Age and Longevity of your Shih Tzu
Purchasing a Shih Tzu? It’s no secret that smaller dogs live much longer than larger dogs, and the Shih Tzu is no exception to the rule. Shih Tzus are well-built, sturdy, and solid little dogs. Don’t let their size fool you.
With good nutrition and tender loving care, there’s no reason why your Shih Tzu couldn’t live for 15 years or more.
This is why it is essential to carefully choose your little companion because it is a long time commitment.
Get your papers in order before purchasing a Shih Tzu
Now that you’ve chosen your Shih Tzu, the next step is not to pull out the wallet or the checkbook. What you need to do is make sure that the puppy’s health records, pedigree, and registration papers are all legit.
The Shih Tzu that you’re about to buy should have a certificate that explains everything about his or her health. And it should state if it is alright to travel and leave its mother.
Also, this certificate should be signed by a veterinarian. The health certificate should also have detailed information about inoculations and any other medications that the puppy may have had administered to it.
The veterinarian that you plan to take your new pet will need all of this information to set up a preventative health care program for your new Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzu Pedigree: The difference between pedigree and registration
One of the best things about owning a purebred dog is the pride of ownership and the many activities that you and your new Shih Tzu can participate in.
Without those all-important registration papers, there is no proof of parentage or lineage.
Before purchasing a Shih Tzu, find out if the puppy is registered as well as the parents. Do not get the terms “official registration” and “pedigree” confused.
For instance, pedigree is not a physical document. It is a chart that has information about the puppy’s family tree and relatives.
However, it is not a guarantee of registration in the kennel club. On the other hand, registration is an official document issued by the kennel club, and it proves that your dog is purebred.
Shih Tzu Registration: The Different Forms you Will Need For Purchasing a Shih Tzu
Make sure that you get application papers from the breeder so that you can register the Shih Tzu puppy in your name.
When you finally come up with a name for your Shih Tzu. Please fill out the application form and mail it to the kennel club. Don’t forget to include the appropriate fees.
Within a month, you should finally receive a certificate of registration from the kennel club, and it will list you as the owner. However, if you’re purchasing a Shih Tzu in America, the breeder will administer you one of the following American Kennel Club forms:
(1) The registration application
This paper that is usually blue has information containing the breeder’s name, the litter birth date, names, and registration numbers of your Shih Tzus parents. And the litter registration number.
On this piece of paper, there are blank spaces to write the dog’s name, for the breeder to transfer ownership of the Shih Tzu, and for you to sign as the new owner of a beautiful dog.
In some cases, a breeder may demand that their kennel be a part of the dog’s name. In fact, some breeders name the puppies before they sell them.
As soon as you fill out the registration application, you will need to send it to the AKC. Do not forget to include the fee that’s listed on the application.
The next thing is to wait until you receive the paperwork listing you as the owner.
(2) The full registration
This paper has a purple border and lists important information such as the registered name of your Shih Tzu, birth date, color, and breed.
The owner, as well as the breeder, are also mentioned in this form. With this form of registration, you’re allowed to enter AKC competitions as well as events.
Also, you will have the opportunity to register the future offspring of your dog with the American Kennel Club, which will make purchasing a Shih Tzu well worth the price.
(3) The limited registration form
This form is similar to the full registration form. However, the main difference is that this form has an orange border.
This form provides the same information as the full registration certificate. Unfortunately, Shih Tzu puppies born from parents with limited registration are not allowed to be registered by the American Kennel Club.
The breeder is the only one that can change a dog’s status from limited to full registration. The owner cannot accomplish this feat.
A limited registration appears to be similar to neutering your Shih Tzu. The only difference is that this form of neutering is done on paper.
It is an attempt to discourage breeding that specific Shih Tzu by blocking any of its offspring’s registration.
Breeders have many reasons for not wanting a particular dog to be bred. For instance, all good breeders take the overpopulation of dogs seriously and do not want to contribute to the problem.
Another thing that could make a breeder not want the dog bred is to stop the spread of a genetic disorder in that dog to the next generation.
The breeder might also want to see how the dog matures before allowing it to get the privilege of full registration.
If you consider purchasing a Shih Tzu with limited registration, make sure that you understand what you are getting into by asking the breeder all of the appropriate questions.
