Reassure me about Shih Tzus please!

[TheBogWitchIsBack]

Hi I am about to become a brand new dog mummy in 2 weeks time. Expecting a lovely little Shih Tzu, he comes from a private home, both parents are family pets and brought up around children. Pup comes from a second litter. Not sure if this was entirely the sensible option but we struggled to find a breeder and would have encountered issues adopting due to having young children (3 and 11).

Met the owner a few times and met both puppy parents, and keep in touch with owner via text so I'm sure as I can be that it's not some puppy farm situation. The family seem lovely and dogs seem like very well cared for and loved family pets. Have seen the set up and where pups and dogs live and sleep etc. Owners very open and answered all our questions.

My issue is that now as the time draws closer I'm feeling increasingly nervous, wondering if I'm doing the right thing!

It's obviously a huge commitment, I have researched the breed as much as I can and from what I've read the breed seems like a perfect fit for us apart from everything I've read saying they are notoriously hard to toilet train.
Can any experienced Shih Tzu owners reassure me? I'm generally a little bit anxious so I'm probably over thinking it but Any advice at all is welcome.

If they have got a bitch and a stud dog and this is their second litter, they are probably breeding for the money - I can't see anyone doing it for the fun of it.
I had a shihtzu I rehomed as a 7 year old (his elderly owners died). He was a character. very opinionated, could be stubborn, but a dog with a great sense of humour. Can't say about the housetraining as he was already trained when we got him, and was always clean.
The biggest thing with him was his coat. It needed grooming thoroughly every day, and it could be quite a job if he'd got muddy (loved long walks). In the end I kept it clipped short as it was a lot easier.
He also had a very squashed face which affected his breathing and his eyes. I have noticed that certain strains of Shihtzu's seem to vary as to how long their muzzle is. Well, his was very short.
Sadly he had heart trouble and died of heart failure at 12 and a half (after several years of medication).
I am not sure about what hereditary diseases Shihtzu's are prone to(heart disease may be one of them for all I know!). It might be an idea to read up on the internet, and then question the vendors closely as to what tests have been done on their animals, prior to breeding. (This is not the same as a regular puppy vet check).

Sorry, when I say 'puppy vet check', I mean vendors often say there animals have been 'vet checked', but the tests for hereditary diseases involve a bit more than the vet giving the animal the once over. If they have been shown to be clear of hereditary disease, they will have certificates to prove it.
Also, what policy do your breeders have for returning the puppy if it proves unsuitable/unhealthy? A good breeder will always take the dog back. Ask them.

Hi thanks for your response. I do agree if probably wasn't the best way to acquire a pup but the way I see it is someone's gonna buy these pups and it might as well be me. I know how much this is wanted and will be cared for.

We've been putting it off for years as we felt it was never the right time, discussed it for months on and off and now decided it was the right time and in my excitement I have rushed my decision. Which explains my anxiety I guess.

Yes the breeder has stated that she's willing to take the pup if there are problems. Is this something I should get in writing?

I have a wonderful 6 year old Shih Tzu. I've had him since he was a puppy and he's a dream. Loves people, is great company and I couldn't ask for a better dog friend. He wasn't hard to toilet train at all. No regrets whatsoever from us.

I have a year old Shih Tzu.

I would say it took about nine months to house train her properly. Then again we live in a first floor flat, so that made it that bit harder.

She is the sweetest dog I’ve ever had. Endlessly affectionate, loving and happy. She loves to go long walks, but is equally happy just lazing around all day.

She can be slightly stubborn, but nothing too bad. She breathes fine, although you can’t take her out when it’s very hot as she can’t cope. She needs a LOT of grooming though. They are definitely a high maintenance breed in that respect.

My mum has a one year old. She is bonkers but best mates with my little boy. She gets taken regularly to the groomers to make it easier to keep her tidy.

What age are you bringing your Shih Tzu home at? Were you aware they are one of the slower developing small breeds, that need to remain with mum and siblings until at least 12weeks old?