FAQs

Are Shih Tzu puppies crate trained?

My Shih Tzu puppies are brought up in oversized playpens as you can see in a lot of my videos. This is the method I chose when raising my own dogs as well, when they were puppies. It all comes down to personal preference and family dynamics/needs. There is no right or wrong way. It just depends on what is going to work best for you and your lifestyle.

I understand that most families may need to use a crate at some point. A crate is often necessary for vet visits, road travel, boarding, etc. As a result, all of the puppies in my program are exposed to a crate.

When the puppies turn 6 weeks old I add an open crate to the playpen in our living room. I place comfy bedding, toys, high-value food, and treats inside the crate to help create a positive association. Puppies are also exposed to a travel crate and a stroller before go-home day. I hope the crate exposure the puppies received under my care helps crate training go smoothly if you decide to use a crate!
Will my Shih Tzu puppy come potty trained?
All the Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program are given an introduction to potty training. This means that I lay the foundation so that potty training will hopefully come quickly to your new puppy once home. All puppies are learn to potty on an artificial turf potty pad.

Puppies are brought up in an oversized playpen where they have a place to eat, drink, sleep and play. The turf potty tray is at the opposite end of their living quarters. Puppies that are raised in tight living quarters such as a cage have no choice but to eliminate where-ever they can which can make future potty training difficult. Puppies also spend time outdoors one week after the first set of vaccinations. If I catch the puppies going potty on the turf outdoors, I praise them by using the marker word, “yes” and often reward with a treat.

Below are some things to remember during the potty training process.

Be patient and consistent.

It can take a few months for puppies to completely potty train even if you’re doing everything right! This is especially true with smaller breeds because they have smaller bladders.

Expect accidents in the beginning. Your puppy needs time to adjust to his/her new environment.

Take your puppy outside to potty often.

Praise your puppy and/or offer a treat when he/she potty’s in the correct place.

Remember, your puppy will eventually get the hang of it over time.
Is a summer cut necessary?

Did you know that a Shih Tzu’s double coat of fur actually provides protection from the elements? You don’t need to shave your Shih Tzu down every summer. It all comes down to personal preference. I personally love the look of a longer well-groomed coat. But, I’m not going to lie, it’s a lot of work. A shorter cut is easier to maintain. Just remember no matter what hairstyle you decide to embrace to brush your Shih Tzu’s coat often! Check out my blog post on hair care basics for more details on coat care.
Why do I make clients wait until puppies are 9 weeks old before they can choose a specific puppy?

First of all, I want to make sure that each Shih Tzu puppy is checked over by a licensed veterinarian before promising a certain puppy to a client. As a responsible Shih Tzu breeder, I want to be sure each puppy is healthy! Imagine if someone has first pick and chooses puppy A only to find out that puppy A has a health issue. This would be unfair to the client.

Also, I wait until temperament testing is complete before puppies are chosen. I breed Shih Tzus which are a small breed. I complete temperament testing during week 9. The puppy evaluations tell me important things about each individual puppy. The temperament test isn’t a tell all but it does tell me where each puppy currently stands in regards to temperament traits such as assertiveness, nerve strength, confidence, etc.
Does it cost a lot to operate your responsible breeding program?
Here are some of the costs that go into running my responsible breeding program in a manner that I feel honors my adult dogs and their offspring. This breakdown may help clients better understand why I charge the prices I do for a puppy.

Breeder continuing education

Health testing

Progesterone testing/Reproductive services

Ultrasounds

Dog registration

Vet bills for adult dogs

Spay/Neuter for my adult dogs when they retire

Vaccinations, deworming and microchips for adult dogs and puppies.

Whelping/birthing supplies

Puppy raising equipment

Curriculum/Temperament testing supplies

Adult dog care

High quality food for adult dogs and puppies

Treats, chews, and supplements

SpaySecure contracts- $59 per puppy

Puppy go home bags

Website marketing

Taxes
Do you offer breeding rights?

I don’t currently offer breeding rights. All my Shih Tzu puppies for sale are sold on a legally binding spay/neuter contract. I have had no problems with clients breaking the agreement to date, but I will 100% take legal action if the agreement is broken. I owe that to my dogs and my kids who are always asking me about puppy updates.

I obviously have nothing against breeders. I am a Shih Tzu breeder after all! But, I would have to know someone on a personal level and know how they operate their program in order to offer breeding rights. I would want to know that their breeding practices and beliefs align with my own personal practices and beliefs.

We all know that there are ethical breeders and non ethical breeders. I couldn’t in good conscience offer breeding rights to someone I don’t know. It would not be honoring my dogs or the offspring they produce.
How much do adult Shih Tzus weigh?

According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, Shih Tzus should weigh 9-16 pounds. Some Shih Tzu breeders produce puppies on the higher end of the weight chart in order to avoid issues such as low blood sugar and body temperature regulation issues.

On the other end of the spectrum, some Shih Tzu breeders prefer to produce dogs at the lower end of the AKC weight standard. Shih Tzu puppies that weigh less than 9 pounds when fully grown are known as Teacup Shih Tzus or Imperial Shih Tzus.

Currently, my puppies usually range in size from 9-14 pounds on average. But, Daisy our black and white female has produced some smaller yet healthy females that only weigh 6 to 8 pounds as adults. According to studies, puppies can resemble ancestors from five generations back which explains this phenomenon.
Are safety restraints really necessary for dogs?
What do you feed your Shih Tzu puppies and adult dogs?

My adult dogs and puppies are fed on a rotation diet. Some of the foods I have rotated with in the past include: Stella & Chewy’s, Vital Essentials, Bixbi and NutriSource. Puppy clients receive a list of the specific dog foods the puppies were exposed to in the puppy manual.

All the Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program try most of the food options I discuss above. Furthermore, all the Shih Tzu puppies are exposed to foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics to create good gut colonization. I send new owners home with some dry food when they pick up their puppy. The puppy manual also has feeding instructions and other important information.
What makes a great toy?
Durability

Different textures, shapes, and sizes

Enticing

Keeps puppy busy

Treat dispensing toys

Teething toys

Companion toys (ex. Snuggle Puppy)

Interactive toys (ex. puppy puzzle)

Toys that promote bonding (ex. ball)
What is the benefit of purchasing a puppy playpen?

Playpens give puppies a safe place to go to when owners aren’t able to give their undivided attention. Puppies will get into everything if left alone for too long. Remember, they’re teething and anything is game! You can create a comfy place by adding a comfy bed or crate, soft chews, and some fun toys!

Did You Know?

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to work with a Shih Tzu breeder that promises to always put the welfare of the puppies first, contact Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus today! I am excited for you to see first hand how wonderful it is to own a purebred Shih Tzu puppy raised under my loving care! Feel free to Follow me on Instagram, Facebook or my blog for puppy updates. I post the most on Instagram!

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Did You Know?

Ready to Get Started?

Shih Tzu Breed Information

Recommendations

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(480) 645-5553

Quick Links

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