred to produce your puppy.
- that the parents are healthy, has been tested for genetic anomalies, or given a minimum standard of care.
- that your breeder is honest, knows what they are doing, has the best interest of the dogs in mind, or will stand behind what they produce, etc.
So why bother with akc papers ?
- The presence of AKC papers does not make a dog purebred but, the absence of them indicates an unknowledgeable breeder, and perhaps a dishonest person who bought an AKC dog but does not have Full AKC Rights to breed that dog, or has a dog with no known registration of being purebred.
- The absence of AKC papers is a red flag for the consumer to take heed.
- If a breeder claims they use another registry for their dogs...STAY AWAY. *ACA, ACR, APCA, APRI, CCR, & CKC (Continental) are all examples of registries with varied degrees of 'proof' of heritage required for registering dogs. **Many require no more than a picture of your dog and one other person signs stating that the dog is the breed claimed on the form. Many registries like this will allow owners to use AKC paperwork for their limited registration dog - a dog that was not given breeding rights by the breeder - and register them with their registry.
- AKC papers allow you to trace the lineage of your puppy and participate in AKC events.
- Even if you don't choose to register your puppy, AKC papers can help you see that your breeder is trying to preserve the traceable lineage of their lines. (we pre-register all of our puppies)
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Welll Bred
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Poorly Bred
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My Two Cents...
If you wish to purchase a purebred puppy do your homework on the breed and the breeder you are thinking about.
When you bring home a puppy, you are committing to a life.
When you purchase a puppy, you are making a promise to that puppy that you will love it and take care of it FOREVER.
Don't fall for cute pictures, low prices, or excuses - Don't be another statistic, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!
- Find out about characteristics, common health issues, temperament, energy levels, daily needs, etc.
- Ask potential breeders pointed and probing questions. Find out about how long they've been breeding, how many dogs they own, their breeding practices, daily care, routine health care for their dogs, training practices, genetic testing for parent dogs, what their contract covers, if AKC papers are available, how many litters they produce a year, etc.
- Any reputable breeder will welcome questions and answer whether you are buying from them or not.
- Any reputable breeder will also chat on the phone with you, send videos, and be willing to have a video call.
- Many reputable breeders are now more choosy about who they let into their homes. Times have changed, and just because a breeder doesn't welcome you into their home should not automatically be a red flag.
- Be wary of a breeder that doesn't care where you live, what your situation in life is, or ask you a lot about how you intend to care for their puppy. Reputable breeders care about who has their puppies, how they are treated, and who they live with, and if you'll need any help or advice - for the dog's entire life!!
- Being informed gives you the knowledge and power to find the quality of dog you're looking for, even if you don't plan to register a dog with the AKC.
- Taking the time to find the right breeder and breeding program will give you the reassurance that you are going to have greater success finding the best dog with a healthy future.
When you bring home a puppy, you are committing to a life.
When you purchase a puppy, you are making a promise to that puppy that you will love it and take care of it FOREVER.
Don't fall for cute pictures, low prices, or excuses - Don't be another statistic, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!