Pics of my puppy to be

GreyhoundGirl · 06-26-2007, 05:08 PM

Please listen to the advice given. You've been given wonderful advice and I"m very happy you're acting on it.

Very very mature. Buying a poorly bred puppy now will only increase your vet bills later. So glad everything's under control.

Hoping everything turns out okay.

Durbkat · 06-26-2007, 05:19 PM

And I really appriecate all the advice, it shows people care! But the reason why I keep asking questions is because even though I know its a risk by buying a cheaper dog, but the breeder has been nice to me in the emails and the puppies are really cute. I wouldn't think someone would be allowed to sell pups that are going to inhert a disease that the parents have. I mean isn't there like some kind of rule or law from breeding a dog with genetic disorders that cause disease?

Lorina · 06-26-2007, 05:28 PM

Quote:

the breeder has been nice to me in the emails and the puppies are really cute.

Of course the puppies are cute. They're puppies!

And of course the breeder is nice to you. He/she wants your money. If someone were about to give you $300, would you be rude to them?

Have you looked into rescue groups? If money is an issue, it's really a bargain getting a young adult from a rescue group vs a puppy from a breeder. My Pekingese was only two years old when I adopted him, and already neutered, vaccinated, microchipped (and housebroken!) and came with a leash, collar, crate, and a couple toys, for less than your considering paying for a pup. That'd leave a lot more extra money to spoil your new dog with toys, treats, food, obedience class, etc.

Durbkat · 06-26-2007, 05:34 PM

Yes, I have looked into rescue and adoption. But there was no one in my state with a shih tzu needing to be rescued. But there was a one year old shih tzu at our adoption center but on their site they said it was abused before they got it and its not very trusting and would take a long time to get used to a person before it stops trying to bite you. So I figured that dog wasn't good for me because our landlord wouldn't want a mean dog in his apartment. He doesn't really want dogs at all but I promised him that he would never recieve a complaint about the dog going to the bathroom in the hallway or in front of the apartment, one of our neighbors had a shih tzu but they got tired of it after awhile and didn't take it out as often as it needed to and it went to the bathroom in their apartment and in the hallway.

GreyhoundGirl · 06-26-2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorina

Have you looked into rescue groups? If money is an issue, it's really a bargain getting a young adult from a rescue group vs a puppy from a breeder. My Pekingese was only two years old when I adopted him, and already neutered, vaccinated, microchipped (and housebroken!) and came with a leash, collar, crate, and a couple toys, for less than your considering paying for a pup. That'd leave a lot more extra money to spoil your new dog with toys, treats, food, obedience class, etc.

I agree with this 100%. I'm sure there are plenty of shi tzus available in your area that are young adults that need a home. I adopted my girl for $116 CDN and she came crate trained, house trained, healthy, crate, tags, collar and leash included, vaccinated, spayed, vet examined and teeth cleaned, the works!

Durbkat · 06-26-2007, 05:40 PM

Well that is what this dog comes with as well but its the part that it will bite people it doesn't trust and it taking its time to trust people that turned me off from it.

GreyhoundGirl · 06-26-2007, 05:44 PM

Check shih tzu rescue. They'll have rescues in your area, trust me. Dogs are so over populated it won't be difficult to find one that suits your lifestyle. Also, do you need a purebred? Would you put into consideration a Shih tzu mix, or a small dog of unknown breed? Mixes make great pets, and they're generally even healthier then purebreds.

Try here: It's all small dogs needing homes. http://www.shihtzuandfurbabyrescue.com/

Inga · 06-26-2007, 05:46 PM

You got great advice. Please look into rescue. You could ask vets in your area to keep an eye out or maybe they will already know of someone that does all breed rescue. The worst thing about giving these people your money is that the dogs they breed continue to suffer. No body that loves dogs wants that to happen.

tirluc · 06-26-2007, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durbkat

I mean isn't there like some kind of rule or law from breeding a dog with genetic disorders that cause disease?

uhhh, no, the law doesn't care one way or the other what people are breeding (and neither does the registries, or they, themselves would have it manditory that all parents have to be tested b/4 any litters are born to them)......this is why the puppy mills keep right on trucking along......

Durbkat · 06-26-2007, 06:10 PM

Well that sucks.. I think they should make it against the law to breed dogs that have a genetic disease's like they should make it against the law for inbreeding in humans. lol

Well the breeder just emailed me back after I sent her the questions and here was her response,

Quote:

#1 no I have been doing this for 7 year and I have not had any problems #2yes #3yes but I give 72hr. yes to all #3
----- Original Message -----
From: Michael ******
To: Loretta Cook
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 9:09 PM
Subject: Re: Pet Ad Reply (from **********)

I didn't put you on trial...

I was asking some questions that a responsible breeder wouldn't have a problem answering before I made this big financial decision. Well then could you answer the big ones which are these 3,

#1. Have you tested the line for genetically transferable diseases. Such as renal dysplasia, portal systemic shunt, hip and eye problems, allergies, Von Willebrands disease, thyroid disorders, and inguinal hernias?

#2. Are the puppies parents available for me to see when I arrive?

#3. Do you advise me to have the puppy checked by a veterinarian within 2 days (48 hours) of sale, with additional time allowed if the puppy is sold on a Saturday or Sunday, and would you be willing to sign a written agreement to refund the purchase price or take the puppy back and replace it if it is found to be unfit by a veterinarian? Has the puppy received the necessary immunizations and been checked for parasites and treated if necessary?

So judging by what she said and with the health guarantee, would you all agree this is a good breeder?

Jaylie · 06-26-2007, 11:45 PM

She doesn't test the line? I still don't like her response. And you have to realize, she could be lying about #2 and #3. I strongly advise you to look into local breeders, but DEFINATELY check out the site that GreyhoundGirl posted. Mix breeds are often very pretty and unique, and as she said, they're generally healthier than purebreds.

Durbkat · 06-26-2007, 11:54 PM

Well if she lied about question #2 then I'll ask to see pics and for her to describe how the dogs are. Also if she lied about #3 I could take her to court because I would have a signed statement to prove that she agreed to refunding the money or by letting me exchange the dog or if she refuse's to sign it I'll turn around and leave.

Dieselsmama · 06-27-2007, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durbkat

Well that sucks.. I think they should make it against the law to breed dogs that have a genetic disease's like they should make it against the law for inbreeding in humans. lol

Well the breeder just emailed me back after I sent her the questions and here was her response,

So judging by what she said and with the health guarantee, would you all agree this is a good breeder?

He** no, this is not a good responsible breeder, She does NO genetic testing by admission!!! Keep looking and if you are on a very limited budget I highly suggest rescue. A dog from a reputable breeder can and should be $1000 +. These pups from responsible breeders are of course expensive, it costs a lot of money to do all the genetic testing that needs to be done, add on stud fees, vet care, and all the immense hard work involved in properly rearing and socializing a litter and $1000 begins to sound like a steal. Of course after you've invested in the pups original purchase price there's still hundreds of dollars in vaccinations, quality food, crates, bowls, toys, chewie stuff, collars and leads, enzymatic cleaners, etc. the list goes on and on, this is all if you're lucky enough (vigilant enough?) not to have any unforseen expenses such as sock consumption and subsequent emergency surgery, a fall, wierd skin conditions etc.

Lorina · 06-27-2007, 06:55 AM

For starters, not doing any testing is a big red flag. She's been doing it for seven years? Big whoop. That's only about half the life span of a Shih Tzu. Her oldest pups are still young themselves. What about health problems that don't show until they're older?

And any good breeder loves to talk about their dogs. There wouldn't be one word answers to your questions.

My vet personally recommends not having a pup health checked until it's been living with the new owner for about a week. There's a lot of problems that could be in the incubation stage and not show at 48 - 72 hours after taking ownership, like kennel cough, parvo, etc.

Where (generally speaking) are you located? Many of us have connections with rescues, and may be able to recommend one. Most rescue dogs are not fearful and snappy like the one you described. Many rescues would not even consider placing a dog with behavioral issues.

Also keep in mind that while a rescue might be located a little ways away from you, many have foster homes and volunteers spread throughout neighboring counties and states. What this means is that even if their headquarters aren't nearby, they may still be able to adopt to you. I'm from Pennsylvania and adopted a New York dog fostered in New Jersey. A friend of mine works with an Aussie rescue that does adoptions and transports all over the country. So just because there might not be a Shih Tzu listed in your town doesn't mean there isn't a great one just waiting for a wonderful, loving owner like you.

GreyhoundGirl · 06-27-2007, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreyhoundGirl

Check shih tzu rescue. They'll have rescues in your area, trust me. Dogs are so over populated that it won't even be difficult to find one that suits your lifestyle. Also, do you really need a purebred? Would you put into consideration a Shih tzu mix, or a small dog of unknown breed? Mixes make great pets, and they're generally even healthier then purebreds.

Try here: It's all small dogs needing homes. http://www.shihtzuandfurbabyrescue.com/

Sorry to quote myself but have you checked this out? Lots of adorable shih tzu and shih tzu mixes available.

I don't really know what aera you're in, but here are a few more sites...

The already-mentioned shih tzu fur baby rescue: http://www.shihtzuandfurbabyrescue.com/

Small breed rescue: http://www.smalldogrescue.org/availabledogs/

small dogs big hearts: http://www.sbret.com/rescues.htm
(My opinion doesn't really matter about this... but who thinks Pearl is the cutest thing ever?!

)

Durbkat · 06-27-2007, 09:29 AM

Lorina, I live in KY.

BoxMeIn21 · 06-27-2007, 12:11 PM

Yep she's a backyard breeder...A responsible breeder would gladly show you results from the health testing and thank you for asking. Keep looking.

blackrose · 06-27-2007, 01:40 PM

Durbkat, I PM'd you.

Hopefully that helps!

Durbkat · 06-27-2007, 04:24 PM

Thanks for the link, but those are double coated shih tzus and I don't think I could afford the grooming bills.

blackrose · 06-27-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durbkat

Thanks for the link, but those are double coated shih tzus and I don't think I could afford the grooming bills.

I PM'd you again, but I'll post my reply here as well.

The dogs in the pictures on the website had long hair because they are show dogs and that is the clip needed for a show. Pet dogs are often clipped down to lower the need of having to brush the coat out so often.
After doing a bit of research, I was wrong in telling you that Shih Tzu's aren't a double coated breed. However, a double coat or not, it won't matter if you get your Shih Tzu groomed. Here is a quote from the breed standard:

Quote:

Coat
Coat - Luxurious, double-coated, dense, long, and flowing. Slight wave permissible. Hair on top of head is tied up. Fault: Sparse coat, single coat, curly coat. Trimming - Feet, bottom of coat, and anus may be done for neatness and to facilitate movement. Fault: Excessive trimming.