Enchanted Mountain Shih Tzu

What makes a responsible breeder and why do I breed.  

(In my opinion)

I may omit or add to this at times.  I learn something new every day that affects my views and opinions.  I love to learn and believe that you can never know everything there is to know about something.

There are many different reasons why someone becomes a breeder.  I personally became a breeder, just simply for the love of the breed.  I love doing it.  I love spoiling my babies.  I love all the challenges it brings.  I love being able to always improve on what I have.  Most of all I love the pride I get from producing beautiful quality little babies for someone else to spoil and love.  There are some out there that try and put down others for breeding other than show dogs or strict Club standard dogs.  I believe no matter who you are, you are breeding for your own  personal gain and your own personal reasons. Whether that be for show or not.  I listed my reasons above.  A Shih Tzu baby does not care if they are exactly 9 – 16 lbs, they do not care if they are in a show ring, he/she does not care if it has the longest most beautiful coat.  It doesn’t even care that it has a straight bite or an under bite or an overbite.   A dog only cares that it is healthy, happy, loved and well provided for. 

I respect the AKC and parent clubs and they put standards in place to maintain the overall appearance and integrity of the breed.  However I also believe that certain slight deviations from this standard do not necessarily hurt the look or the integrity of the breed either (I say this because I love the smaller Shih Tzu and know for a fact that they are just as healthy and happy and beautiful as a standard sized Shih Tzu).  My personal opinion is a Shih Tzu raised for the show ring is not allowed the freedom a dog should have.  I respect those that breed for show as I know for a fact they put a lot of time, money, training and effort into producing a top dog.  You can count on the dogs to have the “perfect look”.  I however believe that more emphasis is put on the look and not overall quality and quality of life for some show breeders (not all). Just because they have the perfect look does not mean they are perfectly healthy.  They have limited freedom as they have to grow their coats long and luxurious.  I think a show Shih Tzu is sometimes not allowed to be “a dog” and is generally confined more than other dogs.  That is why I personally do not breed for show.  I do not need a plaque or a trophy to know  that I have wonderful babies.  Again, I respect those that do, as it is very expensive, prestigious and rewarding at times, but it is just not the way I personally think a dog should live. 

The quality of a dog has nothing to do with the "perfect look".  Everybody's "perfect look" may be different as everyone has their personal opinion as to what make a dog "cute".  It makes me very sad and little put off when I read negative comments about the "imperial" shih tzu right on the American Shih Tzu club website and some strict AKC breeders sites.  For a couple of reasons #1 NO good responsible breeder should not be put down if they are doing it right and for the pure love of the dog.  Because in the end we all want the same thing and that is a beautiful puppy to be proud of. #2 It is clear to me by what is said about the smaller Shih Tzu's that they really don't understand them or have experience with them, because if they did they would know that a lot of what is said about them is simply not true.  I believe everyone's opinions should be respected.  I myself have been researching the smaller Shih Tzu (CID, Imperial) for a few years and feel like I can with confidence say that they are just as healthy or can be just as unhealthy as any standard sized Shih Tzu. 

This all being said I personally do believe that dogs should be kept pure bred and breeds should not be mixed and the only time a standard should be deviated from is if there is a particular goal in mind (but again this is my opinion).   Like myself those that breed for mixed breeds are still doing it for their own personal reasons and  I do respect that as long as they are responsible in doing so and is purely for love of the animal.

There are three main reasons I would ever say it is absolutely wrong to be a breeder.  Those that breed to make a living or for purely profit alone without a passion or love for the animal (i.e.: puppy mills) ,  those that are unknowledgeable about their dogs, their history and breeding in general (i.e.: “backyard breeder”) and those that breed for look alone without consideration as to the over all health or well being of the dog (ie: Show breeders that are only in it for the trophy without a true love for the animal).  There are many many very good responsible show breeders, but just because they breed for show does not make them a responsible breeder.  I myself am a hobby breeder.  I am your average middle class American.  No, I cannot afford to lose money constantly, but I am not in it for the money alone.  Would I be happy if it paid for a movie night for my family? Sure.  Even at the prices I ask, I could in no way shape or form live off of the income.  There is actually very little profit (and at times none), if you are raising your adult dogs and babies properly. If I included my time I would definitely say that I loose money.   I Love these little babies and want you to be able to love them also; this is my #1 reason for breeding .   

No matter your reason for breeding, breeders also have a huge responsibility to find their babies responsible, caring owners.  You can be the perfect breeder and raising your puppies in the most loving environment, but if you can not ensure those babies the same in a loving home then you should not be breeding. We owe that to the little sweet spirits that we work so hard to bring into this world.