Shih Tzu in Pune: Everything You Need to Know About These Little Lions
Want a living teddy bear that fits in your lap? That’s basically what a Shih Tzu is! These fluffy little goofballs have taken over Pune and Mumbai, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. If you’ve been browsing Shih Tzu puppies for sale in Pune or checking out Shih Tzu breeders in Pune, get ready—your life’s about to get a whole lot fluffier! Let’s talk rupees. The Shih Tzu price in Pune usually sits between ₹25,000 to ₹95,000 (yeah, quite a range!). Meanwhile, the Shih Tzu price in Mumbai runs from ₹25,000 to ₹65,000. Why the spread? Coat color, bloodline, breeder quality, and whether your pup comes with KCI registered papers all matter. At petshopinpune.com, we’ll connect you with trustworthy dog breeders in Pune who won’t empty your wallet.
Appearance
Shih Tzu dogs are basically walking stuffed animals. They’re small—8 to 11 inches tall—and weigh just 9 to 16 pounds. That’s purse-sized! Their most famous feature? That gorgeous, flowing coat that literally touches the ground if you let it grow out. Shih Tzus come in tons of colors—gold, white, black, brown, combinations of all of these. When you’re visiting Shih Tzu puppies in Pune, look for those big, dark eyes and that adorable underbite (it’s supposed to be there!). Their face is flat with a short muzzle, and that tail? It curls right over their back like a fancy plume. If you’re checking out Shih Tzu puppies for sale in Mumbai, make sure they look healthy—bright eyes, clean ears, energetic movements.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
This is super important! There are too many people selling puppies for sale in Pune who have zero clue about ethical breeding. Good Shih Tzu breeders in Pune will let you visit, show you where the puppies live, introduce you to mom (she should look healthy and happy, not stressed), and provide KCI registration without blinking. Red flags? Won’t let you visit their place, suspiciously cheap prices (like ₹15,000—that’s a scam waiting to happen), can’t show health records, or they’re pushy about “buy now.” Proper dog breeders in Pune and Shih Tzu breeders in Mumbai will actually interview YOU about your lifestyle, home, and experience. They want their Shih Tzu dog going to a loving home, not just anyone with cash. Check with your local pet shop in Pune for recommendations, or visit the dog kennel in Pune yourself.
Health Clearances
Shih Tzus can have some health issues—eye problems (those big eyes!), hip dysplasia, breathing issues (flat face problems), and dental problems (small mouth, crowded teeth). Don’t skip asking for health paperwork! Good Shih Tzu breeders in Pune will show you health certificates for both parents—eye clearances, hip evaluations, genetic testing results. Ask for vaccination records, deworming certificates, everything. I know the Shih Tzu puppy price in Pune seems high at ₹50,000-₹95,000 from top breeders, but those health clearances are worth it. A sick Shih Tzu puppy will cost you way more in vet bills later. Whether buying in Pune or from Shih Tzu breeders in Mumbai, demand complete health documentation from a proper dog kennel.
Socialization
Shih Tzu puppies are friendly little munchkins who need to meet the world early! Start socializing your Shih Tzu puppy as soon as you bring them home. Take them around Pune and Mumbai once they’re vaccinated—parks, pet-friendly cafes, friend’s houses. Let them meet different people (kids, adults, delivery guys), other dogs, maybe cats. Many dog kennels in Pune run puppy socialization classes—totally worth it. Shih Tzus are naturally social, but without proper exposure, they can become yappy or fearful. Good socialization makes them confident, happy companions. The best Shih Tzu breeders in Pune actually start this process before puppies go to new homes.
Training
Shih Tzu dogs are smart but can be stubborn little things. They’re like that cute kid who knows exactly how to wrap you around their finger. Training needs patience and consistency. Start training your Shih Tzu puppy early. Basic commands—sit, stay, come—should be solid by 4-5 months. Use treats liberally because Shih Tzus are total foodies! Some Shih Tzu breeders in Pune start basic training before selling puppies, which is fantastic. Potty training can take time (they’re small, so small bladders!), but crate training helps. Check with pet shops in Pune for trainer recommendations. Keep sessions short and fun—these guys have attention spans like… well, puppies!
Exercise Needs
Great news—Shih Tzus are not marathon runners! They need moderate exercise, about 20-30 minutes daily. A morning walk, evening walk, some indoor playtime. Done. If you live in an apartment in Pune or Mumbai, perfect! Shih Tzu dogs are ideal for apartment living. Take your Shih Tzu dog for short walks (remember, short legs!), let them sniff around, play fetch indoors. They’re happy just being near you. Before committing to Shih Tzu puppies for sale in Pune, know this: they don’t need huge yards or intense exercise. BUT they do need companionship. They’re lap dogs through and through. Talk to your dog breeders in Pune about exercise needs for Pune’s climate. Summer? Early morning or late evening walks only—they overheat quickly with that flat face!
Temperament
This is why people LOVE Shih Tzus! They’re affectionate, playful, outgoing, and incredibly loyal. With their family, Shih Tzu dogs are total velcro dogs—they’ll follow you everywhere, even to the bathroom (no privacy whatsoever!). Shih Tzus are amazing with kids—patient, gentle, playful. They’re great with other pets too. Strangers? They might bark to alert you (tiny watchdogs!), but they warm up quickly. They’re not aggressive at all. They don’t like being left alone for hours— they’re companion dogs who need their people. If you work long days, a Shih Tzu might not be ideal unless someone’s home or you can arrange for company. That’s what makes Shih Tzu puppies such popular family dogs in Pune and Mumbai they’re loving, adaptable, and perfect for apartment living.
Grooming
Okay, real talk—Shih Tzu dogs are HIGH-MAINTENANCE in the grooming department! That gorgeous coat? It mats and tangles if you skip even one day of brushing. Daily brushing is non-negotiable if you keep it long. Most Pune and Mumbai owners opt for the “puppy cut”—short all over, way easier to manage. Brush 3-4 times weekly with a puppy cut, daily with long coat. Bath them every 3-4 weeks. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks (₹1,500-₹3,000 per session). Many pet shops in Pune offer excellent grooming services. Clean their eyes daily (tear stains!), brush teeth regularly, trim nails monthly. Factor grooming costs into your budget beyond the initial Shih Tzu price in Pune or Shih Tzu price in Mumbai. Budget ₹2,000-₹3,000 monthly for grooming.
Diet and Health Care
Shih Tzus don’t eat much (small dogs, small stomachs!), but they need quality food. Adult Shih Tzus need about 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food daily, split into two meals. Shih Tzu puppies need puppy-specific formula. Buy premium small-breed food from any pet shop in Pune—look for real meat as the first ingredient. Budget ₹2,000-₹5,000 monthly for food. They’re prone to obesity, so don’t overfeed or give too many treats (those puppy eyes are manipulative!). Fresh water always. Health-wise, regular vet checkups are crucial—annual exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings (their teeth need extra care). Budget ₹10,000 ₹15,000 yearly for routine care. Watch for signs of eye problems, breathing issues, or dental pain. When buying from Shih Tzu puppies for sale in Pune or Shih Tzu puppies for sale in Mumbai, ask about health guarantees. Purebred Shih Tzu from good breeders come with health guarantees.
Final Thoughts
Getting a Shih Tzu is a 10-16 year commitment to one of the sweetest, fluffiest breeds ever. While the Shih Tzu puppy price in Pune might be ₹25,000-₹95,000 upfront (and Shih Tzu price in Mumbai similar), monthly costs for food, grooming, and healthcare add up. But if you want a loyal lap dog who’ll love you unconditionally and make you laugh daily, they’re worth every rupee. Choose reputable Shih Tzu breeders in Pune or Shih Tzu breeders in Mumbai who provide health clearances and KCI registered papers. Don’t fall for cheap deals—they usually mean health problems or puppy mills. Visit petshopinpune.com to connect with trusted dog breeders in Pune who breed healthy, well-tempered purebred Shih Tzu puppies. Shih Tzus are perfect for apartments, families, seniors, first-time owners—basically anyone who wants a loving companion. Just be ready for daily grooming and lots of cuddles. Welcome to the Shih Tzu life—hope you like having a fluffy shadow following you everywhere!
Shih Tzu Breed Information
| Breed Name | Shih Tzu |
| Origin | Tibet / China |
| Nickname | Little Lion Dog |
| Size | Small / Toy |
| Height | 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) |
| Weight | 9-16 pounds (4-7 kg) |
| Life Expectancy | 10-16 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing, Loyal, Friendly, Alert |
| Exercise Needs | Low to Moderate (20-30 minutes daily) |
| Grooming Needs | Very High (Daily brushing recommended) |
| Coat Type | Long, Flowing, Double Coat |
| Coat Colors | Gold, White, Black, Brown, Brindle, Multi-color combinations |
| Shedding Level | Low (but requires extensive grooming) |
| Training Difficulty | Moderate (Intelligent but stubborn) |
| Intelligence | Above Average |
| Health Concerns | Eye Problems, Hip Dysplasia, Breathing Issues, Dental Problems |
| Socialization | Important - Naturally friendly but needs exposure |
| Good with Children | Excellent (Gentle and patient) |
| Good with Other Pets | Excellent |
| Apartment Living | Ideal (Perfect for apartments) |
| Climate Adaptability | Moderate (Sensitive to heat due to flat face) |
| Guard Dog Ability | Low (Alert barker but too friendly) |
| Barking Level | Moderate |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
| Drooling Level | Low |
| Special Needs | Daily grooming, eye cleaning, dental care |
| Price in Pune | ₹25,000 - ₹95,000 |
| Price in Mumbai | ₹25,000 - ₹65,000 |
| KCI Registration | Available from Reputable Breeders |
| Monthly Food Cost | ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 |
| Monthly Grooming Cost | ₹2,000 - ₹3,000 |
| Annual Vet Cost | ₹10,000 - ₹15,000 |
| Best For | Apartments, Families, Seniors, First-time Owners, Lap Dog Lovers |