Quality Really Does Matter
You may wonder how much it will cost to buy a purebred Shih Tzu puppy. The answer is rather complex. You can probably purchase a Shih Tzu puppy for as little as $500. But, you probably will know very little about the puppy’s upbringing. There is so much that goes into properly raising a litter of Shih Tzu puppies.
I’ll give you two scenarios. Then, you can decide for yourself which Shih Tzu breeder you would prefer to buy a puppy from. Breeder A carefully chooses purebred breeding stock that pass breed specific health testing recommendations by the national breed club. This breeder also chooses breeding prospects that have excellent temperaments since temperament is partially genetic. Breeder A takes several classes and receives a top notch education so she can provide her adult dogs and future puppies with the best upbringing. Adult dogs and puppies spend their day in the home as part of the family and receive the very best life has to offer.
Furthermore, all of the available Shih Tzu puppies participate in daily puppy curriculum activities. This helps to ensure that the puppies get the very best start in life. Proper socialization is critical when it comes to puppy development. All of the Shih Tzu puppies also stay with their mother and littermates during this crucial time period. Puppies go through temperament testing before being sent home with families as well. Temperament testing helps clients choose a puppy that is suitable to their unique lifestyle.
Breeder B purchases breeding stock through a classified ad. The parents haven’t had any health or temperament testing to check for life threatening diseases or aggression in the lines. The breeder has very little education in regards to puppy rearing. The adult dogs and puppies spend their entire day and night in cages with very little human contact. Puppies are sent home with anyone who is willing to pay the price at 7 or 8 weeks of age before the critical socialization period is over.
As you can see from the two examples above, a lot goes into a responsible breeding program. Purchasing a Shih Tzu puppy that may have health or behavioral issues down the road is a big commitment. A bargain puppy could very well end up costing a new puppy owner more in the end when major health issues possibly pop up down the road.
Alternatively, a puppy mill may price a Shih Tzu puppy for sale for as much as $4,000 or more. The high price tag doesn’t guarantee a high quality Shih Tzu puppy. I’ve heard horror stories of individuals bringing home a new Shih Tzu puppy later to find out that it wasn’t even a purebred Shih Tzu. A lot goes into running a responsible breeding program. Everything from high quality food, proper puppy raising techniques to genetic testing should be included in a properly run program.
The best advice I can give to individuals searching for a puppy is to get to know your Shih Tzu Breeder! Learn about the breeders program and ask a lot of questions. A reputable Shih Tzu breeder should be willing to give you an inside look into their program. You deserve to see firsthand how your future puppy is being raised. In my humble opinion, purchasing a dog from a responsible breeder will be one of the best investments you ever make. I’m a firm believer in you get what you pay for!
