Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions that I decided to put on the website just so you can know what to expect from me and what I expect from you as a new puppy mommy or daddy :)
What is the difference between an imperial and a standard Shih Tzu?
Imperial Shih Tzus mature to be below 9 lbs. 9-16 lbs is the AKC Standard for a Shih Tzu. Anything below that is an Imperial. "Chinese Imperials" are the same thing as an Imperial Shih Tzu, and "Chinese Imperials" are not recognized as a separate breed. 9-16 lbs is what is classified as a Standard Shih Tzu.
What age do you start and stop breeding your females?
I breed my females when they have their second heat cycle and they are one year old. I generally retire them by 5 years, give or take depending on the female and how she does. If a mother does not do well with her first litter, I retire her.
Will my puppy be completely house trained when I get it?
Seeing that most of my pups leave to their new homes between the ages of 8-12 weeks, no, they will not. I will do my best to train them on a pee pad, but your puppy will have accidents no matter what. Most of my pups do use a pee pad very well though.
Why are your puppies so expensive?
I definitely do try to keep my pups at a very reasonable price, because I want everyone to be able to love them like I do, but there are expenses to be paid. I do not make a ton off of them, despite what people believe. I feed a good quality food, they get regular trips to the vet, and I have put a lot of money into getting the best of the best quality Shih Tzus for my breeding program. I am very picky about color, face, body, size, etc. I do my best to sell healthy, happy puppies that can have a long life with their owners. I am definitely not in this for the money, I am in this because I love the breed. I am usually negotiable on price and can work something out with you as long as I feel the pup is going to a loving home.
There are so many dogs in shelters. Why don't you spay/neuter your dogs and stop breeding?
Every breeder has probably heard this at least once. While I am all for rescuing and supporting shelters, if everyone spayed/neutered every single dog in the world... what would happen? 20 years down the road, there would be no dogs at all. I do sell my puppies on a spay/neuter contract if they are purchased as pet only and only sell full registration to responsible breeders.
What is limited registration?
AKC limited registration means you can still register your puppy, you will just not be able to breed or show them. If you would like to buy full registration, it is an additional fee.
What type of payment do you accept?
I accept paypal, Walmart money-gram, and cash. If paypal is used, a 3% fee is added to the total cost.
How old does my puppy have to be before I can come get it?
Generally my puppies are allowed to leave at 8 weeks of age. If I feel they are not eating good enough or are small, I will keep them longer to ensure they get a good start.
What kind of health guarantee do you give?
My health guarantee covers all life-threatening genetic illnesses for a year.
How much does shipping generally cost?
Shipping generally runs around $350. This includes your vet visit for your health certificate, crate, and actual air travel. In some cases I am willing to meet for gas & lodging. I am always willing to meet within a reasonable distance generally in the East TN area :)
What vet clinic do you use?
My dogs all go to Monroe County Animal Hospital in Sweetwater, TN. We love Dr.Buchanan, Dr.Murphy, and Dr.Harrell.
What is the difference in AKC and CKC?
AKC's pedigrees are more reliable. With CKC, anyone can register any dog, whether they know it is purebred or not. My dogs are all AKC.
What is the difference between an imperial and a standard Shih Tzu?
Imperial Shih Tzus mature to be below 9 lbs. 9-16 lbs is the AKC Standard for a Shih Tzu. Anything below that is an Imperial. "Chinese Imperials" are the same thing as an Imperial Shih Tzu, and "Chinese Imperials" are not recognized as a separate breed. 9-16 lbs is what is classified as a Standard Shih Tzu.
What age do you start and stop breeding your females?
I breed my females when they have their second heat cycle and they are one year old. I generally retire them by 5 years, give or take depending on the female and how she does. If a mother does not do well with her first litter, I retire her.
Will my puppy be completely house trained when I get it?
Seeing that most of my pups leave to their new homes between the ages of 8-12 weeks, no, they will not. I will do my best to train them on a pee pad, but your puppy will have accidents no matter what. Most of my pups do use a pee pad very well though.
Why are your puppies so expensive?
I definitely do try to keep my pups at a very reasonable price, because I want everyone to be able to love them like I do, but there are expenses to be paid. I do not make a ton off of them, despite what people believe. I feed a good quality food, they get regular trips to the vet, and I have put a lot of money into getting the best of the best quality Shih Tzus for my breeding program. I am very picky about color, face, body, size, etc. I do my best to sell healthy, happy puppies that can have a long life with their owners. I am definitely not in this for the money, I am in this because I love the breed. I am usually negotiable on price and can work something out with you as long as I feel the pup is going to a loving home.
There are so many dogs in shelters. Why don't you spay/neuter your dogs and stop breeding?
Every breeder has probably heard this at least once. While I am all for rescuing and supporting shelters, if everyone spayed/neutered every single dog in the world... what would happen? 20 years down the road, there would be no dogs at all. I do sell my puppies on a spay/neuter contract if they are purchased as pet only and only sell full registration to responsible breeders.
What is limited registration?
AKC limited registration means you can still register your puppy, you will just not be able to breed or show them. If you would like to buy full registration, it is an additional fee.
What type of payment do you accept?
I accept paypal, Walmart money-gram, and cash. If paypal is used, a 3% fee is added to the total cost.
How old does my puppy have to be before I can come get it?
Generally my puppies are allowed to leave at 8 weeks of age. If I feel they are not eating good enough or are small, I will keep them longer to ensure they get a good start.
What kind of health guarantee do you give?
My health guarantee covers all life-threatening genetic illnesses for a year.
How much does shipping generally cost?
Shipping generally runs around $350. This includes your vet visit for your health certificate, crate, and actual air travel. In some cases I am willing to meet for gas & lodging. I am always willing to meet within a reasonable distance generally in the East TN area :)
What vet clinic do you use?
My dogs all go to Monroe County Animal Hospital in Sweetwater, TN. We love Dr.Buchanan, Dr.Murphy, and Dr.Harrell.
What is the difference in AKC and CKC?
AKC's pedigrees are more reliable. With CKC, anyone can register any dog, whether they know it is purebred or not. My dogs are all AKC.