Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale in Montana
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The Shih Tzu is a popular dog breed that is known for being friendly, playful, and intelligent. They are also known for their long hair which needs to be groomed regularly. If you are looking for a Shih Tzu breeder in Montana, there are a few things to think about before you make your final decision.
The first thing you want to do is research the breed and become familiar with what they are like. Once that is done, continue on by checking out the breeders in your area.
One Thing You Need To Ask Your Dog Breeder
Shih Tzu Breeders List in Montana
| Breeder | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor’s Puppy Tails | Whitewater, MT | 406-654-4483 | Website |
| Big Sky Shih Tzu | Scobey, MT | 605-380-5080 | Website |
| Sapphire Shih Tzu | Kalispell, MT | 406-270-5382 | Website |
| PuppySpot | MT | 877-498-4704 | Website |
Shih Tzu Breeder Details in Montana
Taylor’s Puppy Tails
Whitewater, MT
Call: 406-654-4483
http://taylorspuppytails.com/
Big Sky Shih Tzu
Scobey, MT
Call: 605-380-5080
http://www.bigskyshihtzu.com/
Sapphire Shih Tzu
Kalispell, MT
Call: 406-270-5382
http://www.sapphireshihtzu.com/
PuppySpot
MT
Call: 877-498-4704
https://www.puppyspot.com/
Alternative Places to Purchase a Shih Tzu Puppy
Shih Tzu Breeders in Neighboring States
- Shih Tzu Breeders in California
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Colorado
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Idaho
- Shih Tzu Breeders in Minnesota
For the complete list please see our Shih Tzu Reference Links page.
What is The Average Price for A Shih Tzu Puppy in Montana?
The average price for a Shih Tzu puppy in Montana ranges from $500 to $1,000. However, the price of a Shih Tzu can vary depending on the breeder’s location, the age of the puppy, and the quality of the dog.
How to Find A Responsible Shih Tzu Breeder in Montana
When looking for a Shih Tzu breeder in Montana, it is important to find a reputable breeder who is registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC is an organization that regulates dog breeders and sets standards for breeding practices.
A good way to find an AKC-registered breeder is to search online or ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. It is also important to visit the breeder’s facility and meet the puppies and their parents before making a purchase.
What to Look for in A Shih Tzu Puppy
When purchasing a Shih Tzu puppy, there are several things you should look for:
- A healthy puppy with bright eyes and no mucus discharge
- Strong bones and good muscle tone
- A coat that is glossy, full, and without mats or tangles
- No parasites or evidence of fleas or ticks
- Clear hips and elbows (for dogs who will be bred)
Visit Your Shih Tzu Breeder in Montana in Person
It is important to visit your Shih Tzu breeder in person, even if you find one online. You will want to see the conditions the puppies are being raised in and meet the parents of the puppies you are considering buying.
Ask questions and be sure to get answers that make sense;
- How many Shih Tzu puppies have they bred and sold in the past year? (A responsible breeder will only breed a few litters each year to ensure quality.)
- Do they have any health guarantees for their puppies?
- What tests have been performed on the parents of the puppies? ( reputable breeders will screen for genetic conditions )
- What do they feed their puppies and what is the diet of the parents? ( A good breeder will provide a high-quality diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and grain-free kibble.)
- What vaccinations do the puppies have? (A good breeder will follow an established vaccination program for their puppies to protect them from illness.)
- Do they require that you spay or neuter your Shih Tzu puppy before she goes home with you? ( Responsible breeders want to reduce the number of unwanted pets, so most will require this ).
Questions to Ask
Ask for References from Your Shih Tzu Breeder in Montana
After you have made your decision to check out a breeder, try to contact some of their past customers that they provided as references. Ask those customers about their experience with the breeder and if they would recommend them to others looking for a Shih Tzu puppy.
Choosing your new pet is an important decision; make sure you take your time and consider all of your options before you decide on a breeder or decide not to buy from one. Once you make up your mind, remember to always ask questions and be active in your search for a good breeder. Your new companion will love you for it.
Does Your Montana Shih Tzu Breeder Have A Good Veterinarian They Use?
Good breeders stay in contact with their veterinarian and ensure that all of their puppies are seen for a checkup and receive vaccinations. They may even offer to contact your veterinarian on your behalf if you don’t have one yet.
What Should You Ask the Veterinarian?
- What is the recommended vaccination schedule for my new Shih Tzu puppy?
- Is there an alternative vaccination plan that I should request from my breeder?
- Should I spay or neuter my dog at any specific age, and what will the procedure entail? (There are many benefits to spaying/neutering your pup.)
- Do they recommend feeding my puppy a high-quality diet with fresh produce, meat, and grain-free kibble?
- How often should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy to ensure good health?
- What supplements should be given to my puppy to promote optimal growth and development? ( A good breeder will provide a high-quality diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and grain-free kibble.)
A responsible breeder knows the importance of good veterinary care for their puppies. They want you to find a veterinarian who is familiar with your breed of dog so they can offer you appropriate advice about vaccinations, spaying/neutering your pet, feeding your pup, etc. You want to feel confident that you are choosing the right breeder before buying any Shih Tzu puppy.
Look Out for The Signs of An Unethical Shih Tzu Dog Breeder in Montana
There are some telltale signs that a breeder may not be reputable. If they:
- Aren’t willing to answer your questions or provide references, they may be hiding something
- Breed puppies too often and don’t follow recommended breeding practices
- Don’t health test their breeding stock for genetic diseases
- Don’t vaccinate their puppies or only give them a minimal vaccine protocol
- Don’t feed their puppies a high-quality diet with fresh produce, meat, and grain-free kibble
- Sell their puppies before they’re 8 weeks old
These are all red flags that you should avoid this breeder. Puppy mills will often breed dogs as often as possible to make a profit, without regard for the health and welfare of the puppies. They also don’t typically follow recommended vaccination or feeding protocols. If you encounter a breeder like this, report them to your state’s Department of Agriculture.
It’s important to be an informed consumer when looking for a Shih Tzu puppy. By asking the right questions and doing your research, you can find a responsible breeder who will provide you with a healthy, well-socialized dog that will be a cherished member of your family for years to come.
Looking for a reputable Shih Tzu breeder in Montana can be difficult, but it’s worth it to find the perfect puppy for your family. Be sure to ask lots of questions and check out the breeder’s references before making a decision.
Ask The Breeder if Your Shih Tzu Puppy Has Any Health Problems
There are some questions that you should ask the breeder about their business and the health of their puppies.
- Do you offer a guarantee for your puppies, and what does it cover? (Your breeder should offer a health guarantee that covers congenital defects as well as hip dysplasia.)
- How long have you been breeding Shih Tzus?
- What is your experience with the breed?
- Where do you get your dogs from and why did you choose to work with this breeder?
The more reputable breeders will be able to speak at length about their experiences with the breed. They may have bred Shih Tzus in the past or have had them all of their lives. If they say that they are just getting into the breed, proceed with caution. Make sure to ask lots of questions about the health of their puppies and the practices they use in their breeding program.
Be sure to ask the breeder if your puppy has been health tested for genetic diseases. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in the breed, so you’ll want to make sure that your puppy’s parents have been tested. Other conditions that can be screened for include:
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation
- Congenital heart defects
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
The breeder should also have a vaccine protocol in place and ensure that all of their puppies are vaccinated before they are sold.
Ask Your Shih Tzu Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers
One of the best ways to gauge a breeder’s ethics is to speak to past customers. If the breeder is reputable, they will be happy to put you in touch with people who have purchased puppies from them in the past.
Ask these families about their experience with the breeder and the puppy they bought. Did the puppy come with a health guarantee? Was the puppy well-socialized? Was the breeder knowledgeable about the breed?
If you can’t find any past customers, ask the breeder if they would be willing to provide references. A good breeder will have no problem giving you names and numbers of people who have purchased puppies from them in the past.
Avoid Breeders Who Sell Puppies Before They’re 8 Weeks Old
It’s important to remember that puppies need to stay with their mothers until they are at least 8 weeks old. During this time, your puppy will learn many valuable lessons from its mother and the rest of the litter.
How to Prepare Your Home for Your Shih Tzu Puppy
When you get your new Shih Tzu puppy, be sure to prepare your home for their arrival. You’ll need to have a safe place for the puppy to sleep, food and water bowls, and toys.
You’ll also want to puppy-proof your home by putting away any poisonous plants or chemicals and making sure that all electrical cords are out of reach. You also need to make sure to put away any cleaning products, as these can be harmful to puppies.
It’s important to remember that Shih Tzus are indoor dogs and should never be left outside unattended. They are prone to getting cold and can suffer from heatstroke if left outside in hot weather.
Do You Need to Spay Or Neuter Your Shih Tzu?
You should always spay or neuter your dog as early as possible, preferably before they reach puberty. When you do so, you reduce the risk of certain health problems and can help them live a longer life.
It’s important to note that not all breeders are responsible about spaying and neutering their dogs. If you purchase a male puppy from a breeder, ask if he has been neutered already. This is especially important if you have female dogs at home that may come into heat.
If the breeder doesn’t know how old the pup was when he was neutered, consider purchasing a puppy from a different breeder.
Unscrupulous breeders will often neglect to have their puppies spayed or neutered, so they can produce more litters. This practice is harmful to the animals and can increase the risk of certain health problems later in life.
Potty Training Your New Shih Tzu Puppy
Shih Tzu puppies are easy to potty train. You can start housebreaking your new puppy by taking them outside regularly and rewarding them with a treat when they go to the bathroom in the right spot.
It’s important to be consistent with your training and to never leave your puppy unsupervised. Puppies typically have to go to the bathroom after they eat, drink, or play.
You can also buy potty training pads to place in an area of your home where you don’t want your puppy to have accidents. When the puppy goes to the bathroom on the pad, praise them and give them a treat.
In the end, Shih Tzu puppies are easy to train and with a little bit of patience, you can have a house-trained puppy in no time.
I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. That’s why I started ReadPlease. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter.