|
Does one sex over another make a better pet?
No, not in our experience. Both male and female shih tzus make great dogs. Females tend to be slightly more popular, but our experience has not proven one to be more affectionate, etc. than the other, especially when the male is neutered. It's more the personality that differs with each dog, than the sex. Shih tzus are wonderful companions - male or female!
Pricing: Can you explain your pricing?
Each puppy is special and unique. The price of our puppies is based on a number of considerations. The following are some of the considerations we use in pricing:
- While not Guaranteed, puppies that seem to have a high conformance for Show Quality will be more expensive.
- Puppy color, markings and size will impact cost, with solids and rarer colors and smaller sizes being more expensive.
- Full AKC Registration to allow breeding, will also increase the cost and is subject to special approvals.
- Pedigree and Champion Lineage and size of litters.
We do not negotiate on our pricing. A lot of time, energy and money go into breeding quality dogs and breeding them correctly. We take great pride in our dogs!
Can you tell us more about your breeding program?
The health of our females always takes priority over having a litter. Generally, we breed on the 2nd and 3rd heat and then skip the next. Beware of breeders that breed on the first heat! The dog needs to be physically developed before becoming pregnant. Our females typically retire 5 or 6 years of age.
Puppies are born and raised inside our homes. Every effort is made to be present during the time of birth to comfort and even aid the mother if necessary.
Mothers are fed a special diet to ensure that they are getting all the necessary vitamins, etc. We begin weaning puppies around 5 weeks old and generally they are ready for their new homes at 7 weeks.
What is required to purchase a puppy?
Once your family is approved for adoption, we require 50% down to hold your puppy along with a signed Puppy Agreement. This fee is not refundable. Upon pick up of your dog, the remaining 50% is due. We accept money order or cash. Purchase of a dog is a life long committment and puppies require a lot of work, so be sure you are willing and ready to make this decision before placing a deposit.
Umbilical Hernia: Can you give me more information?
Hernia's in Shih Tzus, as well as other toy breeds, are very common, and is not a medical condition or cause for immediate concern. If your shih tzu puppy happens to have a hernia, it is easily fixed during the spay/neuter procedure.
The following information is copied from Bullwrinkle.com and is being offered as an educational tool:
"A hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an organ through an abnormal opening of the surrounding tissue. There are numerous types of hernias, each type named after its affected area.
A hernia which can be pushed back into the abdomen is called reducible. Hernias which are not reducible are called incarcerated. If the blood supply to an incarcerated hernia is pinched off, the hernia becomes strangulated. A strangulated hernia is an emergency situation and must be brought to the attention of your veterinarian."
The most common types of hernias in shih tzu puppies are:
"An umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in puppies. In case of umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal organs protrudes through an incompletely closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may be present at birth, or may be acquired. The most common means of acquiring an umbilical hernia is a result of the umbilical cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall. In most cases umbilical hernias are small and reduce as the puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup is six months old, the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on its own. "
"An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bi-lateral, involving both sides or unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical hernias, most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows. Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed, middle-aged female dogs. This may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy. "
Do you ever ship your puppies?
Yes, although we prefer to meet the puppies future families in person. There are a few requirements for shipping:
* Health Certificate
* Puppy must be at least 8 weeks of age.
* Outside temperatures must not be too hot or too cold.
* Payment must be made in advance.
* We expect a phone call immediately once the puppy has been picked up.
We invest a lot of care, time and attention into these adorable creatures and will only ship to a familythat meets our approval. Cost is $275.
What do you think about purchasing two puppies?
Puppies require a tremendous amount of work and will be messy during the housebreaking stage, so be prepared for extra work. On the flip side, dogs are pack animals and enjoy being part of a pack. Certainly if you are working full time and will be required to leave your new puppy for long amounts of time, you should consider purchasing two. A constant companion is helpful in socializing the puppy and not creating unwanted habits due to boredom, etc. Double the work maybe, but certainly double the fun!
|
