Breeding a Shih Tzu, or any dog, is a decision that carries significant weight and responsibility. In a world already facing pet overpopulation, prospective breeders must approach this endeavor with a deep understanding of the potential consequences and a commitment to the welfare of both the parent dogs and their offspring. This guide aims to shed light on the often-overlooked challenges and ethical considerations involved in dog breeding, emphasizing the importance of responsible practices.
The Myth of AKC Registration and True Quality
Many aspiring breeders mistakenly believe that AKC (American Kennel Club) registration guarantees the quality of a dog. However, AKC registration simply signifies that a dog’s parents were registered, not that the dog itself is free from defects. The reality is that a vast majority of dogs, even purebreds, are not suitable for breeding. Many possess structural, personality, or health issues that should not be passed on to future generations. Responsible breeding requires a commitment to perpetuating only the best traits. Breeding animals must be thoroughly tested and proven free of disqualifying defects before embarking on a reproductive career. The sole purpose of breeding should be the honest pursuit of improvement, aiming to produce puppies superior to their parents in health, temperament, and structure.
The Significant Financial and Emotional Costs
Dog breeding is far from a profitable venture when conducted ethically and responsibly. The costs associated with proper breeding are substantial and must be incurred before any puppies can be sold. These expenses include comprehensive veterinary care, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, health screenings, specialized nutrition, adequate housing, stud fees, and advertising. Unexpected complications, such as emergency Cesarean sections or intensive care for sick puppies, can quickly turn a potentially break-even litter into a significant financial burden. Furthermore, there’s no guarantee that all puppies will find suitable homes. If you are breeding simply to replicate your current dog, it is often more cost-effective to purchase a puppy with desired qualities from a reputable breeder or, even better, consider adopting a Shih Tzu from a rescue organization.
The Challenges of Finding Suitable Homes
First-time breeders often lack the established reputation and network of referrals that experienced breeders benefit from, making it difficult to find responsible buyers. Promises of “I want a dog just like yours” can easily dissipate, leaving breeders with the prolonged responsibility of caring for puppies that may not sell until they are several months old. It is crucial to consider the potential outcomes if puppies do not sell: would you consider sending them to a shelter, abandoning them, or selling them to a broker who might resell them to undesirable buyers? Experienced breeders with strong reputations often secure cash deposits for an average-sized litter before even considering a mating.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Birth and Early Puppyhood
The “joy of birth” can be a misleading aspect of breeding. Whelping can occur at inconvenient hours, often requiring emergency veterinary intervention, especially with breeds like the Shih Tzu, known for their small size and sometimes large-headed puppies. Even with children present, the reality of birth can involve difficult deliveries, potential injury to the mother, or the birth of puppies with severe deformities. Some mothers may neglect or even harm their litters. A confused first-time Shih Tzu mother might accidentally smother a puppy while attending to others. Complications during whelping can be life-threatening for the mother, and puppies can be born stillborn or with congenital defects requiring humane euthanasia. Hare lips and cleft palates, not uncommon in Shih Tzus, can prevent puppies from nursing, leading to starvation if euthanasia is not chosen. While joy is possible, if you are unable to cope with the potential for tragedy, breeding is not for you.
The Immense Time Commitment
Raising a litter of quality dogs demands an extraordinary amount of time and dedication. Veteran breeders estimate spending well over 130 hours of labor per litter. This translates to more than two hours of hands-on care per day, every single day. The mother dog requires constant supervision during whelping and for the initial days afterward. Be prepared for missed workdays and sleepless nights. Post-delivery, both the mother and puppies need consistent care, including feeding, daily health checks, weighing, and socialization. Significant time is also dedicated to cleaning the whelping area, grooming, basic training, and extensive paperwork, including pedigree research and buyer interviews. If any complications arise, such as sick puppies or a mother unable to care for her litter, the time commitment can easily double. Young Shih Tzu puppies may require hand-feeding every two hours around the clock if they are not receiving adequate nutrition from their mother. Without this time commitment, you risk having deceased puppies or those with poor temperaments, behavioral issues, poor hygiene, and chronic illnesses – hardly desirable traits for potential buyers.
Profound Humane Responsibilities
The sobering reality is that millions of unwanted dogs are euthanized in shelters each year, with countless others succumbing to starvation, disease, abuse, or accidents. Tragically, a significant portion of these victims are purebred dogs. Breeders bear the ultimate responsibility for the lives they bring into the world. This responsibility extends to meticulously screening potential buyers to ensure puppies are placed in loving, permanent homes. It means ensuring puppies will not be neglected, chained in yards, confined in unsanitary conditions in puppy mills, or left to roam streets. Will you refuse a sale to an irresponsible individual? Will you consider the long-term consequences of your puppies contributing to future generations of unwanted dogs? Are you prepared to take back a grown dog if its owners can no longer care for it? The ethical breeder must be able to live with the knowledge that they have done everything possible to ensure a good life for the animals they have brought into existence.
Considerations for Male Dog Owners
Owners of male dogs also share significant responsibilities. It is imperative to only allow your male to sire litters with dogs of good quality that have been tested for hereditary health problems. Reputable owners of quality females will only seek out males that have proven their quality, often through success in the show ring. To combat pet overpopulation, it is your duty to thoroughly vet any potential owners of females who approach you. Ensure the female is of good quality and that her owners are responsible and knowledgeable. Furthermore, be aware that once a male dog is bred, he may exhibit increased territoriality and marking behaviors within your home.
A Call for Responsible Decision-Making
This article has adapted insights from Bonnie Wilcox, DVM, originally published in the ASTC Bulletin, to underscore the critical considerations before breeding your Shih Tzu. We urge you to carefully contemplate all these points. If you seek an evaluation of your Shih Tzu’s quality, the ASTC Breeder Referral Service can help you find a knowledgeable member in your area. The official breed standard, which outlines the ideal Shih Tzu and should be your breeding objective, is also available on the ASTC website.
References:
- Wilcox, B. (n.d.). [Adapted from article on Shih Tzu breeding]. American Shih Tzu Club Bulletin.
- American Shih Tzu Club. (n.d.). Breed Standard. Retrieved from [link to breed standard]
- American Shih Tzu Club. (n.d.). Breeder Referral Service. Retrieved from [link to breeder referral service]
