People and organizations specializing within the deliberate breeding of Shih Tzu canines inside Colorado comprise a big a part of the state’s pet neighborhood. They vary from small, in-home operations to bigger, established kennels. Their shared focus is the accountable manufacturing of wholesome, well-tempered puppies conforming to breed requirements. A potential proprietor would possibly join with such breeders by means of referrals, on-line directories, or breed-specific golf equipment. For instance, a household searching for a companion pet would possibly analysis respected breeders recognized for prioritizing temperament appropriate for youngsters.
Finding respected professionals inside a selected geographic space advantages potential Shih Tzu house owners considerably. This localized strategy will increase the chance of discovering breeders dedicated to accountable practices, together with well being testing, applicable socialization, and moral breeding applications. Traditionally, regional breeding communities have performed an important position in sustaining breed integrity and selling accountable pet possession. Connecting with breeders educated about native laws and assets additionally supplies beneficial assist for brand spanking new house owners.
Understanding the panorama of canine replica in a selected area is important for accountable pet acquisition. Matters comparable to figuring out moral breeding practices, evaluating breeder {qualifications}, and making ready for Shih Tzu pet possession are explored within the following sections.
1. Fame
A breeder’s fame throughout the Colorado Shih Tzu neighborhood serves as an important indicator of their breeding practices and the standard of their canines. Fame is constructed over time by means of constant adherence to moral requirements, together with prioritizing canine well being and well-being. A robust fame typically displays a breeder’s dedication to accountable breeding practices, comparable to well being testing, cautious choice of breeding pairs, and offering applicable socialization for puppies. For instance, a breeder recognized for producing wholesome, well-tempered Shih Tzus with minimal genetic well being points will probably have a optimistic fame throughout the neighborhood. Conversely, breeders related to frequent well being issues of their canines, or these partaking in unethical breeding practices, will probably develop a damaging fame. This will manifest by means of damaging on-line critiques, warnings inside native canine proprietor teams, or issue discovering houses for puppies.
The influence of fame extends past word-of-mouth referrals. Respected breeders typically take part actively in native canine golf equipment and organizations, additional solidifying their standing throughout the neighborhood. They might even be extra prepared to offer references from earlier pet patrons, demonstrating transparency and confidence of their practices. A breeders energetic involvement in breed-specific rescue organizations also can improve their fame, signifying a dedication to the general well-being of the breed. Potential pet patrons can examine a breeders fame by means of on-line analysis, contacting native breed golf equipment, and searching for suggestions from veterinary professionals.
Totally researching a breeder’s fame is important for potential Shih Tzu house owners in Colorado. This analysis helps make sure the acquisition of a wholesome, well-adjusted pet and helps moral breeding practices throughout the state. Neglecting this important step can result in supporting unethical breeders and probably buying a pet with well being or behavioral points. A breeders fame supplies beneficial insights into their dedication to the breed and must be a main consideration for any potential Shih Tzu proprietor.
2. Well being Testing
Well being testing varieties a cornerstone of accountable Shih Tzu breeding practices in Colorado. Respected breeders prioritize the well being and well-being of their canines, using numerous screening strategies to attenuate the danger of inherited ailments in puppies. This proactive strategy advantages each the canines and future house owners, contributing to a more healthy and extra sturdy Shih Tzu inhabitants throughout the state.
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Genetic Screening:
Genetic screening performs an important position in figuring out potential carriers of inherited ailments widespread in Shih Tzus. Checks for situations like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and sure eye problems might help breeders make knowledgeable choices about breeding pairs, decreasing the chance of passing these situations to offspring. For instance, a breeder would possibly select to not breed two canines carrying the gene for progressive retinal atrophy, minimizing the danger of manufacturing affected puppies. This cautious choice contributes to the long-term well being of the breed.
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Ophthalmological Evaluations:
Common eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are essential for figuring out eye ailments widespread in Shih Tzus, comparable to cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). Early detection permits for well timed intervention and administration, bettering the canine’s high quality of life. Breeders dedicated to those evaluations reveal a dedication to producing canines with wholesome imaginative and prescient.
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Bodily Examinations and Veterinary Data:
Complete bodily examinations and available veterinary data present beneficial insights right into a canine’s total well being historical past. These data doc vaccinations, parasite prevention, and any earlier well being points, providing transparency and permitting potential pet patrons to evaluate the canine’s well being background. Respected breeders keep detailed data, demonstrating a dedication to accountable care.
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Pre-Breeding Evaluations:
Earlier than breeding, accountable breeders conduct thorough evaluations to make sure the suitability of potential mother and father. This contains assessing total well being, temperament, and conformation to breed requirements. Cautious choice of breeding pairs contributes to producing puppies which might be wholesome, well-adjusted, and conform to the specified bodily traits of the breed.
The dedication to well being testing exhibited by accountable Shih Tzu breeders in Colorado considerably contributes to the well-being of the breed. By prioritizing these well being evaluations, breeders mitigate the danger of genetic ailments, promote accountable breeding practices, and supply potential house owners with more healthy puppies. This proactive strategy advantages your entire Shih Tzu neighborhood, guaranteeing a more healthy and extra sturdy inhabitants for generations to come back.
3. Breeding Practices
Breeding practices employed by Shih Tzu breeders in Colorado considerably influence the well being, temperament, and total well-being of the ensuing puppies. Moral and accountable breeding prioritizes the long-term well being of the breed over revenue, specializing in cautious choice of breeding pairs, minimizing the danger of genetic ailments, and offering optimum look after each mother or father canines and puppies. Conversely, unethical breeding practices, typically pushed by revenue maximization, can result in numerous well being and behavioral issues within the offspring, contributing to the overpopulation of undesirable canines and inserting a burden on rescue organizations.
Selective breeding based mostly on particular traits, comparable to coat colour or measurement, whereas probably interesting to some patrons, can inadvertently improve the danger of sure genetic problems if not managed responsibly. For example, breeding solely for a selected coat colour with out contemplating different well being elements would possibly inadvertently choose for genes related to eye or pores and skin issues. Respected breeders perceive these dangers and prioritize total well being and temperament over beauty traits. They adhere to breed requirements whereas additionally prioritizing the long-term well being and well-being of their canines. This typically entails cautious analysis of pedigrees, genetic testing, and collaboration with different respected breeders to keep up genetic range and reduce the prevalence of inherited ailments inside their breeding strains.
The frequency of breeding additionally performs an important position within the well-being of mother or father canines. Overbreeding, a standard observe amongst unethical breeders, depletes the bodily and psychological well being of the feminine canines, resulting in potential problems throughout being pregnant and delivery. Accountable breeders adhere to breeding schedules that enable ample time for the feminine to recuperate between litters, guaranteeing her long-term well being and well-being. Understanding these practices permits potential Shih Tzu house owners in Colorado to establish accountable breeders dedicated to the moral remedy of their canines and the manufacturing of wholesome, well-adjusted puppies. Selecting a breeder who prioritizes these moral issues contributes to a more healthy Shih Tzu inhabitants and discourages unethical breeding practices throughout the state.
4. Socialization
Early socialization performs a important position within the improvement of well-adjusted Shih Tzus, and respected breeders in Colorado perceive its profound influence. Correct socialization throughout puppyhood exposes canines to numerous sights, sounds, smells, folks, and different animals, shaping their habits and temperament into maturity. This publicity mitigates the danger of fear-based aggression, anxiousness, and different behavioral issues later in life. Breeders facilitating optimistic social experiences throughout this important developmental interval contribute considerably to producing assured, well-behaved companion animals.
Efficient socialization protocols applied by accountable breeders contain structured publicity to various stimuli inside a protected and managed surroundings. This would possibly embody introducing puppies to completely different surfaces, sounds (like doorbells or vacuum cleaners), and novel objects. Dealing with puppies frequently, exposing them to completely different folks of various ages and appearances, and facilitating optimistic interactions with different canines are important parts of a complete socialization program. For example, a breeder would possibly invite family and friends to work together with the puppies, guaranteeing optimistic experiences with strangers. Introducing puppies to different well-socialized grownup canines throughout the breeder’s care also can educate applicable canine social behaviors. These early experiences lay the muse for assured and well-adjusted grownup canines.
The long-term advantages of early socialization prolong past a canine’s fast surroundings. Effectively-socialized Shih Tzus usually tend to adapt to new conditions, deal with traumatic occasions with better resilience, and combine easily into household life. This reduces the chance of behavioral points arising later, minimizing the danger of relinquishment to shelters on account of unmanageable habits. Selecting a breeder in Colorado who prioritizes and implements a complete socialization program represents a big step in the direction of buying a well-adjusted, assured companion. This dedication to early socialization contributes to a extra optimistic possession expertise and underscores the breeder’s dedication to producing well-rounded canines.
5. Dwelling Situations
The residing situations offered by Shih Tzu breeders in Colorado immediately influence the well being, well-being, and improvement of their canines. Cleanliness, area, and entry to recent air and train are essential elements influencing a canine’s bodily and psychological well being. A clear surroundings minimizes the danger of illness transmission and parasite infestations. Ample area permits for pure motion and reduces stress related to overcrowding. Entry to recent air and train promotes bodily well being and prevents behavioral issues stemming from confinement and tedium. For instance, a breeder offering spacious, well-ventilated indoor and out of doors areas with alternatives for normal train demonstrates a dedication to the canines’ total well-being. Conversely, cramped, unsanitary situations can result in well being issues, stress, and behavioral points.
Past primary requirements, the surroundings’s enrichment influences a canine’s psychological improvement. Alternatives for social interplay, play, and psychological stimulation contribute to a well-adjusted temperament. Offering toys, puzzles, and alternatives for interplay with different canines enriches the surroundings, stopping boredom and selling wholesome improvement. For example, a breeder providing quite a lot of toys and rotating them frequently to keep up novelty demonstrates an understanding of canine enrichment. Equally, offering alternatives for supervised play with different canines promotes applicable social expertise and reduces the danger of behavioral issues stemming from social isolation. These enriched environments contribute to the event of well-rounded, assured canines.
Evaluating residing situations supplies beneficial insights right into a breeder’s dedication to animal welfare. Potential Shih Tzu house owners in Colorado ought to prioritize breeders who keep clear, spacious, and enriching environments. This cautious evaluation contributes to choosing a accountable breeder devoted to the bodily and psychological well-being of their canines. In the end, the residing situations offered by a breeder considerably influence the well being and temperament of the puppies they produce. Prioritizing these elements ensures the acquisition of a wholesome, well-adjusted companion and helps moral breeding practices throughout the state.
6. Contracts and Ensures
Contracts and ensures offered by Shih Tzu breeders in Colorado function essential devices defending each the breeder and the customer. These legally binding agreements define the phrases of sale, well being ensures, and duties of each events. A well-drafted contract ensures transparency and facilitates a clean transaction, minimizing potential disputes and misunderstandings. Moreover, these paperwork replicate the breeder’s dedication to accountable breeding practices and supply recourse for patrons in case of unexpected circumstances.
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Well being Ensures
Well being ensures sometimes cowl a specified interval, outlining the breeder’s duty ought to the pet develop sure hereditary well being situations. These ensures typically stipulate reimbursement for veterinary bills or, in some circumstances, the choice to return the pet for a refund or alternative. A complete well being assure demonstrates the breeder’s confidence within the well being and lineage of their canines, providing peace of thoughts to the customer. For instance, a assure would possibly cowl situations like hip dysplasia or congenital coronary heart defects, offering monetary safety for the customer ought to these points come up inside an outlined timeframe.
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Return Insurance policies
Return insurance policies tackle conditions the place the customer can now not look after the Shih Tzu. Respected breeders typically require the return of the canine to their care reasonably than permitting relinquishment to a shelter. This ensures the canine’s well-being and permits the breeder to position the canine in an appropriate new residence. These insurance policies reveal a dedication to the long-term welfare of the canines they breed. A transparent return coverage protects each the canine and the breeder, stopping the canine from ending up in an undesirable state of affairs.
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Breeder Obligations
Contracts typically define the breeder’s duties concerning pre-sale veterinary care, together with vaccinations, deworming, and microchipping. This ensures the pet receives applicable preventative care earlier than becoming a member of its new residence. Detailed documentation of those procedures supplies transparency and permits the customer to know the pet’s well being historical past. For instance, a contract would possibly specify the dates and varieties of vaccinations administered, guaranteeing the pet is sufficiently protected towards widespread canine ailments.
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Purchaser Obligations
Purchaser duties sometimes embody offering correct care, diet, and veterinary consideration for the Shih Tzu. Some contracts could stipulate spaying or neutering the canine, stopping undesirable breeding and contributing to accountable pet possession. These clauses purpose to make sure the canine’s long-term well-being and forestall future well being and behavioral points related to improper care or unplanned breeding. A accountable breeder outlines these expectations clearly to advertise accountable pet possession and make sure the canine receives the mandatory care all through its life.
Thorough assessment and understanding of contracts and ensures are important for potential Shih Tzu house owners in Colorado. These paperwork defend each events concerned within the transaction, guaranteeing a transparent understanding of duties and offering recourse in case of unexpected well being points or adjustments in circumstances. By rigorously contemplating these agreements, patrons could make knowledgeable choices and contribute to accountable breeding practices throughout the state. The presence of complete contracts and ensures displays a breeder’s professionalism and dedication to the long-term welfare of their canines, signifying a accountable and moral strategy to breeding.
7. References/Testimonials
References and testimonials present beneficial insights into the practices and fame of Shih Tzu breeders in Colorado. These firsthand accounts from earlier pet patrons provide potential house owners a glimpse into the breeder’s professionalism, the well being and temperament of their canines, and the general expertise of buying a Shih Tzu from a selected breeder. Evaluating these accounts contributes considerably to creating knowledgeable choices and choosing a good breeder dedicated to moral practices and the well-being of their canines.
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Verifying Breeder Claims
Testimonials can corroborate or contradict claims made by breeders concerning their practices. For instance, a breeder would possibly declare to prioritize early socialization, however testimonials from earlier patrons can provide concrete proof supporting or refuting this declare. A testimonial describing a pet’s assured and outgoing character reinforces the breeder’s dedication to socialization, whereas accounts of shy or fearful puppies would possibly recommend in any other case. This verification course of helps potential house owners assess the accuracy of a breeder’s representations.
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Assessing Pet Well being and Temperament
References present beneficial insights into the well being and temperament of puppies produced by a selected breeder. Earlier patrons can provide firsthand accounts of their canine’s well being historical past, together with any genetic or developmental points. They’ll additionally describe their canine’s character, offering insights into its temperament and habits. For example, testimonials describing puppies as playful, affectionate, and well-adjusted present beneficial info for potential house owners searching for a selected temperament.
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Evaluating Breeder Communication and Help
Testimonials typically make clear the breeder’s communication fashion and the extent of assist offered to pet patrons. Earlier patrons can describe their interactions with the breeder, together with the responsiveness to inquiries, the readability of knowledge offered, and the continuing assist supplied after the pet’s arrival. Testimonials praising a breeder’s open communication and willingness to offer steering and assist reinforce their dedication to accountable breeding practices and buyer satisfaction. Conversely, accounts of unresponsive or unhelpful breeders can function warning indicators for potential house owners.
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Figuring out Crimson Flags and Potential Points
References also can reveal potential pink flags or points related to a selected breeder. Whereas optimistic testimonials are beneficial, damaging experiences shared by earlier patrons must be rigorously thought of. These accounts would possibly spotlight points comparable to well being issues in puppies, misrepresentations by the breeder, or a scarcity of post-sale assist. For example, a number of testimonials mentioning recurring well being points in puppies from a selected breeder ought to increase critical considerations for potential house owners. Figuring out these potential issues early within the analysis course of helps keep away from breeders with questionable practices.
By diligently searching for and evaluating references and testimonials, potential Shih Tzu house owners in Colorado can acquire beneficial insights into the fame and practices of various breeders. This info empowers knowledgeable decision-making, contributing to the choice of a good breeder and finally, the acquisition of a wholesome, well-adjusted companion. Prioritizing this analysis contributes to supporting accountable breeding practices throughout the state and ensures a optimistic expertise for each the canine and the proprietor.
8. Colorado-Particular Laws
Colorado-specific laws pertaining to canine breeding and gross sales considerably influence people and organizations working as canine breeders throughout the state. These laws, various in scope and enforcement throughout completely different jurisdictions, typically tackle essential features of animal welfare, breeding practices, and client safety. Compliance with these laws is important for breeders working legally and ethically inside Colorado. Laws steadily tackle issues comparable to licensing necessities for breeding services, minimal requirements of look after breeding canines, and prerequisites concerning the sale and switch of puppies. For example, some native ordinances would possibly dictate the utmost variety of breeding canines allowed at a facility, whereas others could mandate particular well being testing protocols for breeding animals. Understanding and adhering to those laws is paramount for accountable breeders working throughout the state.
The intersection of Colorado-specific laws and breeders working throughout the state creates a framework selling accountable breeding practices and defending customers. Laws requiring breeders to acquire licenses and cling to particular requirements of care assist be certain that breeding canines are housed in applicable situations and obtain obligatory veterinary consideration. Laws impacting the sale of puppies, comparable to obligatory disclosures concerning recognized well being points, defend customers and promote transparency throughout the breeding business. For instance, a Colorado regulation requiring breeders to reveal any recognized genetic predispositions to sure ailments inside a breed empowers potential patrons to make knowledgeable choices. These laws purpose to attenuate the incidence of pet mills and irresponsible breeding practices that usually result in well being and behavioral issues in canines, thereby decreasing the burden on animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Navigating Colorado’s regulatory panorama is essential for each breeders and potential canine house owners. Breeders working throughout the state should perceive and adjust to relevant laws on the state and native ranges to make sure authorized and moral operation. Potential canine house owners profit from researching these laws as they provide insights into the requirements of care upheld by licensed breeders throughout the state. This understanding contributes to knowledgeable decision-making and facilitates the choice of accountable breeders dedicated to moral practices and the well-being of their canines. In the end, Colorado-specific laws serve to guard each animals and customers, fostering a extra accountable and clear breeding surroundings throughout the state.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Shih Tzu Breeders in Colorado
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning finding and choosing respected Shih Tzu breeders in Colorado. Understanding these steadily requested questions empowers potential house owners to make knowledgeable choices, selling accountable pet acquisition and supporting moral breeding practices.
Query 1: How can one find respected Shih Tzu breeders in Colorado?
Respected breeders might be discovered by means of numerous avenues, together with on-line directories specializing in connecting potential house owners with breeders, referrals from native breed-specific rescue organizations, and proposals from veterinarians specializing in canine care. Thorough analysis and cautious analysis are essential all through the choice course of.
Query 2: What key elements must be thought of when evaluating a breeder?
Important elements embody the breeder’s dedication to well being testing, adherence to moral breeding practices, the residing situations offered for the canines, the implementation of early socialization protocols, and the willingness to offer references from earlier pet patrons. Transparency and open communication are additionally important indicators of a accountable breeder.
Query 3: What well being considerations are prevalent in Shih Tzus, and the way do accountable breeders tackle these?
Sure well being points, together with hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and numerous eye situations, are extra widespread in Shih Tzus. Respected breeders conduct thorough well being screenings on their breeding canines to attenuate the danger of transmitting these situations to offspring. Inquiries concerning particular well being testing protocols must be directed to the breeder.
Query 4: What’s the common price of a Shih Tzu pet from a good breeder in Colorado?
Pet costs range based mostly on elements together with lineage, breeder fame, and geographic location. Whereas focusing solely on worth is discouraged, understanding the final worth vary aids in budgeting and avoiding suspiciously low costs, typically indicative of unethical breeding practices. Direct inquiries concerning pricing must be addressed to particular person breeders.
Query 5: What’s the significance of early socialization for Shih Tzu puppies?
Early socialization considerably impacts a Shih Tzu’s temperament and habits in maturity. Publicity to numerous stimuli throughout puppyhood, together with completely different folks, animals, sounds, and environments, promotes adaptability, reduces anxiousness, and mitigates the danger of behavioral issues later in life. Respected breeders prioritize early socialization applications for his or her puppies.
Query 6: What questions ought to one ask a possible breeder?
Inquiries ought to embody well being testing practices, breeding philosophy, residing situations, socialization protocols, contracts, ensures, and the breeder’s expertise and involvement throughout the Shih Tzu neighborhood. Potential house owners must also inquire about any obtainable references from earlier pet patrons.
Cautious consideration of those steadily requested questions equips potential Shih Tzu house owners in Colorado with the data essential to navigate the breeder choice course of successfully. Prioritizing accountable breeders contributes to the acquisition of wholesome, well-adjusted puppies and helps moral breeding practices throughout the state.
The subsequent part gives sensible recommendation on making ready for Shih Tzu pet possession.
Ideas for Selecting a Shih Tzu Breeder in Colorado
Cautious choice of a Shih Tzu breeder is essential for guaranteeing the acquisition of a wholesome, well-adjusted pet. The next ideas present steering for navigating this course of successfully.
Tip 1: Analysis Totally: Complete analysis is paramount. Examine a number of breeders, evaluating their practices, reputations, and adherence to moral requirements. On-line assets, breed-specific golf equipment, and veterinary referrals can present beneficial insights.
Tip 2: Prioritize Well being Testing: Accountable breeders prioritize well being testing for breeding canines to attenuate the danger of genetic ailments in puppies. Inquire about particular well being checks carried out and request documentation of outcomes.
Tip 3: Consider Dwelling Situations: Observe the surroundings the place canines are housed. Cleanliness, satisfactory area, and alternatives for train and socialization are important for a canine’s bodily and psychological well-being.
Tip 4: Assess Socialization Practices: Early socialization is essential for creating well-adjusted puppies. Inquire in regards to the breeder’s socialization protocols, together with publicity to numerous stimuli and interactions with different canines and folks.
Tip 5: Search References and Testimonials: Contact earlier pet patrons to assemble firsthand accounts of their experiences with the breeder. These testimonials provide beneficial insights into the breeder’s fame and the well being and temperament of their canines.
Tip 6: Assessment Contracts and Ensures Rigorously: Totally study contracts and ensures earlier than committing to a purchase order. Guarantee a transparent understanding of well being ensures, return insurance policies, and the duties of each the breeder and the customer.
Tip 7: Think about Colorado-Particular Laws: Familiarize oneself with related laws pertaining to canine breeding and gross sales in Colorado. Make sure the breeder operates legally and complies with all relevant state and native necessities.
Following the following pointers contributes to the accountable acquisition of a wholesome and well-adjusted Shih Tzu pet whereas supporting moral breeding practices in Colorado. A well-informed strategy advantages each the canine and the proprietor, selling a optimistic and fulfilling companionship.
The concluding part summarizes key takeaways and emphasizes the significance of accountable pet possession.
Conclusion
Finding and choosing respected professionals engaged in canine breeding inside Colorado requires cautious consideration of varied elements. Prioritizing breeders dedicated to well being testing, moral practices, correct socialization, and appropriate residing situations ensures the acquisition of wholesome, well-adjusted puppies. Understanding related laws, reviewing contracts totally, and searching for references from earlier patrons supplies beneficial insights and safeguards towards unethical breeding practices. These diligent efforts contribute considerably to the well-being of Shih Tzus in Colorado.
Accountable breeding practices kind the muse of a thriving and wholesome canine inhabitants. Supporting moral breeders strengthens the neighborhood of accountable pet possession, selling the long-term well-being of Shih Tzus and decreasing the burden on rescue organizations. The dedication to accountable breeding practices ensures the continuation of this cherished breed for generations to come back, preserving its distinctive traits and enriching the lives of numerous people.