Dear Reader,
I've been Breeding Shih Tzu's since 1975. I wanted my dogs to have the best care I could give them, so I went to school to become a Veterinary Technician.
This Guide is for anyone who needs assistance like new breeders that want to sharpen skills necessary to become a better breeder and for any of you that just discovered your pet is pregnant and you want guidance. This guide on the web consists of over 20 years of breeding experience. Many of the older breeders know a lot of this information, but the new breeders need a hand. When I first started breeding, I had so many questions and not nearly enough support. I remember this feeling, I want to help new breeders so they can start out with. CONFIDENCE, GOOD INFORMATION, and SUPPORT.

In 1975, I was in a crippling motorcycle accident. For more than a year I lived on my couch in a partial body cast. When all was said and done, I only lost one leg. My parents, who worried about my sanity, decided I needed a dog to occupy my time. What made them decide on a Shih Tzu I'll never know, but one afternoon they surprised me with Kimmie Sue. The puppy was purchased from Jane Seng, President of The Detroit Shih Tzu Club and the recognized guru of the modern Imperial line. Jane and I would develop a deep friendship that has lasted over 20 years!
Kimmie Sue indeed brought me great happiness and company. As time went on though she seemed to prefer my Father's company. No couch potato she, Kimmie Sue needed the extra exercise and play that he could give her. At this point I realized that what I needed was a dog that chose me, not vise-versa.
The decision was made that I breed Kimmie Sue and keep whichever puppy chose me! With my Mother's help I got into a wheelchair and took Kimmie Sue back to Jane Seng to be bred.
I knew then that I would always want a lot of animals around me -- animals that I could love and care for and in return be loved and entertained.
Kimmie Sue had four pups and it was a wonderful and moving experience to see it happen. I felt privileged to be there. I personally wanted to keep a darling little female I named Gunsmoke, but a pesky little male named Horse had other ideas! Horse continuously broke free from his confines to be with me. I suppose I need not tell you who did not get sold. Horse, who passed away a few years ago, was the most devoted and loving dog I ever called mine.
That's how it all began - one little puppy to "cheer me up". I have bred several different breeds of dogs and cats, English Bulldogs, Beagles, Standard Poodles, Himalayan and Persian cats just to name a few, but my true love has always been the Shih Tzu.
Sincerely
Debbie Jensen
PS if you want to know why I breed this picture of a puppy may help me express how I feel about puppies.
I feel I was born to do what I do. I can't imagine doing anything else.
I love my life and my dogs. I also believe I know the meaning to life.
To me the meaning of life is to make a difference.

Some reasons not to become a breeder


I feel a need to share with you some of the downside to breeding. Not because I think you shouldn't, but because I want you to think twice before making what could be a very bad decision. If, after you read this, you are still insistent on breeding, I will do my best to help you become an informed and conscientious breeder.
ONLY BREED IN AN ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE THE LINE
Please do not confuse this, Improving a line doesnt always mean following the crowd. Its ok to be different. If all breeders viewed improvements in the same ways than we would not have all the breeds of dogs in the world today
You should not expect to receive much in the way of help or information from fellow breeders as they typically won't support "back yard breeding". Oftentimes the resultant puppies are sold below the current rate. True breeders work very hard; expending a lot of money, time and knowledge in developing their lines and it is not fair to all concerned that they be "undercut".
Make certain you will be able to find loving homes for the puppies. veterinarian and shelters are already overcrowded with unwanted animals. Indiscriminate breeding is one of the major concerns of professionals; vets and breeders alike. Please be conscientious!

MOST BREEDERS DO NOT SURVIVE 5 YEARS -- WHY?
1) When puppies are due you will suddenly find yourself house/kennel-bound. That may mean missing work, parties, weddings, eating out, anything that takes you away from the soon-to-be mother. As a breeder, it is your responsibility to be available to assist, reassure and if necessary, take over for your bitch. Any number of things can go wrong during a delivery, much like a human delivery, only multiplied. Just so you will have some idea from where I speak, consider the following. A large puppy could get stuck and result in the death of the mother from shear exhaustion (she won't give up). Another scenario could be that, not being able to pass the pup, the mother panics and drags her half born baby until it dies. Then there is always the chance that the mother will not bite open the sac in time and the poor thing smothers to death, or worse yet, lives.
2) The majority of breeders eventually wind up divorced, or at least have separate sleeping quarters. Just like human babies, puppies have no concept of time and are born all hours of the night and day. As you will be up watching and listening to her howl, dig, grunt, cry and whimper you will need a room of your own. Unless your mate is also your partner in the business, he may grow to resent the time you cannot be with him.

WRONG REASONS TO BREED
1) "I want my children to experience the joy of birth." What will you say to them when you have to put down a pup with cleft palate that is not operable or will not close on its own, or one that is born with its stomach outside his belly (expect to see this eventually). What will you do with a deformed puppy? Some puppies get colic and scream constantly for days. Will you hold them, rub them, and do whatever you can to relieve their pain? Occasionally a bitch's milk dries up and you will have to tube-feed the puppy -- not a fun job! Children have their whole lives for experiences, let them grow up first!
2) "I want some extra money". Forget it!! Once you take into account the cost of vet visits, shots and worm medications, high protein food for the mother, stud service, advertising, high utility bills (pups have to be kept warm), a pen for pups during weaning (do I really need to go on?) you may be lucky enough to go out to dinner and a movie!
3) "Puppies are soooooo cute". Yes they are! I have seen hundreds of cute puppies at pounds and shelters. Once again, I must caution you to stop and think before you do something rash.
So much for my soapbox lecture. If the above hasn't deterred you and you seek assistance or information just give me a call.

And Please remember someday a new breeder may seek your help.
Don't turn your back on them, by doing so your contributing to back Yard breeding.
Help anyone that needs your help.
Because breeding is not about money or a the status symbol of ribbions and trophys, its about Life, Its about our dogs..
Debbie Jensen