Leslie who posts as "Adore My Dogs" may be able to help you here. Her mom has an adorable shih-tzu pup. Regarding a Christmas puppy....I got Bella the end of February last year. Needless to say it was COLD outside and of course you need to be outside a lot when you are housebreaking a dog. I remember those mornings getting out of my nice warm bed, putting on a bathrobe and heading outside in rain, sleet and snow! Of course that's all in the past now but it is something to consider when getting a puppy in the winter. Please do keep us updated. We love hearing about new additions here!