Shih Tzu price in India across all major Indian cities

Shih Tzu price in India 

Shih Tzu is a fantastic small dog breed. Toy-like, cute, affectionate, and loyal are the hallmarks of this toy breed. Shih Tzu dog with its big eyes, long fur, and spunky temperament is becoming a popular breed among India’s apartment dwellers.

If you are looking to buy a Shih Tzu and have questions, you are in the right place. In this post, Shih Tzu price in India, we take you through all the that you need to know when you bring home a Shih Tzu puppy, including all the expenses you will incur when you become a pet parent. 

Being a pet parent to a Shih Tzu puppy is an unforgettable experience. If you are a first-time dog owner and have questions and concerns, don’t worry. The Shih Tzu is an excellent family dog, cute, adorable, does not shed its fur, and kid-friendly. 

Owning a Shih Tzu is fun. Your entire family will love this little teddy bear puppy. Remember, while having a Shih Tzu is lovely, it is also a responsibility. Shih Tzu puppies are just like us and need our love and care.

Most Indians are guilty of assuming that their costs stop after buying a Shih Tzu puppy. In reality, your Shih Tzu expenses begin only after your puppy comes home. We don’t realize this because the initial cost of the Shih Tzu dog is high, so we are focused on it.

Without proper planning, even a small dog breed such as the Shih Tzu can quickly become expensive. Hence, we urge you to plan your budget to avoid any unexpected financial strain.

What is the cost of Shih Tzu in India?

Shih Tzu dog, due to its popularity, is available in most Indian cities. Despite its exotic nature, it is easy to find a Shih Tzu breeder in most cities. 

Shih Tzu in India is reasonably priced, not overly expensive. The average cost of a Shih Tzu pup in India ranges between ₹25,000 to ₹40,000. 

Remember, a Shih Tzu pup’s price depends on several factors, such as the location, quality of the puppy, breeder, cost of living, bloodline, etc. Don’t be surprised if a top reputable breeder demands well over ₹50,000 for his litter. 

Most of us don’t need a perfect puppy that has exceptional show features. So choose a dog breeder who has affordable rates. The following are the crucial factors that influence the price of a Shih Tzu puppy.

• Show quality Shih Tzu VS pet quality Shih Tzu – A Shih Tzu puppy’s price depends on its quality. Dog breeders use the word “quality” to define how closely a puppy conforms to its breed standards. The Kennel Club of India recognizes this breed and certifies its pedigree. KCI follow UKC (United Kennel Club) breed standards.
• Male Shih Tzu versus female pup – In India, a male puppy will cost you more than a female Shih Tzu puppy. From a breed standpoint, there is no difference in temperament between the two.
• Shih Tzu breeder – Buying your puppy from a reputable breeder will cost more. Get your Shih Tzu from a reputable breeder to avoid disappointments. Many people get fooled into buying a mixed breed or crossbreed by shady breeders.
• Demand – The price of a Shih Tzu dog also depends on the demand. These dogs are popular in large cities, so expect prices to be higher. 

Why should you trust our Shih Tzu dog price?

Don’t believe everything that you read on the internet. We agree, 100%. So why trust barks.in? The following are some of the reasons why you should trust our Shih Tzu dog price in India.

• We have nothing to gain by providing this information. Our sole motive is to provide accurate and relevant information to dog owners across the country. Barks.in is not a pet shop or a kennel. 
• We have over 30 years of experience in the Indian pet industry. We know how it works!
• We are dog lovers with lots of hands-on experience to share.
• We also work hand-in-hand with other dog breeders, dog brokers, and vets in India.

Above all, we love dogs and want to share our experience with others like us.

A brief look at Shih Tzu in India

Shih Tzu is from Tibet. Due to its close resemblance to Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Spaniel, and Pekingese, experts believe that the Shih Tzu has its roots in these dogs.

Tibet is one of the coldest places on our planet. Shih Tzu’s thick double coat keeps it warm during harsh winters. Despite its plush long hair, this dog breed does not shed its coat. Yes, the Shih Tzu is a hypoallergenic breed (dogs that don’t shed their fur). However, Beagles and Pugs are not hypoallergenic and shed their coat, making Shih Tzu better suited as an apartment dog.

Despite their small size, a non-native breed such as the Shih Tzu requires additional care to thrive in Indian conditions. Their double coat makes it difficult for them to get through hot Indian summers. Remember to keep your teacup puppy indoors when it is hot outside.

Shih Tzu has a life span of 10 to 16 years. The oldest Shih Tzu in record lived for 23 years. In India, your Shih Tzu can reach its early teen if you provide proper care.

Shih Tzu coat and colors in India

Did you know that Shih Tzu comes in all colors and markings? Kennel clubs across the world permit all colors, with some more desirable than others. 

You should also note that Shih Tzu change colors over time. So please don’t fall for the pet shop owner/dog breed who guarantees their pup’s coat color.

The most common colors are tan (fawn/brown) & white and black mixed with brown & white in India. 

Shih Tzu health

Shih Tzu is a healthy breed with few major ailments. They are prone to eye issues, skin issues due to heat, and luxating patella, which affects the back legs. 

A Shih Tzu owner should learn about the breed before buying a puppy. Never walk into a pet shop and walk out with a Shih Tzu. Learn all about the breed before you bring one home. The following are vital aspects of dog ownership.

• Provide your Shih Tzu with high-quality dog food
• Provide a safe place for your dog to live
• Provide physical exercise for it lead a healthy life

The cost of owning dogs in India is increasing, and as a pet parent, you need to have a solid financial plan to ensure joyous ownership.

Shih Tzu price

Reading the Shih Tzu price list

• The cost of the Shih Tzu dog is adjusted based on the cost of living expenses in these cities.
• Prices in Indian Rupees
• ** Does not include the initial Shih Tzu puppy price
• * Average monthly cost

Absolute Shih Tzu essentials that a pet parent must have

How to read our Shih Tzu puppy price in all major cities in India? 

There are no standard rates for dogs in India. Each breeder set price for his litter based on factors such as 

• His reputation in the market
• The pedigree of his Shih Tzu
• Expenses he incurs

As a dog breeder and pet owner with several years of experience in India, we understand all the dynamics in pricing a litter. More importantly, we know how much it costs to provide proper care for dogs. By proper care, we assume the following.

• Shih Tzu puppy from a good breeder – Our price assumes a purebred Shih Tzu puppy from a genuine breeder with KCI papers. Puppy mills sell their mixed breed puppies for much less. Our Shih Tzu price list ignores such cases. 
• Cost for providing the best care for your puppy – You can be a top pet parent or an awful one. We assume that you will spend money to provide adequate care for your Shih Tzu. 
• Cost of high-quality dog food – Our Shih Tzu puppy price assumes the price of high-quality dog food. 

In short, when you read our post, kindly assume that the prices indicated here considers what is best for your dog and not your pocket. 

How to choose an original Shih Tzu in India?

The trouble with toy breeds is that all puppies look cute. It is impossible to know the pedigree of a litter by looking at them. The only way to be sure that your Shih Tzu is a purebred pup and not a crossbreed is to do the following.

• Learn about the Shih Tzu breed before buying a puppy. You can read its breed standard to identify faults.
• Buy only from a reputable breeder.
• Never buy from a pet shop directly. Ask the pet shop owner to take you to the breeder and insist on seeing the parent dogs. Remember, you will be spending your hard-earned cash, so be sure.

Factors that influence the total cost of ownership of Shih Tzu

Let us now look at all the factors that influence a Shih Tzu dog price in India. Being a Shih Tzu owner is a joyful and rewarding experience. Understanding all the costs involved will help you plan your budget better. Remember, owning a puppy is a responsibility. Only buy a dog if you can take care of it. Never buy a puppy on impulse. 

Puppy price

The puppy price will be your first expense. Quality puppies are expensive and are available only from good breeders. Please choose your Shih Tzu puppy only from a reputable breeder. Only from a good breeder you can expect a purebred pup.

At the same time, don’t go overboard and spend a lot of money buying a show quality puppy. Most homes need only pet quality puppies. A pet quality puppy has some minor unnoticeable flaws, don’t worry, get a pet quality puppy. 

Remember, only one or two puppies from a litter are show quality puppies, and the rest are pet quality puppies. Don’t let the breeder fool you by claiming all his puppies are show worthy.

Choose a pet quality puppy for your home as they will be less expensive. Remember, pet quality does not mean a mixed breed. The following factors influence the puppy price.

• The dog breeder – Breeder’s reputation and the pedigree of his dogs
• The quality of the puppy – Show quality versus pet quality 
• The sex of the puppy – A male pup versus female pup

The reputation of the breeder 

There are good breeders and top breeders. A puppy from a top breeder will be significantly more expensive than from a good breeder. The breeder’s reputation plays a significant role in the price.

For a top breeder, the welfare of his Shih Tzu will be paramount, and they spare no expense in providing the best possible care for their dogs. Also, top breeders have dogs from the best Tibetan bloodlines that are show winners. All of these add to the breeder’s cost of maintaining his dog. Hence, they charge a premium. It is the same as buying a Benz versus a Maruti.

Quality of the pup

When it comes to puppy prices, the better the bloodline more expensive the pup. Before you shell out cash, do your research. Talking to multiple breeders will help you understand top Shih Tzu bloodlines in India. 

You can also search on the internet about the Shih Tzu parent lineage to verify breeders’ claims. Madras Canine Club, for instance, has all the show winners listed on their website. Since dog shows are popular, you can ask the breeder to show newspaper clippings or photos that show that their dogs were show winners.

Watch out! a litter from a show winner will be several thousand rupees higher than regular dogs. Unless you are very particular about the quality of your pup, go for pet quality puppies.

Male versus female Shih Tzu 

 We don’t have any recommendation on which is better. Male pups tend to be more active and than female. On the other hand, female puppies are more attentive and protective. These differences are incredibly subtle. As a pet parent, you will not be able to notice these differences. Male pups are costlier (₹2,000 to ₹3,000 higher) than female pups. 

The place from which you buy your Shih Tzu puppy from

You can buy your puppy from any one of the below places. We recommend that you buy from a good breeder.

Pet Store

You will find Shih Tzu pups in most pet shops. Shih Tzu puppies look cute and cuddly and are easy to sell. Most pet shops work with puppy farms in mass-producing (literally!) mixed Shih Tzu.

Never buy your puppy directly from a pet shop. Never buy from anyone but the breeder. Pet shops look at only margins and can never guarantee the purity of their litter. 

Some pet shops even claim to have KCI certificates, don’t fall into that trap. They buy KCI papers of a deceased puppy from breeders and use it on their litter. Buy your Shih Tzu from a pet shop only after ensuring the following.

• Insist on meeting the breeder. If the pet shop owner does not allow or claims that he is the breeder, stay away.  
• If he takes you to the breeder, ask to meet the puppy’s parents along with the puppy.
• Verify facts. Most pet shops will claim that they have show winner puppies. Ask them for proof.

Puppy Mill

Sadly puppy mills do exist. They (quite literally) mass-produce dogs and sell them. Since they operate only for profit, they don’t provide any care for their dogs.

Stay away from a puppy farm at all costs. Don’t buy from them even if you get a puppy for free. It is easy to spot a puppy mill. Since their goal is to sell their Shih Tzu puppy, they will haggle over price. They use phrases such as show winner, purebred Shih Tzu puppy, Tibetan line, etc. please don’t fall for their ploys. 

Dog broker 

The next best place (after reputable breeders) is to use a dog broker? Did you know, a majority of dog sales in India happen through brokers? Brokers typically work with multiple breeders in their locality and have an excellent understanding of the pedigree of Shih Tzu.

They play a vital role in bringing business to dog breeders. Without brokers, it is impossible (even for top breeders) to sell their pups. The good thing about buying your Shih Tzu puppy from a broker is the choices you get. Since they work with several breeders, you get to select your puppy from multiple litters. 

The best place to buy your Shih Tzu- Reputable Breeders

There is no better place to buy your Shih Tzu than a reputable breeder. Find a reputable breeder and if they don’t have a litter, wait. Remember, Shih Tzu is an exotic dog breed and if you want worry-free ownership, choose yours from a reputable breeder. 

Buying your Shih Tzu puppy from a reputable breeder has several benefits, such as.

• Guaranteed purity, pedigree, and quality – Don’t need to worry about mixed breeds
• Less chance of genetic disorders and other health ailments
• A good breeder will provide guidance and answer questions

You can find top Shih Tzu breeders on dogsindia.com. Top breeders also register their kennel with KCI. Buy your puppy from your city and not from a different city. Also, never make payments before you see the puppy.

Regular home breeders

Regular breeders are serious dog fanciers and hobbyists who breed their Shih Tzu occasionally. They are not professional breeders but people who own top quality dogs and breed them as a hobby. 

Buying your puppy from a home breeder is an excellent choice. Talk to dog brokers in your area to find one. Buying from a home breeder has several pros, such as

• Excellent puppy at a low price
• Dogs with the right mental and physical traits
• Guidance from an experienced dog owner

Other recurring costs

The following are additional costs that you will incur when you own a Shih Tzu.

The dog food cost 

Shih Tzu needs proper nutrition (appropriate for their age and weight) to reach their best shape. Since this is a toy breed, we recommend that you buy a specialized dog food such as the Royal Canin Shih Tzu dog food (see table for our recommended Shih Tzu products).

Food for your dog will be your single highest monthly expense. Shih Tzu needs protein-rich food. Kindly don’t assume that your puppy can thrive only on homemade food. 

We recommend that you read our top dog food review in India to learn all about feeding your Shih Tzu. On average, expect your monthly food cost to be between ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 depending on the dog food brand you choose. 

Vet cost for your Shih Tzu

Before you buy your Shih Tzu puppy, choose a vet near you. A vet can give you facts about this breed’s health, which should give you an idea about your medical expenses. 

Expect your average annual medical expense to be around ₹4,000.

The following will be your medical expenses for your dog.

• Vaccination expense
• Deworming 
• Neutering/Spaying cost
• Others

Vaccination cost 

Your puppy will need vaccinations against common diseases found in India. Parvovirus is a deadly disease that affects puppies less than six months of age. Never take your puppy out for a walk or allow it to meet older dogs before its vaccination. 

Parvo is a fatal disease that spreads through the soil, and puppies easily contract it. Check with your breeder to know if your Shih Tzu puppy had the Parvo vaccine. Remember to complete all the vaccinations for your puppy on time. A vaccination schedule card from your vet will help you to keep track of the vaccinations. Each vaccine in India costs between ₹750 to ₹1,500. 

Neutering/Spaying cost 

Spaying or sterilizing your dog has several health benefits for your dog. We recommend that you sterilize your dog if you don’t intend to breed your dog. Please note, breeding dogs is not for everyone and is expensive. 

Neutering your Shih Tzu is a surgical procedure that requires expert vet care. Don’t opt to spay your dog if you don’t have a good veterinary hospital in your city. 

The cost of neutering varies from one city to another in India. In smaller Indian cities, it can cost you between ₹4,000 to ₹6,000, whereas in metros, it can cost up to ₹12,000. 

Deworming and other medical expenses for your Shih Tzu

Deworm your puppy regularly. Deworming your Shih Tzu will help it to retain the nutrition from its food. The deworming dosage is proportional to your dog’s weight. Your vet will be able to guide you with accurate dosage.

In India, a Shih Tzu puppy needs deworming between three to six months. Worming medicine is not expensive; each tablet will cost you approx ₹100.

All puppies are playful and sometimes hurt themselves while playing. Be ready with antiseptic sprays, scissors to prune hair, bandages, and Dettol/Savlon. Shih Tzu’s long flowing hair will hide any wounds. Be sure to inspect your puppy for cuts and bruises and never leave any wound unattended. 

In addition to this medicine, you will also need

• Antiseptic spray, cotton, and band-aids. Approx ₹500
• Ticks and flea powder, shampoos, etc. Approx ₹1,500

Grooming cost

The beautiful long coat of the Shih Tzu requires extra care. You need to groom your puppy daily to prevent matting of the fur. Despite their long hair, Shih Tzu is a low-shedding breed. You don’t have to worry about their hair getting tangled in your furniture.

Never bathe your puppy more than once a month and use a high-quality Shih Tzu shampoo. Never use human soaps and shampoos on your puppy. Also, have a good grooming brush handy. Refer to the table above for our recommendations.

Shih Tzu accessories cost

Your Shih Tzu will need items such as a towel, bed, collar & leash, food & water bowls, and play toys. You can expect the accessories cost to be approx ₹4,000.

Training cost 

Shih Tzus are smart but have a stubborn character, which makes them difficult to train. Unlike working breeds like a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever, Shih Tzu is not eager to please and work. 

Shih Tzu needs additional training and socialization to accept other pets, especially dogs. You can hire a trainer for your dog, and it will cost you approx ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 per month.

Treat cost 

We don’t recommend commercial treats for your Shih Tzu. Homemade treats such as eggs, cheese, paneer, meat, and veggies are better and healthier.

Shih Tzu insurance cost in India 

Shih Tzu is a healthy breed and does not require health insurance. However, being a tiny breed makes them an easy target for thieves. Get a pet insurance policy with a theft cover. Read our extensive post about pet insurance in India to choose the best pet insurer in India.

Pet health insurance from Pawtechindia.com will cost you between ₹3,000 to ₹6,000, while Bajaj Allianz will be cheaper at less than ₹1,000. 

Shih Tzu walking and other services cost 

In India, you can hire a dog walker for your Shih Tzu, depending on your city. A dog walker will charge you ₹500 to ₹1,500 per month. We don’t recommend a dog walker for this breed.

Travel cost 

The best way to travel is to take your dog along in your car or use the train. Shih Tzu is a small dog breed, and it is easy to take them along in your travels. If you don’t plan to take your puppy along, you can choose a boarding kennel or a dog hotel while you are away.

Alternatives to a Shih Tzu in India

You can consider these breeds if you are unable to find a Shih Tzu in your city.

• Indian Spitz
• Lhasa Apso
• Yorkshire Terrier/ Yorkie puppies 
• Dachshund puppies
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Poodle
• Maltese puppy
• Pug puppy
• Chihuahua
• Havanese
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador puppy
• Dalmatian puppy
• Pomeranian puppy
• Beagle puppy
• Pomsky puppy – A cross between a Pomeranian and Husky
• Puggle puppy – A cross between Beagle and Pug
• Goldendoodle – A cross between a Golden Retriever and Poodle
• Maltipoo puppies – A cross between Maltese dog and Poodle

Remember, native Indian dog breeds are also an excellent choice. Indian dogs thrive in our weather and are easy to maintain.

Conclusion: Shih Tzu dog price

Shih Tzu is a beautiful family dog. They are beautiful, loving, affectionate, and adorable dogs. Their small size, quiet character, and cuteness make them an ideal pet for the apartment. You can expect your annual expense for your dog to be less than ₹65,000.