|
>
AM
I READY TO RAISE A SHIH TZU?
Take
full responsibility  for this dog and all its needs for the next 10-18 years?
Shih Tzu live for a long time and this is NOT a task that can be left to
children, no matter how well-meaning. It requires commitment from an adult.
Invest
the considerable time, money and patience it takes to train a dog to be a good
companion? (This does not happen by itself!!!)
Always
keep the dog safe--no running loose or being chained outside.
Make
sure the dog gets enough exercise?
Spend
the money it takes to provide proper veterinary care including but certainly not
limited to vaccines, heartworm testing, preventative spaying or neutering, and
annual check ups?
Become
educated about the proper care of the breed, correct training methods, and how
to groom? (Many good books are available. Invest the time to read a few to learn
about our breed.)
Take
the time needed to keep your Shih Tzu well groomed? You must at least be
responsible for daily maintenance, if you can't do it all, can you afford a groomer regularly and/or be willing to keep it in a
"puppy cut?" (Those long flowing coats you see at a dog show are the
result of hard work and expertise.)
Keep
the breeder informed and up to date on the dog's accomplishments and any
problems that may arise?
Take
your questions to the breeder or other appropriate professional before they
become problems that are out of hand?
Have
the patience for (and enjoy) the trials of puppyhood?
Continue
to accept responsibility for the dog despite inevitable life changes such as new
babies, kids going off to school, moving, or returning to work?
Resist
impulse buying and have the patience to make a responsible choice?
If
you answered yes to ALL of the above, you are ready to start contacting
breeders. Start early because most responsible breeders have a waiting list
ranging from a few months to several years. Remember, the right dog IS worth the
wait.
| 
