Puppy Application
Where do I find a Shih Tzu? You would be well advised to buy ONLY from a
show breeder. (This is true of ANY pedigreed dog, by the way.) That sounds
harsh, doesn’t it? But there’s a VERY good reason for it: ALL breeds have
genetic problems. In Shih Tzu, while there are several, the problem most to be
concerned about is Renal Dysplasia (kidney disease). Some dogs live with it,
some show no symptoms, some die of it. Estimates are that as high as 30% of the
population are carriers, and that 10% of the population is affected. The show
breeder knows generations of history behind his dogs. Your likelihood of
getting a sick dog from a show breeder is GREATLY reduced. (My belief- though I
have not seen a study on the subject, is that your chance of getting an affected
dog goes down to perhaps as low as 2% among show breeders- they are very careful
about what they are breeding.) If you don’t want to pay for a well bred dog,
try either getting a rescue dog or just getting a mixed breed. Mixed breeds are
very unlikely to have recessive genetic problems. If you hear people say they
have had problems with purebreds but not with mutts, it is likely their
purebreds were from someone who bred their little pet to the one down the road
with no knowledge of the genetic backgrounds. There is also the occasional
Liver Shunt, and various eye problems in the breed- though these are more rare.
Again- you are much safer (though, of course, not 100% safe) going to the show
breeder.
The gene for kidney disease in Shih Tzu has been found. Tests are available. Go to Dogenes for
information/testing details & kits.
Puppy Application:
Bushido Questionnaire:
Name
Address Phone or Cell Phone Best time to call:
Preference regarding your new Shih Tzu (sex/color/age)
Living conditions: house or apartment/fenced yard-how high? Visible from street?/children ages/how many hours the puppy will be alone per day/where the puppy will live and sleep
If you are planning on moving in the near future, what will happen to your Shih Tzu?
Pet Ownership and History
What dogs and other types of animals have (breed, age, sex, neutered, live in or outside)?
What dogs and other types of animals have you had in the past 5 years(breed, age, sex, neutered, live in or outside)?
If you no longer have the animals listed above, please explain how long you had them and what happened to them.
References (who referred you to Shih Tzu by Bushido/your veterinarian and his/her phone number/ your groomer and his/her
phone number)
Do all family members favor getting a Shih Tzu? If not, what is the situation?
Which member of your household will be primarily responsible for feeding, training and general care of your Shih Tzu?
Does any member of your household have a known allergy to animals? If so, how will you deal with it?
How will the pet be cared for during vacations?
Why do you want a Shih Tzu?
show breeder. (This is true of ANY pedigreed dog, by the way.) That sounds
harsh, doesn’t it? But there’s a VERY good reason for it: ALL breeds have
genetic problems. In Shih Tzu, while there are several, the problem most to be
concerned about is Renal Dysplasia (kidney disease). Some dogs live with it,
some show no symptoms, some die of it. Estimates are that as high as 30% of the
population are carriers, and that 10% of the population is affected. The show
breeder knows generations of history behind his dogs. Your likelihood of
getting a sick dog from a show breeder is GREATLY reduced. (My belief- though I
have not seen a study on the subject, is that your chance of getting an affected
dog goes down to perhaps as low as 2% among show breeders- they are very careful
about what they are breeding.) If you don’t want to pay for a well bred dog,
try either getting a rescue dog or just getting a mixed breed. Mixed breeds are
very unlikely to have recessive genetic problems. If you hear people say they
have had problems with purebreds but not with mutts, it is likely their
purebreds were from someone who bred their little pet to the one down the road
with no knowledge of the genetic backgrounds. There is also the occasional
Liver Shunt, and various eye problems in the breed- though these are more rare.
Again- you are much safer (though, of course, not 100% safe) going to the show
breeder.
The gene for kidney disease in Shih Tzu has been found. Tests are available. Go to Dogenes for
information/testing details & kits.
Puppy Application:
Bushido Questionnaire:
Name
Address Phone or Cell Phone Best time to call:
Preference regarding your new Shih Tzu (sex/color/age)
Living conditions: house or apartment/fenced yard-how high? Visible from street?/children ages/how many hours the puppy will be alone per day/where the puppy will live and sleep
If you are planning on moving in the near future, what will happen to your Shih Tzu?
Pet Ownership and History
What dogs and other types of animals have (breed, age, sex, neutered, live in or outside)?
What dogs and other types of animals have you had in the past 5 years(breed, age, sex, neutered, live in or outside)?
If you no longer have the animals listed above, please explain how long you had them and what happened to them.
References (who referred you to Shih Tzu by Bushido/your veterinarian and his/her phone number/ your groomer and his/her
phone number)
Do all family members favor getting a Shih Tzu? If not, what is the situation?
Which member of your household will be primarily responsible for feeding, training and general care of your Shih Tzu?
Does any member of your household have a known allergy to animals? If so, how will you deal with it?
How will the pet be cared for during vacations?
Why do you want a Shih Tzu?