Saturday, February 5, 2011

Deciding How to Start Breeding

I am quite new at breeding but if any information changes or a correction I will correct it.

Once your decide you want to better the breed then how would you go about starting? First take a few months weeks or years if you have to, to memorize or learn the shih-tzu standard. Yes some breeders do not know the standard and just breed. This isn't the way at all. You breed to make the breed better and more closely to the standard. Once you have memorized or learn part of it keep learning it. Read as many books as you possibly can about shih-tzus or what ever breed you are interested in.

As a breeder its best to focus on one breed. Breeding 3 or 4 different breeds is a No No. You will have to focus your attention on them and their welfare. Breeds like the shih-tzu take great care. Brushing, combing, grooming etc. If you decide to breed more than one then good luck. Breeding more than one is challenging. I wouldn't if you breed 2 different breeds but breeding more than that is way too much. Gives a signal to puppy buyers who accually do research that you may be a puppy mill, very greedy about money, or a animal hoarder. I may self stay far away from breeders who breed 3 plus different type of dogs. 9 Times out of 10 The puppies they sell aren't in very good condition. In rare cases you will find breeders who actually do breed more than one and take care of all of their pups.

Once your decide on a breed now its time for your to find your male and female. If you find a male make sure that male has champions in his bloodline. Registration also matters too. No one wants a dog who isn't registered. Their are so many different types of registration. Most common here are AKC and CKC. AKC is the main one you will need to focus on more. They allow you to enter your dogs in competition. They also have a strict standard on every dog that is registered with them. CKC is very different. They will allow you to register any dog as long as you have proof that dog is what it is. I have even seen half breeds been registard with ckc. CkC also gives you alot of extras such as a ID for your pet, registering your pups isn't costly. Downside is no dog shows. Well their are dog shows but only in limited states and places. Most Dog Clubs will not accept a CKC dog. Which is a huge downside. I chose to do both AKC and CKC. Gives a huge variety.

Once you have gotten your dogs. Quickly go buy DNA tests before you even think of breeding. DNA is to make sure your pup is what it is. Some breeders can be very good lier. Sale your a pup that is mixed or has the wrong father. To make sure you as a owner of the dogs do not get in to any issues. Simply have all your males and females DNA tested.

When buying breeding stock for the first time. Its best to buy them as puppies. This why potty training will be easier along with other issues. You can also choose to buy them at older ages. This is also great since by then you can tell what the pup will look like at its adult age. With puppies you cannot tell what they will look like or how they will develop.

Once you have done all this all that is left is to net work. use twitter and find other breeders. Let them know who you are. Ask them as many questions as you can before breeding. Once your pups are 2 years go then the breeding can begin once you get a OK from your vet

Doggy Styles Pet Groomers In Birmingham ,Alabama

For A while I been on the hunt for fabulous dog groomer for my pups. I drove by and saw this groomer place called Doggy Styles. For months I been looking for places that sale groomer bands in Birmingham. So I went in and saw how her shop was. Everything was neat on shelves!! She had all kinds of stuff from pet treats to dog bowls, leashes and more. It was very clean and tidy. Best of all their was a wonderful book they kept of all the styles they have done to previous dogs.
Sounds good right? I talked to one of the groomers. She seemed very nice. Al tho I didn't like much how she was trying to tell me about the Pomeranian breed when she knows Zip about them. Other than that I didn't see much wrong with the place. One of the cleanest pet groomers I have seen so far. Only Downside is her prices are just like everyone else. Their is nothing unique about them at all. Soon as you tell them about your dog and try to tell them how you want them groom. They go on and on about wanting to sculpt your dog. She suggested I  sculpt my Pomeranian to look like a lion. No Thanks. So she showed me other different styles. I asked cant you just wash the dog with out going so crazy with the cutting. She said OK. But I don't Think she got what I was saying.  At the end this groomer is like every other groomer. If your dog has even 1 tangle they will shave them. But at least they tell you straight up. Wonderful place but Petco does a cheaper job unfortunately and do as good of a job if you can find ginger at the 150 petco.

I would advise anyone who is in to the pet sculpting or cut in to cute little styles to use these guys. They do some pretty unique styles but one thing is for sure. Pomeranian shouldn't be cut. She was so ready to cut her that she failed to even read about the Pomeranian breed, Let alone she feels diva is too small to be bred. EEEK wrong. Diva is 5 pounds. Standard size pom is around 7 to 8. And the grooming search is still on........

Doggy Styles
195 W Valley Ave
Birmingham, AL 35209
205-917- 3718

New Male for Studing!!

I been looking all over the place for a chocolate male shih-tzu. I finnally found him. I have named him LeVion After the chocolate Diamond store. He is just so drop dead beautiful. I been inspired to take show dog classes and place him in a show!!. He is one beautiful male shih-tzu. A wonderful bloodline of champions. I cant wait until he gets here. We will be using him also as a stud. For more information about LeVion see our website at www.ckdogbows.com
His breeder is www. cherokeeroseshihtzuc.ipage.com  Cherokee Rose Shih-tzus
Whigham, GA
Samantha Harrell --- She currently has his brother left!! His brother looks just like him. See her website for details.

Chocolate Kisses Boutique: Hand Banana Pet Bow

Chocolate Kisses Boutique: Hand Banana Pet Bow

Hand Banana Pet Bow

I made this bow when I bought a few fruit related buttons from Supplies From Me To You on Etsy. She has some really great buttons. She gave me a few oranges bananas and grapes. I couldn't think of what in the world to make with a banana. Then I thought about my boyfriends dog. LoL they named it hand banana. Not quiet sure what a handbanana is but I made and named a bow after him. LOL Aint It Cute.

 If you would like to purchase this bow click this link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/67498663/hand-banana-pet-bow

Puppies First Taste of Merrick

Today the puppies got their first taste of merrick puppy can food in a can. I saw that mom didn't want them to have much milk so I put a bowl down and all of them dug in. Was like a little mini puppy fight. It was so cute. After they was done food was all over their faces. LOL they looked like little monsters







Even mom wanted a piece of the action