Shih Tzu Owners - Cambridge

[LustyMuppet]

Hi,

My fiance and I are looking to buy a Shih Tzu.

Before we do, I would like to check that I am not allergic because - even though my family kept various breeds of dogs when I was a child - I have never been in the company of a Shih Tzu.

I wondered if there would be anyone kind enough, and willing, to let me spend some time with their Shih Tzu so that I can establish whether I am allergic or not.

If so, please write to me at [email protected]

Thanks,
Lucie

First question - are you allergic to most breeds of dog (I'd guess so but it's not entirely clear in your OP, though I am tired!).

If you are, how did you cope with the various breeds encountered when you were a child?

And, if you are, I'd imagine that a similar breed might suffice for meeting and testing your reactions.

If you aren't of course the chances are all will be fine.

I live in Cambs and work with dog rescue yet still have rarely met Shih Tzu. You might like to contact breed rescue to see if there are any fosterers in your area or consult the Kennel Club list of breeders for local ones.

At the risk of sounding patronising and although I'd always advocate rescue over going to a breeder, please, when you go to meet a breeder with a view to buying, ensure that you see the Mum interact with the pups, check the breeder out thoroughly (being on the KC list is insufficient), ask how many other dogs they have/breed and familiarise yourself with the licensing laws for breeders.

I hope that this hasn't offended but see an awful lot of bad breeders and abandoned puppy farmed dogs/ill puppy farmed pups that I worry. :)