Shih Tzus are undeniably one of the cutest and sweetest dog breeds out there. Their tiny size, adorable smiles, and fantastically soft fur are just a few reasons that dog lovers adore the Shih Tzu. It's hard to see someone walking one of these dogs and not want one yourself. In fact, you may even be reading this because you've been considering adding one of these adorable pups to your household. If you've been thinking about purchasing a Shih Tzu, you may have wondered about where you should purchase your dog. You may have heard negative things about purchasing from breeders, but when chosen responsibly, a breeder can provide you with your longtime furry friend.

To help you make your decision, consider why you should purhcase your Shiz Tzu from a responsible breeder, and what to look for in a reputable breeder.

1. They have more predictable results

Sure, that puppy at the pet store is cute now, but what if it gets older and you discover that it's much larger than you expected or even looks like a different breed because it's mixed? By purchasing from a reputable breeder, you can pretty much guarantee that you're getting a purebred dog. You can get an idea of how your pet will look when grown if the parents are on site, too. You will have more of an idea of how large your dog will get and how it will look when you know more about its past history.

2. They care

Backyard breeders breed puppies for profits and should be avoided at all costs. However, reputable breeders love their dogs and their puppies. You can almost guarantee that these loving breeders treat the parents and the puppies like gold, so you won't have to worry about a past history of abuse that could lead to health or behavioral problems in your new pet. You'll even find that the most reputable breeders go through an extensive screening process to find only the best pet parents. You may even be required to sign a contract that states you will not get rid of the dog once you've purchased it, preventing more Shih Tzus from ending up in rescues and shelters.

3. They know when to sell

A responsible breeder knows when to sell a puppy. Weaning a puppy too soon can result in behavioral problems, health issues, or even death! A good breeder will wait until the pup is old enough to be weaned so it can easily adjust with the environment and to the people around them. You may want your puppy now, but it's best to wait until the pup is mature enough so it will be ready to leave its parents, learn its training, and love you as its new parent.

4. They know how to produce healthy pups

Reputable and responsible breeders don't overbreed their dogs, don't attempt to produce puppies that are smaller or different from breed standards, and do everything they can to keep mother and pups happy and healthy. It is very rare that you will have to worry about physical deformities or health problems with puppies that have been bred responsibly.

5. They will give you great advice

Responsible breeders know about the breed in general, as well as the specifics about their own pups, including personality traits in the parents, potential health issues, and other important information.

If you are planning to get your own Shih Tzu, a responsible breeder is a great choice. By choosing a responsible breeder, you'll increase your odds of receiving a puppy that is happy, healthy, and will bring years of love, laughter, and memories to your home.

5 Reasons To Buy a Purebred from a Responsible Breeder

4. They know how to produce healthy pups