Shih Tzu Price in India (2025)- For Every State
Thinking of bringing a Shih Tzu home in 2025? Great choice — these friendly, apartment-friendly companions are hugely popular across India. But before you commit, it helps to know how much a Shih Tzu costs (state-wise), what drives the price, and the real lifetime expenses you must budget for. This in-depth guide gives you state/city-wise price ranges, buying vs adopting advice, cost breakdowns (one-time and recurring), negotiating tips, red flags when buying, and expected health costs — all with India in mind.
Short headline figure: In India (2025) typical puppy prices for Shih Tzu commonly sit between ₹25,000 and ₹60,000, though top show/lineage pups or certain cities can be more expensive.
1) State / City-wise Price Table (2025 estimates)
Note: prices below are ranges you are likely to see from pet stores, online marketplaces, and small/medium breeders. Individual breeder reputation, pedigree (KCI/AKC lines), coat colour, gender, and health clearances will push a puppy to the higher end of the range.
| State / City | Typical Price Range (₹) | Notes / Why it varies |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi / NCR | 20,000 – 70,000. | High demand, many breeders, premium neighbourhoods push prices. |
| Mumbai (MH) | 25,000 – 75,000. | Urban demand, higher living costs for breeders. |
| Bangalore (KA) | 20,000 – 80,000. | Wide spread: from budget litters to high-line breeders. |
| Chennai (TN) | 25,000 – 70,000. | Competitive local market. |
| Hyderabad (TS) | 30,000 – 70,000. | Many small breeders and adoption listings. |
| Kolkata (WB) | 30,000 – 70,000. | Varies with availability & lineage. |
| Pune (MH) | 20,000 – 70,000 | Growing demand; more small breeders. (regional listings show ~25k–35k typical ranges) |
| Jaipur (RJ) / Ahmedabad (GJ) | 20,000 – 75,000 | Smaller markets — fewer premium breeder options. |
| Chandigarh / Ludhiana (PB) | 25,000 – 50,000 | Good demand in affluent neighbourhoods. |
| Tier-2 towns (various) | 20,000 – 40,000 | Lower overheads → lower price points (but check health records). |
Why the ranges are wide: breeder reputation, registered pedigree (KCI/foreign bloodlines), special coat colours, veterinary certificates, early vaccinations, and microchipping — each adds to price. Multiple online marketplaces (listing sites and aggregators) show similar city variances.
2) What’s included in the puppy price — and what’s not
When a breeder quotes ₹30k–₹60k, you must ask what the price includes. Typical inclusions/exclusions:
-
Often included: first vaccination(s) (1–2 doses), initial deworming, sometimes microchip/registration paperwork. Supertails
-
Often excluded (ask & budget separately): complete vaccination series, spay/neuter, transport, passport/export paperwork (if applicable), health certificates, genetic clearances.
Always get a written receipt listing what you received (vaccination records, deworming dates, health certificate) — a sign of a responsible breeder.
3) The Complete Cost of Ownership — First Year & Annual Estimates (India)
Buying price is just the start. Below is a practical cost plan (national average ranges). These are estimates — actual numbers depend on brand choices, vet fees in your city, and your dog’s health.
One-time / First-year costs
| Item | Estimated Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Puppy purchase (average) | 25,000 – 60,000 (city dependent). Supertails |
| Initial vaccinations & boosters (first year) | 3,000 – 8,000. Supertails |
| Initial deworming series | 500 – 2,000 |
| Microchipping / registration | 500 – 2,000 |
| Basic supplies (crate/bed, bowls, leash, carrier) | 3,000 – 10,000 |
| Grooming starter kit + first professional groom | 1,000 – 6,000 |
| Spay/Neuter (if done in year 1) | 4,000 – 12,000 (depends on city & clinic) |
| Emergency buffer (vaccination reaction, minor illness) | 2,000 – 10,000 |
Recurring monthly / annual costs
| Item | Monthly (₹) | Annual (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Quality puppy/maintenance food | 2,000 – 5,000 | 24,000 – 60,000 |
| Preventatives (flea/tick, deworming) | 200 – 800 | 2,400 – 9,600 |
| Routine vet checkups / vaccinations (annual) | — | 3,000 – 10,000 |
| Grooming (regular trims & baths for Shih Tzu) | 500 – 2,000 per session (~monthly or 6-weekly) | 6,000 – 24,000 |
| Misc (toys, treats, training classes) | 500 – 2,000 | 6,000 – 24,000 |
Takeaway: Expect a meaningful monthly cost (food + grooming alone can be ₹2,500–8,000/month). Supertails’ cost breakdowns and other pet guides show similar ballpark totals for Shih Tzu ownership. Supertails
4) Adoption / Rescue vs Buying from Breeder
Thinking beyond purchase — adoption is cheaper and ethical. In India:
-
Platforms like Mr & Mrs Pet, local shelters, and adoption pages list Shih Tzu mixes and purebreds from time to time. Adoption fees are usually modest (covering vaccines/deworming) and far lower than breeder prices.
-
Adoption pros: lower cost, saving a life, behaviour profiles often known.
-
Adoption cons: pure pedigree or show bloodlines unlikely; puppy age/health history varies.
If you choose adoption, still budget for medical checks and grooming; rescue dogs sometimes need more initial vet care.
5) How to Choose a Responsible Shih Tzu Breeder (Checklist)
When you visit a breeder or puppy seller, use this checklist. A reputable source will welcome your questions.
-
✅ Health records for pup and parents (vaccination, deworming).
-
✅ KCI (Kennel Club of India) or relevant registration for parents (if seller claims pedigree).
-
✅ Visible living conditions: clean pens, socialized pups, mother on site.
-
✅ Willingness to show the dam & sire (or photos + health certificates).
-
✅ Returns / health guarantee (some breeders offer a 7–15 day vet guarantee).
-
✅ Written contract & receipt listing items included.
-
✅ Referrals / previous buyer contacts / online reputation (reviews, social pages).
-
✅ Avoid sellers who push immediate cash, refuse any paperwork, or won’t let you see living conditions.
6) Red Flags — Walk Away If You See These
-
No vaccination or deworming records.
-
Puppies kept in poor, cramped, or unhygienic conditions.
-
Seller claims “rare color” but offers no pedigree; price swings suspiciously high.
-
Requests unusual payment methods or refuses to provide a receipt.
-
Pushes for immediate pickup without allowing you to check paperwork.
7) Negotiation Tips & Seasonal Timing
-
Negotiate politely: breeders often have flexibility on price for siblings, older pups, or during low-season months.
-
Off-season advantages: monsoon or winter months sometimes lower demand — better bargaining chance.
-
Value-added ask: instead of price cut, ask for inclusion of extra vaccine, microchip, or a starter bag of the puppy’s current food.
-
Avoid extremely cheap deals — they often hide health issues.
8) Common Health Concerns for Shih Tzu (budget for them)
Shih Tzus are generally healthy but have breed predispositions. Knowing these helps plan vet funds.
-
Brachycephalic issues: breathing problems in very flat-faced lines (may need occasional vet visits).
-
Eye issues: tear staining, corneal ulcers — eye care & vet visits are common.
-
Dental disease: small breeds often need dental cleaning.
-
Skin & ear infections: due to long coat and floppy ears — grooming + vet care required.
Budget some contingency for these common problems; annual vet bills can rise if problems appear early.
9) Where to Look in India (marketplaces & breeder networks)
-
Online marketplaces & adoption portals: MrnMrsPet, Petfinder India (and local groups). Listings often show city filters and price hints.
-
Pet stores & grooming salons often have breeder contacts (ask for references).
-
KCI registered breeder directories – useful for pedigree & show lines (ask breeder for registration numbers).
-
Facebook/Instagram breeder pages – check reviews carefully.
10) Sample City Case — How I’d Buy in Delhi (step-by-step)
-
Shortlist 3–5 breeders/ads with clear photos & vaccine records.
-
Ask for dam/sire health certificates & KCI numbers.
-
Visit the breeder, check living conditions, meet mother and siblings.
-
Verify vaccination/deworming done and ask for receipts.
-
Negotiate inclusion of 1–2 vaccines and starter food.
-
Take pup to your vet within 48 hours for a wellness check.
-
Register microchip and keep all paperwork safe.
11) Quick FAQ (India-specific)
Q: Can I get a Shih Tzu under ₹20,000?
A: Rarely for a healthy, vaccinated pup from a responsible breeder. Very low prices often indicate lack of vaccination, poor breeding, or scam risks. Aim for realistic budgets.
Q: Are imported/pedigree Shih Tzus common in India?
A: Pure foreign lines with documented international pedigree cost more and are available only through established breeders; expect higher prices and longer waitlists.
Q: How long to wait for a vaccinated pup?
A: Responsible breeders usually sell puppies after they’ve had at least the first vaccine(s) (often 6–8+ weeks) and initial deworming. Ask for records.
12) Final Checklist Before You Pay
-
Vaccine & deworming dates on paper? ✔️
-
Clear contract & receipt? ✔️
-
Visible dam & good living conditions? ✔️
-
Health guarantee or return policy? ✔️
-
Reasonable price for your city & clear follow-up support? ✔️
If any of the above are missing — pause and reconsider.