About Us
We are family breeders dedicated to providing healthy, beautiful Shih Tzu puppies to caring homes.
Why We Started Shih Tzu Companions
We began in a very personal way. My wife has a chronic auto-immune disease that causes her to be in pain every moment of the day. Someone gave me the idea to get my wife a companion dog to help her while I was at work. I began to study dozens of different breeds to find the best choice as a companion for my wife. I must admit that we were not a small dog family. We preferred larger dogs and had a Golden Retriever in the past. Honestly, I had known many small dogs that were yippy, territorial and sometimes just mean. However, in my research I was intrigued by the Shih Tzu breed. I found out that they have been bred for thousands of years to be companions for Chinese royalty. I went on the hunt for an AKC Shih Tzu that had been brought into this world by responsible a breeder. We purchased one male brindle and white Shih Tzu and named him Cody. We fell in love with him. He turned out to be an amazing dog and was a great help to my wife. He sold us on the breed so much that we got a female Liver Shih Tzu and named her Autumn. Both of these dogs are companions to my wife and are in training to be official Therapy dogs.
We began breeding to share the beautiful experience of owning Shih Tzus with others while the proceeds go toward paying my wife’s medical bills. These puppies are conceived and trained with the purpose to be more than a pet. They will be life companions who bring joy and happiness into your life.
Our Process
Our Unique purpose required us to think through a unique process that would produce these special companions.
We are not business people. We do not make decisions regarding our animals based on what is the cheapest or will bring the highest profit. Instead, we choose to give our dogs and puppies what is required to make them as healthy as possible so that they can pass on good energy and personality to the family. In addition, we do some socialization work that most breeders will not do. As you continue the proper training, these dogs will be a helpful addition to your home and family.
- We use Cesar Millan’s methods for our adult pack.
The result is that the puppies have good role models from birth. These dogs teach the puppies important things that it is impossible for a human to teach.
- We give the highest quality of food and vitamins.
In order to produce exceptional puppies, we feed the dam and sire the best food on the market. In addition, we also do the same for the puppies as soon as they start eating.
- Our dam is an exceptional mother.
She is very attentive to the puppies from birth and cares for them in a wonderful way. We often watch her and shake our heads at what a good mom she is to these puppies.
- They are held and socialized by adults and children from birth.
- Our puppies are raised in our home and under foot.
They are such a part of our family that it is hard to see them go.
- We acclimate them to household noises while working to get them used to noises that usually startle.
- We get them accustomed to having their face, ears and paws touched and held. This will help you groom them without them fighting you much.
- They are groomed in the face and tail before they go to your home.
- They are used to bathing and acclimated to a comb.
- We begin to use the leash on them. This will be a big help for your walks.
- They are vet checked, dewormed and have their first shots.
- We allow them to leave the dam between 8-10 weeks depending on the maturity of the puppy.
- We provide you with products to help you have a great start.
Should You Buy From A Pet Store, Breeder, Or Animal Shelter?
We work hard to provide an atmosphere that will produce amazing companion pets. I know that a pet can be a wonderful blessing or a terrible strain to a family. Please understand that choosing a reputable breeder is essential to getting the puppy you want.
While it is a shame that our animal shelters are full of animals, the average family is not prepared for the work involved in rehabilitating these animals. If you believe that are one of the few, then by all means choose to rescue a dog. However, please do your research. Many of these dogs bring a lot of baggage into a new home and will require much time and attention.
I believe that it is easier and more personal to bring a new puppy into a home so that you can train them into your specific routine. They will be a lot of work initially but will settle in quickly. Typically, they will have only the usual puppy problems and not the issues that come from abuse and neglect.
It is imperative that you choose a reputable breeder and not cut corners. A cheap puppy may be enticing at first, but some of the back yard breeders and puppy mill pet stores will not pay close attention to genetics and socialization. Pet experts say that the personality of a puppy is basically determined by the treatment of the dam and the socialization of the breeder within the first 8 weeks. Find a trusted breeder that is into the task for more than just money. You will pay more up front, but you will be glad you did.
The life expectancy of a Shih Tzu is 12-15 years. If you pay $1000 for a top notch dog, over the 15 year life span that averages out to $67 a year. Also, Shih Tzus eat very little compared to larger breeds. Their vet bills typically are less as well.
Find a good quality breeder who will help you pick the right puppy for your family. You will be glad that you did!