Frequently Asked Questions

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What should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy?

Feeding your Shih Tzu puppy a high-quality, balanced diet is essential for their growth and health. Look for puppy food that lists meat as the first ingredient and is specifically formulated for small breeds. I like to mix my food. I usually mix a high quality grain free food with a high quality grain included food. this gives a diverse diet yet limits grains. I am currently feeding my puppies a mix of Taste of the Wild, Pacific streem puppy food and Diamond Naturales Small breed Puppy food.

How often should I take my puppy to the vet?

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for your puppy’s health. It’s recommended to take your Shih Tzu puppy to the vet every 3-4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old, then annually for vaccinations and health checks.

What vaccinations do Shih Tzu puppies need?

Shih Tzu puppies typically need vaccinations for distemper, parvovirus, and rabies, among others, to ensure they are protected against common diseases. Please contact your vet by 12 weeks of age to ensure your puppy is up to date. they will recieve their first 8 weeks shot from us.

How can I socialize my Shih Tzu?

Socializing your Shih Tzu involves exposing them to various environments, people, and other pets. Start early and use positive reinforcement to help them feel comfortable and confident. Negative reactions can have an opposite effect and create an insecure or confused puppy.

What are the grooming needs of a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coats. Brush them daily to prevent matting if you are keeping their hair puppy length or longer, and schedule professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to keep their fur healthy and clean.

Puppy Essentials

Our comprehensive guide to puppy care covers everything you need to know to ensure your Shih Tzu grows up healthy and happy. From nutrition to training, we provide expert advice and tips for new puppy owners. I will send home papers in your puppy packet with some of this same info.

I have always free fed all of my dogs and I don’t have a problem with over eating or food aggression. There are circumstances when scheduled and measured feedings are best. Do which ever is best for your puppies situation.

I am currently feeding my puppies Taste of the Wild, Pacific Stream , grain free puppy food mixed with Diamond Naturals small breed puppy food. I personally purchase both through Chewy.com. However Amazon.com my local Tractor Supply (also online) or Cal Ranch Stores also carries these. I feel like mixing two foods is great for them and gives their system a good variety of proteins. It supplies a small amount of grains but not too much as I mix a grain free food with a high quality food that has good grains. I have always been an advocate for grain free food as I have fed Taste of the wild grain free for years without problem, however since the current FDA findings on grain free food I have decided to mix my food. Half grain free and have regualar and I like the variety. Diamond Pet Foods Inc. makes both of these brands and I am an advocate for this company as I feel like they produce High quality food at reasonable prices. This company also makes the store brands for Cal Ranch and Tractor Supply. This is a US based company, which I LOVE!

Crates and Play pens

Your puppy will be used to being kept in an iris playpen (click for link). They also will be used to having a potty tray in the upper left hand corner of their playpen. Highly recommend keeping them in this setup when you take them home. It will make the transition easier for them and you and keeps a safe space for your puppy. If you choose to get them used to a crate you can put a small crate where the bed would sit with the door off. I use a playpen for my puppies until they are completely doggy door trained, so they are safe and I can relax without worrying about him/her.

Potty Training

when my puppy goes home they will be used to going potty in a potty tray. when my puppies get bigger I use this potty tray (click for link) similar to the one in the link. I also use a smaller style, but either way they will be used to a potty tray. slowly enlarge their area with the potty try so they get used to looking for it. You can slowly start moving to where you will keep. If you are potty training outside, still use the potty try while they are small and need to be kept in a pen, when your away. Take them outside right when they wake up from a nap or in the morning to go potty out side (even wake them up, so you know you catch them in time. I will give you some tips on this in my puppy packet you get when you pick up your baby.

Vaccinations

Your puppy will come home with his/her first Puppy Vaccine. My dogs have never tested positive for worms, but I always deworm just as a precaution. Please make sure your puppy gets his/her other puppy vaccinations at 12 and 16 weeks. I recommend a one year booster and every 3 years after that…but most vets will tell you to get them annually. what ever you choose will most likely be fine. I am not advocate for over vaccinating. I discourage Lepto vaccines as in my experience with other breeders it can do more harm than good, unless your in an area that it is heavily prevalent, where the risks might out weigh the benefits. Makes sure that any rabies vaccines you are required to get are not done on the same day as their other Vaccines. DO NOT let your vet give them another vaccine if you take them for a wellness check right after getting him/her from me. I always give them their vaccines and it is very dangerous to give a second vaccine right away. I have personally seen a puppy get very sick and very near death because of that happening.

Spay/Neuter contract Only

A Spay/ Neuter contract specifies that you agree that your puppy will be Spayed or Neutered by the time he/she is full grown. This means your puppy is sold without breeding rights. If you choose to have AKC papers they will only be sent to you after proof of spay/neuter and will be a limited registration.

There are many reasons why almost all reputable breeders will sale with no breeding rights with pet puppies. This just insures us that your puppy is truly your pet and is not being used for breeding purposes.

There are three main reasons why I do not sell with breeding rights.

1- I want to make sure she/he goes to a pet home only. If she/he is worthy of breeding rights then it may be considered to the appropriate breeder that has appropriate breeding experience.

2-There are so many things that can go wrong when a female whelps puppies and I want to make sure if she is bred she is only bred by a very knowledgeable breeder, it is hard to know how much knowledge someone has with breeding especially small dogs. There are many life threatening things that can happen when breeding dogs, not to mention how to revive puppies or recognize when a puppy has problems or when the mom has problems, ect.

3-, I am not in the business to populate any animal shelters. If I allow someone to breed that will then allow others to breed irresponsibly, it is a huge chain reaction and I feel very strongly about that. Most “non-breeders” don’t even think twice about selling without full breeding rights and it causes lots of pups to be sold for below average prices to homes that really can’t afford them or don’t think twice about getting rid of them when they are no longer wanted.

4- Of course some breeders want to protect their lines as they have worked hard to get those lines to where they want them as far as quality, look and overall health. Those things don’t come easy or ch