Shih Tzu Puppy Advice

[KristaK]

We would like to adopt a shih tzu puppy in April and I am just trying to get my head around how the process works (any advice gratefully received!!)

We are first time dog owners - we already have two very well loved cats who were rescues from Cats Protection so a very easy process of adoption! We have done loads of reading and research, and went to the Kennel Club Discover Dogs event last year to learn about puppy adoption. I have registered on ChampDogs and contacted the shih tzu club but we have so far drawn a blank in finding litters of shih tzus that would be ready for adoption in April (so pregnancies that are now underway!)

I just wanted to see if there was something I am doing wrong? We have read lots about the importance of finding a good breeder and of people being on waiting lists and we are really keen to do the right things, etc but we can't work out how to get onto a waiting list or how to find breeders who are planning a litter for the spring?

Thank you very much in advance for any guidance (we are in Surrey but are happy to travel!). I hope that makes sense :-)

It’s not adoption, I know that sounds like I’m being pedantic, but it means a very different thing and approaching breeders saying you want to adopt a puppy rather than buy one might cause you issues.

Mostly I suspect the issue is that you’re too late - decent breeders will often have a waiting list for a litter before they even know when their bitch is going to be ready to mated - so any litter for the timeframe you’re thinking of will have already have had a full list for months.

OK - thank you for the reply. How do I go about finding out who is planning a litter? That's the part I am struggling with? We contacted the puppy co-odinator at the shih tzu club in November and she was only able to point us towards a litter that was literally about to be born which was too soon for us? Thank you for the help.

I would look around on social medias and see where other people have gotten their shih tzus from. A few calls to come vets might help too, vets see a lot of good breeders for genetic testing and care and if one of their clients breeds shih tzus they will likely know how good that breeder is based on how they care for their dogs.

Like the other poster, I think you are likely too late for most good reputable breeders. Shih tzus are a designer, popular breed (expecially since as a breed in general they make such good family-with-children/pets dogs). Your best bet is to get into contact with a few breeders and try to get on a waiting list. The good thing is since you are looking for a pet, I'd assume you probably aren't going to have to wait to get a certain coat color or get in a list for the breeder's most successful show dog, which may shorten your wait time slightly.

Hi,
It sounds like you're absolutely doing the right thing, and it's great to hear about first time puppy owners doing so much research.
Have you had a look at all of the KC assured shih tzu breeders, you can find them here www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/find-an-assured-breeder/?Breeds=Shih+Tzu&Location=&Distance=15&TotalResults=0&SortNearest=False
Some of them do appear to have litters currently but maybe they are all reserved or too far from you. Still worth contacting those that don't currently have litters to see about planned litters and waiting lists.
Best of luck!

Hi Petpositive - I just wanted to thank you so much for your reply :-). I was feeling a bit despondent after the replies on Friday but we did actually hear from and make contact with a really lovely breeder on Friday, who has a litter that is due in late Feb and we are third on her list so we have everything crossed.

Thank you again for your really helpful reply - we have been trying to do all the right things and we have to juggle some long, pandemic-delayed, travel to family abroad at the beginning of April which is why the timing is the way it is.

Discover Dogs was really helpful and a lovely way to meet lots of different dogs and to get really good advice from really experienced people.
Thank you again