Question: questions to ask when buying a shih tzu puppy?
Answer: HOW LONG HAS THE BREEDER BEEN BREEDING SHIH TZU?
IS THE BREEDER KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE BREED? ... 
DOES HE OR SHE REPRESENT HIS DOGS AS HONESTLY AS POSSIBLE AND TRY TO ASSIST THE SERIOUS NOVICE IN HIS UNDERSTANDING OF THE BREED?
IS HE OR SHE INVOLVED IN COMPETITION WITH THEIR DOGS (CONFORMATION, OBEDIENCE, AGILITY)?