Breeding Shih Tzus: A Comprehensive Guide to Responsible Breeding
Breeding Shih Tzus can be a rewarding experience, but it’s a serious undertaking that requires careful planning, dedication, and a strong commitment to the health and well-being of both the mother and the puppies. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from selecting suitable breeding pairs to caring for the newborn pups. Remember, responsible breeding is paramount, and profit should never be the primary motivator. Prioritizing the health and temperament of your Shih Tzus is crucial.
## Is Breeding Shih Tzus Right for You?
Before embarking on this journey, honestly assess your capabilities and resources. Breeding is not a get-rich-quick scheme. In fact, it often involves significant financial investment and a substantial time commitment. Consider the following:
* **Financial Resources:** Can you afford pre-breeding health screenings, stud fees (if using an outside male), prenatal care, potential complications like a C-section, puppy food, vaccinations, and unexpected veterinary bills?
* **Time Commitment:** Caring for a pregnant dog and a litter of puppies requires round-the-clock attention, especially during the first few weeks. Are you prepared to dedicate the necessary time?
* **Knowledge and Experience:** Do you have a good understanding of canine genetics, reproductive health, and puppy care? Have you researched the Shih Tzu breed extensively, including potential health issues? If not, consider taking courses or consulting with an experienced breeder.
* **Ethical Considerations:** Are you committed to finding loving and responsible homes for each puppy? Will you be diligent in screening potential buyers and providing ongoing support?
* **Emotional Readiness:** Are you prepared for the emotional toll of potential complications, such as stillbirths or puppy deaths?
If you cannot answer “yes” to all of these questions, breeding Shih Tzus may not be the right choice for you. Consider other ways to contribute to the breed, such as volunteering at a Shih Tzu rescue organization.
## Step 1: Selecting the Breeding Pair
The foundation of responsible breeding lies in selecting healthy, well-tempered dogs. This involves thorough health testing and a careful assessment of temperament and conformation.
### Health Testing
Shih Tzus are prone to certain genetic health conditions. Before breeding, both the male and female should undergo the following health screenings:
* **Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) testing:** PRA is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. Genetic testing can determine if a dog is a carrier of the gene. Optigen offers testing for several forms of PRA that affect Shih Tzus.
* **Hip Dysplasia Evaluation:** Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain. A hip evaluation, such as an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) evaluation, is recommended.
* **Patellar Luxation Evaluation:** Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap dislocates. A veterinary examination can assess the stability of the patella.
* **Cardiac Evaluation:** Shih Tzus can be prone to heart conditions like mitral valve disease. A cardiac evaluation by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist is recommended.
* **Eye Examination by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist:** A thorough eye examination can detect other potential eye problems.
Ideally, both the sire and dam should have good results for these tests. Avoid breeding dogs with known genetic health problems.
### Temperament Assessment
Temperament is just as important as physical health. A good Shih Tzu should be friendly, outgoing, and well-adjusted. Avoid breeding dogs that are excessively shy, aggressive, or anxious. Observe the dog’s behavior in various situations, such as around strangers, children, and other dogs. A good temperament will greatly enhance the puppies’ chances of becoming well-adjusted family pets.
### Conformation
Conformation refers to the dog’s physical structure and how well it conforms to the breed standard. While conformation is important for show dogs, it’s also relevant for breeding pets. Avoid breeding dogs with significant physical faults, such as a severely undershot jaw, breathing problems, or skeletal deformities. Choose dogs that are good examples of the breed.
### Age Considerations
The female Shih Tzu should be at least two years old before her first litter. This ensures that she is physically and emotionally mature enough to handle pregnancy and motherhood. It’s also best to avoid breeding females after the age of six or seven, as the risks of complications increase with age. Males can typically breed until they are older, but it’s still important to consider their overall health and vitality.
## Step 2: Preparing for Breeding
Once you’ve selected a suitable breeding pair, it’s time to prepare them for breeding. This involves optimizing their health and nutrition, and carefully monitoring the female’s heat cycle.
### Optimizing Health and Nutrition
Both the male and female should be in optimal health before breeding. This includes:
* **Regular Veterinary Checkups:** Ensure that both dogs are up-to-date on their vaccinations and deworming.
* **High-Quality Diet:** Feed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age and activity level. Consider a diet specifically formulated for breeding dogs, as these often contain higher levels of nutrients that support reproductive health.
* **Exercise:** Ensure that both dogs get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone. However, avoid strenuous exercise for the female during the later stages of pregnancy.
* **Weight Management:** Maintain a healthy weight for both dogs. Obesity can negatively impact fertility and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Underweight dogs may also have difficulty conceiving.
### Monitoring the Heat Cycle
Female dogs typically have a heat cycle (estrus) every six to twelve months. The heat cycle lasts for about three weeks and is divided into several stages:
* **Proestrus:** This is the beginning of the heat cycle. The vulva will become swollen, and there will be a bloody discharge. The female will attract male dogs but will not be receptive to mating. This stage typically lasts for 7-10 days.
* **Estrus:** This is the fertile period. The vaginal discharge will become lighter in color (straw-colored or pinkish), and the female will become receptive to mating. This stage typically lasts for 5-9 days.
* **Diestrus:** This is the period after ovulation. The female is no longer receptive to mating, and the vaginal discharge will gradually disappear. This stage lasts for about 60 days if the female is not pregnant, or until whelping if she is pregnant.
* **Anestrus:** This is the period of reproductive inactivity between heat cycles. This stage lasts for several months.
To determine the optimal time for breeding, you’ll need to carefully monitor the female’s heat cycle. This can be done by observing her behavior, checking her vaginal discharge, and using a vaginal cytology test or progesterone testing.
#### Vaginal Cytology
A vaginal cytology test involves collecting a sample of cells from the vagina and examining them under a microscope. The cells change in appearance throughout the heat cycle, and a veterinarian can use this information to determine when the female is most fertile.
#### Progesterone Testing
Progesterone testing is a blood test that measures the level of progesterone in the female’s blood. Progesterone levels rise sharply just before ovulation, and this test can accurately pinpoint the optimal time for breeding.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best method for monitoring your female’s heat cycle.
## Step 3: Breeding the Shih Tzus
Once you’ve determined that the female is in the estrus stage, you can proceed with breeding. There are two main methods of breeding: natural breeding and artificial insemination.
### Natural Breeding
Natural breeding involves allowing the male and female to mate naturally. This is the most common method of breeding Shih Tzus. To ensure a successful mating, follow these steps:
1. **Introduce the dogs:** Introduce the male and female in a safe and neutral environment. Allow them to get to know each other before attempting to breed.
2. **Supervise the mating:** Closely supervise the mating process to ensure that both dogs are safe and comfortable. Some females may be nervous or aggressive during mating, so it’s important to be present to intervene if necessary.
3. **Allow the tie:** Once the male has successfully penetrated the female, they will typically tie together. This is a normal part of the mating process and can last for 15-30 minutes. Do not attempt to separate the dogs during the tie, as this can cause injury.
4. **Repeat the mating:** It’s recommended to repeat the mating every other day for two to three days to increase the chances of conception.
### Artificial Insemination (AI)
Artificial insemination involves collecting semen from the male and artificially inserting it into the female’s vagina or uterus. This method is often used when the male and female are geographically separated or when natural breeding is not possible due to physical limitations or temperament issues. AI must be performed by a veterinarian or a qualified reproductive specialist.
There are three main types of AI:
* **Vaginal Insemination:** Semen is deposited into the vagina.
* **Transcervical Insemination (TCI):** Semen is deposited into the uterus using an endoscope to pass through the cervix.
* **Surgical Insemination:** Semen is surgically implanted directly into the uterus. This is the most invasive method but often results in higher conception rates.
## Step 4: Confirming Pregnancy
After breeding, it’s important to confirm that the female is pregnant. This can be done through several methods:
* **Palpation:** A veterinarian can often palpate the abdomen to feel for the puppies around 28 days after breeding.
* **Ultrasound:** An ultrasound can detect pregnancy as early as 21 days after breeding. This is a non-invasive method that provides a visual image of the puppies.
* **Relaxin Blood Test:** A relaxin blood test can detect the presence of relaxin, a hormone produced during pregnancy. This test is typically accurate after 25-30 days of gestation.
## Step 5: Prenatal Care
Once pregnancy is confirmed, it’s crucial to provide proper prenatal care to ensure the health of the mother and the developing puppies. This includes:
* **Nutrition:** Gradually increase the female’s food intake to meet the nutritional demands of pregnancy. Switch to a high-quality puppy food around week 5 of gestation, as it contains higher levels of protein and calcium.
* **Exercise:** Continue to provide moderate exercise, but avoid strenuous activity. Short walks are generally safe.
* **Veterinary Care:** Schedule regular veterinary checkups to monitor the pregnancy and address any potential complications.
* **Whelping Box:** Prepare a whelping box in a quiet and warm location. The whelping box should be large enough for the female to comfortably lie down and move around, and it should have sides high enough to prevent the puppies from escaping. Line the box with clean bedding, such as blankets or towels. Introduce your Shih Tzu to the whelping box early, so she can get used to it before she whelps.
* **Deworming:** Work with your veterinarian on a deworming schedule appropriate for pregnant dogs. This will help protect both the mother and the puppies from parasites.
## Step 6: Whelping (Labor and Delivery)
Whelping is the process of giving birth. It’s important to be prepared for whelping and to know what to expect.
### Signs of Impending Labor
Several signs indicate that labor is approaching:
* **Loss of Appetite:** The female may lose her appetite 12-24 hours before labor begins.
* **Nesting Behavior:** The female may become restless and start nesting in her whelping box.
* **Temperature Drop:** The female’s body temperature will typically drop below 100°F (37.8°C) 12-24 hours before labor. You will need to take her temperature rectally twice a day during the last week of pregnancy.
* **Clear Vaginal Discharge:** A clear, mucus-like discharge may be observed.
### Stages of Labor
Labor is divided into three stages:
* **Stage 1:** This stage involves uterine contractions and cervical dilation. The female may be restless, panting, and pacing. This stage can last from 12 to 24 hours.
* **Stage 2:** This stage involves the delivery of the puppies. The female will strain and push with each contraction. Each puppy is typically delivered within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
* **Stage 3:** This stage involves the expulsion of the placenta. The placenta is usually expelled shortly after each puppy is born. Ensure that all placentas are expelled; retained placentas can lead to infection.
### Assisting with Whelping
While most Shih Tzus can whelp without assistance, it’s important to be prepared to intervene if necessary. Keep the phone number of your veterinarian readily available in case of emergencies.
* **Breaking the Amniotic Sac:** If the puppy is born within the amniotic sac, gently tear the sac open to allow the puppy to breathe.
* **Clearing the Airways:** Use a bulb syringe to gently suction mucus from the puppy’s nose and mouth.
* **Stimulating Breathing:** Rub the puppy vigorously with a clean towel to stimulate breathing.
* **Cutting the Umbilical Cord:** If the mother doesn’t sever the umbilical cord, you can do it yourself. Tie off the cord with dental floss about an inch from the puppy’s abdomen, and then cut the cord with clean scissors on the far side of the tie.
* **Allowing the Puppy to Nurse:** Encourage the puppy to nurse as soon as possible. Colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother, is rich in antibodies that provide essential immunity to the puppy.
### When to Seek Veterinary Assistance
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following:
* **Strong Contractions for More Than 30 Minutes Without Producing a Puppy**
* **More Than 2 Hours Between Puppies**
* **Green or Bloody Vaginal Discharge Before the First Puppy**
* **Signs of Distress in the Mother, Such as Excessive Panting, Weakness, or Collapse**
* **Retained Placenta**
## Step 7: Puppy Care
Caring for newborn Shih Tzu puppies is a demanding but rewarding task. The first few weeks are crucial for their survival and development.
### Maintaining a Warm Environment
Newborn puppies cannot regulate their own body temperature and are susceptible to hypothermia. Keep the whelping box warm and draft-free. A heat lamp or heating pad can be used to provide supplemental heat. Maintain a temperature of 85-90°F (29-32°C) during the first week, gradually decreasing it to 80°F (27°C) by the end of the first month.
### Ensuring Adequate Nutrition
Newborn puppies need to nurse frequently to get adequate nutrition. They should nurse every 2-3 hours during the first few weeks. Ensure that all puppies are getting access to the mother’s milk. If a puppy is not nursing well, you may need to supplement with a commercial puppy milk replacer.
### Monitoring Weight Gain
Weigh the puppies daily to monitor their weight gain. Puppies should gain weight steadily each day. A lack of weight gain can indicate a health problem.
### Hygiene
Keep the whelping box clean and dry to prevent infections. Change the bedding frequently. The mother will typically stimulate the puppies to urinate and defecate by licking their abdomens. If she is not doing this, you can gently stimulate them yourself with a damp cloth.
### Socialization
Early socialization is important for puppies to develop into well-adjusted adults. Handle the puppies gently and frequently from a young age. Expose them to different sights, sounds, and smells. Once they are vaccinated, you can start to introduce them to other people and dogs in a safe and controlled environment.
### Weaning
Weaning typically begins around 3-4 weeks of age. Gradually introduce the puppies to solid food by mixing puppy food with water or milk replacer to create a gruel. As they get older, gradually reduce the amount of liquid until they are eating solid food.
### Vaccinations and Deworming
Puppies should receive their first vaccinations and deworming treatments around 6-8 weeks of age. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for a vaccination and deworming schedule.
## Step 8: Finding Homes for the Puppies
Finding responsible and loving homes for your puppies is a crucial part of responsible breeding. Be selective in choosing potential buyers and be prepared to screen them thoroughly. Consider the following:
* **Application Process:** Have potential buyers fill out an application that includes questions about their experience with dogs, their lifestyle, and their plans for the puppy.
* **Interviews:** Conduct interviews with potential buyers to get to know them better and assess their suitability as pet owners.
* **Home Visits:** If possible, conduct home visits to ensure that the environment is safe and suitable for a puppy.
* **References:** Ask for references from previous pet owners or veterinarians.
* **Contract:** Have buyers sign a contract that outlines your expectations for the care of the puppy. Include a clause that requires the buyer to return the puppy to you if they are unable to care for it at any time.
* **Health Records:** Provide buyers with complete health records for the puppy, including vaccination and deworming information.
* **Ongoing Support:** Offer ongoing support to the buyers and be available to answer any questions they may have.
## Ethical Considerations
Breeding Shih Tzus is a serious responsibility, and it’s important to consider the ethical implications of your actions. Here are some ethical considerations to keep in mind:
* **Overpopulation:** Be aware of the problem of pet overpopulation and avoid contributing to it by breeding indiscriminately.
* **Genetic Health:** Prioritize the health and well-being of your dogs and avoid breeding dogs with known genetic health problems.
* **Puppy Mills:** Avoid supporting puppy mills or other unethical breeding practices.
* **Responsible Placement:** Find responsible and loving homes for your puppies and be prepared to screen potential buyers thoroughly.
* **Spay/Neuter:** Encourage buyers to spay or neuter their puppies to prevent unwanted litters.
## Conclusion
Breeding Shih Tzus can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide and prioritizing the health and well-being of your dogs, you can contribute to the betterment of the breed and help bring joy to many families. Remember that responsible breeding is not about profit; it’s about preserving the integrity and health of the Shih Tzu breed. If you are not fully prepared to commit the time, effort, and resources required for responsible breeding, it’s best to consider other ways to contribute to the breed, such as volunteering at a rescue organization or supporting ethical breeders.