Breeder-visit checklist — Shih Tzu
What to ask, see, and take with you
1. Identity and rearing
- Breeder's full name and address
- Whelping date and number of litters the dam has had in the past 24 months
- If a registry breeder: kennel name and litter registration number (VDH / FCI / specialty or other club) — not required as long as all health tests are documented
- EU pet transport rules: puppy must be at least 8 weeks old and dewormed/vaccinated before handover
2. Mandatory tests for both parents
For each test, ask to see the original certificate — date, vet, result.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNA-Identitätsnachweis Blutprobe (DNA-Profil) | Mikrochip-Kennzeichnung auf der linken Halsseite | ☐ | ☐ |
| Wesensbeurteilung Verhaltenstest | positive „Zuchttauglichkeitsbewertung“ | ☐ | ☐ |
3. Recommended tests
Relevant in addition depending on line or specialty club.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleft palate Physisch | CARRIER | ☐ | ☐ |
| Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) (BOAS) Physisch | CARRIER | ☐ | ☐ |
| Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) - "dry eye" (KCS) Augen | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (PRA) | Free of PRA (DOK/ECVO) | ☐ | ☐ |
| Cataract (HC) Augen | Free of hereditary cataract (DOK/ECVO) | ☐ | ☐ |
| Dermoid sinus (DS) Physisch | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Heart disease Physisch | NORMAL | ☐ | ☐ |
| Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) | A | ☐ | ☐ |
| Hydrocephalus Roentgen | A | ☐ | ☐ |
| Familial Nephropathy (JEB) Koerperfluessigkeiten | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
4. Husbandry and rearing
- Puppies raised with the family / in the home (not in a kennel)
- Socialization plan: which stimuli before handover? (children, car, vacuum, other dogs)
- Deworming and vaccination protocol (min. 2× deworming, 1× core vaccine before handover)
- EU pet passport and microchip present
- Written sales contract with take-back clause