Questions to Ask a Shih Tzu Breeder
A responsible breeder should be willing to explain how the dogs are raised, what health screening has been completed, how puppies are socialized, and what support is available after the puppy goes home. The conversation should feel like a two-way interview rather than a sales pitch. A careful breeder will also ask about your household, schedule, experience, and plans for grooming and veterinary care.
Prepare questions before contacting anyone and take notes during the conversation. Good answers are specific, verifiable, and consistent with the condition of the dogs and the paperwork you are shown. Vague promises, pressure to send money quickly, or reluctance to discuss health and living conditions are reasons to slow down or walk away.
Ask About the Parents First
Request the registered names, ages, temperaments, and health histories of both parents. Ask whether either parent has had eye disease, breathing difficulty, knee problems, kidney disease, serious allergies, seizures, or dental complications. A breeder should be able to explain what testing was done and provide records rather than relying only on a general statement that the parents are “healthy.”
Temperament matters as much as appearance. Ask how the parents behave with visitors, children, grooming, handling, other dogs, and time alone. Puppies inherit tendencies as well as physical traits, and the breeder’s observations over time are more useful than a brief meeting on pickup day.
Verify Health Care and Records
Ask which vaccinations and deworming treatments the puppy has received, when the puppy was examined by a veterinarian, and whether any findings were noted. Request copies of the health record, test results, and the name of the veterinary clinic. Find out what the health guarantee actually covers, how long it lasts, and what documentation would be required if a problem develops.
A guarantee should not be treated as a substitute for responsible breeding. The more important questions are what screening was completed before breeding, whether affected dogs are removed from the breeding program, and whether the breeder keeps accurate records across generations.
Useful Answers
- Specific dates, records, and veterinary contacts
- Clear explanations of health screening
- Honest discussion of strengths and concerns
- Details about each puppy’s routine and temperament
- A written contract you can review in advance
Warning Signs
- Pressure to pay immediately
- No access to records or veterinary information
- Multiple litters with little individual knowledge
- Marketing based mainly on tiny size or rare color
- Refusal to take a dog back if the placement fails
Learn How the Puppies Are Raised
Ask where the litter sleeps, how often the puppies are handled, what household sounds and surfaces they experience, and whether they have begun grooming practice. Shih Tzu puppies benefit from gentle exposure to brushing, face wiping, nail handling, carriers, short separations, and normal home activity. Socialization should be controlled and age-appropriate, not based on overwhelming the litter with constant visitors.
Find out what food is being fed, how often meals are offered, what toilet routine is used, and whether the puppies sleep in a shared or individual area. These details make the first week at home much easier to plan.
Review the Contract Before Committing
Read every section before sending a deposit. The contract should identify the puppy, describe payment terms, list health records, explain spay or neuter requirements if applicable, and state what happens if you can no longer keep the dog. Ask whether the deposit is refundable and under what circumstances.
Clarify whether the breeder offers lifetime support and whether the dog must be returned to the breeder rather than rehomed privately. Responsible breeders usually remain interested in the dog’s welfare long after the sale.
Questions to Bring to the Conversation
- What health screening was completed on both parents?
- May I see the veterinary and testing records?
- How are the puppies handled, groomed, and socialized?
- What food, schedule, and toilet routine are they using?
- What differences have you observed among the puppies?
- What does the contract require if I cannot keep the dog?
- What support is available after pickup?
Breeder Interview Questions
Should I expect to meet the mother?
Usually yes, unless there is a legitimate explanation such as a guardian-home arrangement. The breeder should still provide clear information and records.
Is registration proof of quality?
No. Registration documents identify pedigree status but do not replace health screening, good temperament, humane housing, or responsible placement.
Should a breeder choose the puppy for me?
A knowledgeable breeder may recommend a puppy based on weeks of observation. The best decision is collaborative and considers both the puppy and your household.