Is anyone able to help please, I am trying to find a good responsible breeder who would have a shih tzu puppy (bitch preferably, colour doesnt really matter) ready to leave mum around Christmas time. I am willing to pay a good price for a good puppy. I live in Cheshire but would travel to surrounding counties, Lancashire, Staffs, Merseyside etc. I am able to offer a good home with a loving family. Hoping someone can assist, any help or advice would be appreciated.

Ronnie

If you want a responsible/reputable breeder of shih tzu's then you wont be able to get one for christmas as no responsible/reputable breeder would sell one for christmas. This is not the best time to introduce a puppy to your household. Best wait till the new year.

Ronnie
Bec is quite right, no responsible breeder of any breed will let a puppy go at Xmas, even if they had them ready to go!! You obviously want a well reared puppy, and want to go to a good breeder, so I'm sure it is just inocence to the general codes that these caring breeders have. I would take it the puppy would be meant as a Xmas present. If this is the case, and it is not to be a total suprize-by that I mean the person to whom the pup is intended is seriously looking for a puppy, and it is a long term wait, not a spur of the moment thing, then I would say if you contact breeders on this site, and the breed clubs, contact the kc for breeders, look in the magazines Dogs Monthly and Dogs Today, dog press Our Dogs and Dog World, the Pet Insurance comp. Pet Plan-who issue lists- you may find a breeder with or expecting puppies. What you need to do then is assure the breeder that you are genuine, followed up by a visit to their house, and it may well be that you could be provided with photos, or maybe even the promise of a puppy, to show the person who is to receive this gift. Then, after Xmas, you could all visit the breeder, and maybe then choose the puppy. This may be a way round the 'Xmas pressie' bit! But, I wouldn't count on it! make as many contacts as possible, avoiding anyone who is really happy to let you have a puppy at Xmas, it could well be that by Jan or Feb you could hear of a litter. After all, it is far better to introduce a puppy to its home after the decorations have been removed, the 'hype' has ended, the rich food has been binned (inc. Xmas curried Turkey) and life is normal again!
Hope all turns out well!

Thank you so much for replying to the enquiry. I understand the reasoning behind 'christmas' issue etc. However was hoping to find a suitable puppy as near after Xmas as poss. you are quite right when you say it would be a present and therefore ,I was hoping to perhaps present a photo of the puppy on Christmas Day.
Just to briefly explain that my children have wanted a dog for over 18 months now, and I have tried to ensure that they are aware of the responsibilty of owning a pet - during this time they have convinced me of their commitment - have borrowed books from library, and even during the summer they volunteered to look
after a relatives dog for couple of weeks (they did it so well, I dont think the dog wanted to return home !!) Due to their continued interest re a dog, I promised that I would strongly considered the possibility of a puppy next summer.... but of course, thought I would surprise them at Christmas. Thank you once again for your advice... some of which I had already put in motion contacting Kennel club etc. (waiting for the list of breeders to arrive) If anyone out there does have a litter due at the appropriate times (after Christmas, please bear me in mind)

Welcome to the Forum Ronnie :-)

Take a look at our Shih Tzu Information. Details include breeders and breed clubs. I am sure that someone there can recommend a breeder or litter to you.

Leigh

Thank you Leigh, I have already contacted one breeder who is kindly keeping my details on file. So hopefully, fingers crossed, 2002 will see our family with a new addition.