About the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu was bred in China as a palace companion dog, and its name means "lion" because of its mane-like coat. It is a small, sturdy dog, about 20 to 28 cm tall and 4 to 7.5 kg.
Its job has always been to keep people company, and it does that very well. A Shih Tzu wants to be near you, on the sofa, on your lap or following you from room to room.
Temperament: what living with one is like
Shih Tzus are cheerful, affectionate and outgoing. They usually get on well with children who are gentle, with visitors and with other pets. They are playful but not demanding, and a couple of short walks and some play are usually enough.
They can be a little stubborn about housetraining and training, so patience and rewards work better than pressure. They do not like being left alone for long hours.
Living with a Shih Tzu in Delhi NCR
The Shih Tzu has a short, flat face, which makes it harder for the dog to cool itself by panting. Delhi's summer is the biggest risk for this breed, so heat management is not optional:
- An AC or a strong cooler in summer is a must, not a luxury. Heat stroke can happen fast.
- Walk only in the cool of early morning or late evening, keep walks short and stop if the breathing becomes loud or laboured.
- Use a harness, not a collar, so the neck and airway are not under pressure.
- Never leave the dog in a parked car or on a hot balcony, and avoid hard play, hot vehicles and very humid days.
- Know the warning signs: heavy noisy panting, drooling, very red or blue-grey gums, weakness. Cool the dog gently and go to a vet at once.
- Winter: a light sweater and warm bed help on cold mornings.
The Shih Tzu's short, flat face means it overheats more easily than a long-nosed dog, so Delhi summers need care. Many owners keep the coat in a short "puppy clip" in summer for comfort and easier grooming.
Flats and apartments: A Shih Tzu is one of the best breeds for a flat, because it needs little space and moderate exercise, but it must be kept cool in summer. Check your society's rules on dogs and lifts before you decide.
Grooming and shedding
The long coat tangles and mats quickly, so plan on brushing every day with a comb and slicker brush, or keep it clipped short. Many owners book a groomer every four to six weeks. Wipe the face and eyes daily, because tear stains and food collect in the facial folds.
Check ears, trim nails and brush teeth often. Shih Tzus shed very little, which suits many homes, but the grooming bill and time are real.
Exercise and training
A Shih Tzu needs about 30 to 45 minutes of activity a day: a couple of short walks and some play. Keep exercise gentle in summer, and walk only in the cool of early morning or late evening.
Start training and socialisation early. Short, rewarding sessions work best, and housetraining may take patience.
Health: what to know before you choose
Every breed has conditions it is more prone to. For the Shih Tzu, it is better to know these early:
- Breathing difficulty, because of the short muzzle, which can worsen in heat.
- Eye problems, since the large, prominent eyes can get dry, scratched or ulcerated.
- Dental crowding and gum disease, which need regular care.
- Ear infections and skin allergies, especially in humid weather.
- Kneecap problems (patellar luxation) and back problems in some dogs.
Ask about the puppy's parents and any health records that exist, and book a vet check soon after your puppy comes home. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight and having regular check-ups is the best thing you can do.
Feeding and puppy care
Small-breed puppies usually eat three to four small meals a day, moving to two meals as they grow. Ask your vet about a small-breed puppy food and keep an eye on treats, because extra weight is hard on small frames.
Your vet will set your puppy's vaccination and deworming schedule. Puppies usually start their vaccines at around six to eight weeks, with boosters a few weeks apart, so ask us which vaccines and dewormers have already been given and when the next ones are due. We will always tell you the puppy's real age and what it has been eating.
Shih Tzu puppy price in Delhi NCR
There is no single price for a Shih Tzu puppy, and be careful of anyone who quotes one without asking questions. What you pay depends on the puppy's age, lineage and records, coat colour, health checks and current availability. Prices can change from one litter to the next.
Remember the price of the puppy is only the start. Plan for food, vaccines, vet visits, grooming, a cool place to sleep and the unexpected. A puppy priced far below what others ask is worth questioning: ask where it was born, how old it really is and what records exist.
Message or call us and we will share what is available for this breed right now, what is included, and what we can and cannot show you. You can meet the puppy by appointment before you decide.
Is a Shih Tzu right for you?
A Shih Tzu may suit you if you want an affectionate lap dog, can brush daily or pay for regular grooming, and can keep a short-faced dog cool in summer.
You may want a different breed if you want a low-maintenance coat, an athletic running partner, or a dog that can handle heat without an AC or cooler. In that case another breed might fit better, and we will tell you honestly.
