Teacup shorkie puppies DO NOT EXIST! "Teacup shorkies" ,  a Term UNETHICAL Breeders will use to SCAM you. Learn the Truth and what you need to know to protect yourself online.

The words ONLY DESCRIBE THE RUNT OF THE LITTER

These terms often lead to puppy parents excitement as they feel like they have stumbled upon a UNIQUE or ONE OF a KIND Shorkie puppy.

 Please understand that these TERMS are often used by unethical breeders to create a market for dogs that do not conform to the Shorkie breed standard. THIS IS A SCAM!

As we develop the Shorkie lines further and further, we will be able to be more precise in our size range. Over the next several years, the SCA will be doing second and third generation breeding (Shorkie-to-Shorkie breeding), and this will make it possible to hone in more exactly on weights in the future.

It’s also worth mentioning that while some Shorkie puppies can be very small, the term “Teacup Shorkie” is not an accepted term within the Shorkie Club of America. Puppies intentionally bred to be sub-standard in size can be very unhealthy and often have untreatable health issues that lead to a much shorter lifespan. For these reasons, the SCA does not condone or support the intentional breeding of so-called “Teacup” Shorkies, and we never use this word to describe Shorkie sizes. [Note: Disreputable breeders will use the term “Teacup” to describe a Shorkie that has been bred to be smaller than standard size. Such breeders will say that typically a Shorkie puppy is two-and-a-half pounds, full grown – untrue and nothing more than a sales ploy!]
 

Shorkie Puppies are NOT PURSE PUPPIES! or POCKET PUPPIES! Please understand that they are a lap dog and usually weigh in the 7 to 12 lbs full grown.

Do not focus on size or color when looking for a new puppy as much as you should focus on HEALTH and TEMPERAMENT

 What Do Shorkies Require in the Way of Exercise?

It is important to give your Shorkie puppies proper exercise, though this is not a breed requiring heavy exercise. However, even though Shorkies require minimum exercise, they do need to let off some steam once in awhile. If you have a fenced-in yard, you can let your Shorkie run loose. I do not recommend that this be unsupervised and you should always be out there with him to make sure he doesn’t find a place to get out or otherwise be in harm’s way.

Most Shorkie puppies can get enough exercise just playing and running in your apartment or house, but every dog that I’ve ever known also loves to play outside. Most Shorkies don’t mind getting dirty either. They will run and play with the best of them in the dirt, grass and leaves and just have a grand old time. They are truly funny little characters. And do not let their playful and fun-loving nature fool you – they also make the best cuddle bugs ever and want up in your bed every chance they get! What a delightful package!

Is It Better to get a Male or a Female Shorkie?
Now that’s a very good question! Do you know specifically which sex Shorkie you want, or aren’t you sure yet? When I think of how irrational some of the debates over male vs. female can be, what first comes to mind are a couple of very old wives’ tales that have been passed down for generations:

1) “If you want the dog to love you, get a female. If you want the dog to in love with you, get a male!” – and –
2) “If you want a good dog get a male. If you want a great dog, get a female and cross your fingers!”
I do have to laugh when I hear some of the reasons people give for wanting either a male or a female puppy. And I’m sure the doggie “wisdom” above is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the myths that are out there. So I’ll try to dispel some of the common myths and give you an overview with a bit more balanced point of view.

Female Dogs
Let’s start with some of the myths out there, which are many. One maintains simply that females make better bets. We have heard this said not just about Shorkies, but about all breeds, and guess what, folks? It’s completely an old wives’ tale that has been engrained in puppy parents for centuries! Yes, females make wonderful pets, but the label “better pets” depends on so much more than gender! Another myth is that females don’t display alpha behaviors like marking and/or humping. Au contraire! – in fact, one of my puppy parents thinks that her female probably owns half the free world based on how much territory has been marked by her puppy! Still another myth floating out there says that females are more sweet, “docile” and attentive and do not participate in fighting to determine dominance. Oh Wowza! Some people really have not a clue about how the girls can fight! And guess what? The fighting is often done because it’s usually the female who rules the roost, determines pecking order and competes to maintain and/or alter that order. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is fine to want a girl puppy, but please do not buy into the myths and do not be closed off to a boy – you need to learn about both.

There are, of course, some traits that are more common in females, though remember, no guarantees – just like people, no two dogs are alike and not all dogs always exhibit behaviors that are exactly the same. However, because of the pecking order thing that I just described, females are often more independent, stubborn and territorial than their male counterparts. Hmmm, not unlike humans in so many ways! And, contrary to popular opinion, the females are usually much more intent upon exercising their dominance by participating in alpha behaviors such as humping. In fact, another of my puppy parents entertained the thought that maybe her two female dogs were gay! Nope, it’s all about establishing dominance, pure and simple. I will say that the female is less likely to wage a dominance battle with her human that the male is, though she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her own way. For example, she is usually less distracted during obedience training, because she is more eager to get it over with, and get back to her comfy spot on the couch! Female dogs are also known to be more prone to mood swings. One day she may be sweet and affectionate, and the next day, she may be reserved, withdrawn or even grumpy.

Unless she is spayed, the female also has periods of being in season (“heat”). And when my girls come into season, we have to make sure we watch them! They can be very testy in those times of the year. Husbands and boyfriends, you can relate right?! There is a reason people commandeered the technical dog term “bitch” to describe certain humans – and it comes directly from negatives exhibited by female dogs in heat!

If you are not breeding, you’d be best off having your female spayed for several reasons. First, and foremost, there are the health issues discussed in Chapter 19 Another is that during heat, there are several concerns to keep in mind. Your unspayed female dog can leave a bloody discharge on carpets, couches, etc., and it’s likely she will be moody and emotional. A walk outside during this period can become hazardous if male dogs are in the vicinity – as your female will leave a scent that intact, wandering males will follow right to your yard, where they will hang out and wait for days! So you can assume that seasonal heats are likely to be a month-long headache, not just for the female dog, but for you and for every male dog in the neighborhood! And don’t forget, seasonal heats happen twice a year! Research has also proven that a female not bred during a heat cycle stays in a flux of estrogen level which may give us the reason as to why females can be more moody than males. However, please remember, these are reasons for spaying, they are not intended to inhibit you from adopting a female. Females make wonderful pets, and these issues are easily addressed by spaying.

There are other characteristics also attributable to females. One is that the size of a female dog can often be smaller than the male, which is a reason people sometimes prefer females. However, remember that nothing, including gender, will guarantee size (your breeder should guide you on that) – females will not always be smaller, and certainly we have had some bigger girls and some smaller males. Another trait in the females is they usually have warm temperaments and great maternal instincts, making them very good with children and very loyal to the family. And finally, many people say they dislike the male because of his personal extremity – that during belly rubs, “it” is there in the way. Indisputably, this characteristic is not a problem area for females!

Male Dogs
In general, usually male dogs are more affectionate, exuberant and attentive than females, and they can be more demanding of attention. While the female will usually come to you for attention, she will move away when she’s had enough. The boys are always waiting for your attention and near at hand. They are very attached to their people. So, in making the gender decision, you have to factor in your lifestyle and who you are, some people may prefer these traits while others may not.

Male temperaments do tend to be more steadfast and reliable, and less moody. They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets, and take more quickly to children. Most boys are easily motivated by food (how true!!) as well as praise, and they are so eager to please that training is relatively easy. However, more patience may be required with males because they can be more easily distracted during training – they like to play so often. Some male dogs are bolder and more aggressive than females, but most are described as big, goofy softies! At no matter what age, they are more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to play games. Most boys are fun loving until the day they die. Most females tend to be more reserved or dignified as they age.

As we mentioned, male dogs have genitals that are easy to see, and easy to get in the way of belly rubs! In addition, male dogs may become visibly aroused and/or lick their private parts, which some owners find disconcerting, especially in polite company! If these are your reasons for not wanting a male, they are valid and you should respect your feelings.

As to secondary sexual behavior such as humping, or marking and lifting of legs, neutered males rarely exhibit these behaviors. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, if such behaviors ever existed, most will disappear. Most boys who were neutered early (by five months of age) usually don’t ever raise their leg to urinate. As to the neutering procedure itself, it is less complex than spaying a female, and generally it costs less to neuter males than to spay females.

So, Which Is It?
Some of the gender differences that most people dislike – moods, marking and seasonal heats for females, humping, marking and roaming for males – will be eliminated or at least minimized by having your dog spayed or neutered. My personal opinion is that I don’t think male or female matters as much as each dog’s individual temperament. The truth is that females make wonderful pets, as do males, and at the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preferences. Just do not count out a boy or a girl based on old wives’ tales and preconceived notions that are not fact based. What is fact based is that you need to be informed so you can think about your options and make choices that work for you!

Listen to your breeder and learn his opinions about his males and females. Take his comments into consideration. This is his field of expertise, and you should not discount the advice he offers. Learn the general characteristics applicable to each sex, as well as the specific ones so far demonstrated by the puppy you are considering. While I will discuss this more fully in the sections about breeders, I cannot stress enough that building a solid and open relationship with your Shorkie breeder is very important to help you pick the right puppy – whether it be a boy or a girl.
 

Shipping a Shorkie Home by Plane

Shipping never costs more than 250.00


When you begin your journey into looking for a new Shorkie puppy to adopt, you may find yourself on the internet doing your research. Ultimately you may find the breeder with whom you are most comfortable, but you also find that there is so much distance between the two of you that it’s unrealistic to drive to view and pick up your puppy. Don’t despair! As I’ve impressed on you, finding the right breeder is of paramount importance, and if you’ve done that, then having your puppy shipped to you is a viable solution to getting your well-bred puppy home to you. Many new owners are nervous about the prospect of doing this. No need to be! Dogs and puppies are frequently shipped by breeders travelling to participate in professional dog shows all around the country. Believe me, these breeders are enormously committed to their dogs, and they have huge emotional and financial investments in them. They would not ship them if doing so presented unusual hardship, discomfort and jeopardy to their dogs. There is no need to be nervous about shipping your puppy if you are working with a reputable, responsible breeder.

At Priceless Pups, we guarantee a safe and pleasant experience for all of our puppies that are shipped by using Continental Airlines as our first choice carrier, as well as some other great airlines we trust, and I’ll discuss more about that later. Keep in mind that shipping is not that uncommon, and I’ve had many years of experience with it. I can happily say that nothing bad ever happened to any of my precious Shorkie puppies over the years. What I think is important is that you should become informed and understand how it’s done. That way you will know what to expect, and you will be able to determine whether you have picked a breeder that is a seasoned professional not only in breeding, but in shipping as well. Here are all of the steps involved to give you a picture of how shipping works.

1) Your puppy must be a minimum of eight weeks old according to airline requirements in the USA. However, at Priceless Pups, we do not ever put a puppy on a plane for any reason prior to 10 weeks of age, and it’s more often 12 weeks. We have found that the puppies are too fragile until then, and it is too scary for them. We suggest you learn from our experience on this and remember that the right age for sending a puppy on a flight is no younger than 10 to 12 weeks old.

2) Once your puppy is at least 10 weeks old, the breeder will take him to the veterinarian to determine his suitability to fly. The vet will give the puppy a complete physical, and if the puppy is in good health, the vet will fill out a special airline-required health certificate. This health certificate is also required by the state that the puppy is flying out of and into. The health certificate is reviewed by a state-approved vet who makes sure everything is correct, including that the proper, age-appropriate vaccines such as rabies have been administered.

3) The breeder will need to provide his vet the following information on the puppy in order for the vet to be able to fill out the health certificate:
(a) Date of birth of the puppy.
(b) Record of vaccinations, if the breeder has done these himself.
(c) Record of wormings.
(d) Name, address and phone number of the new owner and of the person shipping the puppy.

4) The breeder will then call the airline (Continental Airlines we hope) and speak to someone in the cargo facility to set up an airline travel date for the puppy. The breeder should work out shipping dates and times mutually convenient to both the breeder and the puppy parent before calling the airline.

5) The airline will need the following information to book the flight:
(a) The name of the airport (or city/state) that the puppy is being shipped to and from, and the name of the shipper/breeder.
(b) Name, address and phone number of the person receiving the puppy.
(c) Age of puppy.
(d) Confirmation that the puppy has (or will be) vet checked within 10 days of departure.
(e) The size of the crate.
(f) The weight of the puppy.

6) The breeder should place a good amount of shredded newspaper in the puppy’s crate – enough for comfort as well as to help ensure the puppy will be kept free of direct contact with any soiling he may do on the trip. Also, the breeder should not over-feed the puppy before the airline trip and be sure the puppy has both urinated and defecated before handing him over to the airline personnel.

7) It is typically necessary for the breeder to show up a minimum of an hour before the departure time. Trust me, when the airline says to show up an hour early, they mean it. They will not let you ship your puppy if you do not give them ample time to get the puppy ready for the flight. While you may not always be there that long, it is usually required for the airline’s benefit to insure they complete everything properly.

8) The airline will give the breeder the times, flight numbers and a special air bill number or confirmation number. The puppy may need to be on more than one plane, depending on the routing and destination, so there may be more than one flight number that you will be given. Most puppies do have to be put on connecting flights, as straight-through flights for traveling pets are rare. Your air bill/confirmation number is the number assigned to your specific puppy.

9) The breeder will then need to provide you will all of this information. Write down everything the breeder tells you, especially the air bill/confirmation number! You will need this as well as your driver’s license or other photo ID to claim your new puppy at the airport. No dog is ever released without proper ID. The breeder will also give you the airline phone number to call to obtain your local airport’s instructions about where you are to pick up your puppy. Different airports have different areas of pick-up for pets.

10) On the big day to pick up your new puppy, bring paper towels and a couple of disposable plastic grocery type bags just in case the puppy has made a mess of his crate and you need to do a quick clean-up. I also suggest pet wipes or wet paper towels to freshen up a puppy who may have soiled himself. Also, bringing bottled water is a good idea in case your puppy is thirsty. Don’t take your puppy for a walk to go potty on the grass outside the airport. Remember, unless your Shorkie has had all his needed vaccines, you are putting your puppy at risk. Wait until you get home, or lay potty pads or newspaper on the floor of the car and let him go there.

Why We Love and Support Continental Airlines
We prefer to ship our puppies on Continental Airlines above all other airlines, though we do at times have to use other airlines.