Grey Cockatiel

The Cockatiel is a small dog, friendly, living around its lifetime. In a city where space is measured carefully, this breed asks less of a floor plan than people expect - it cares far more about whether anyone is in the room.

The real work here is seasonal. Four months of rain shape the coat care, the drying routine and the walk schedule, and a household that plans for that enjoys the dog considerably more than one surprised by it each June.

Caring for a Cockatiel through a Mumbai year

• Monsoon: four months of rain shape the routine. Dry the dog thoroughly and never let bedding stay damp.
• Feeding: portioned to the adult size, with any brand change phased over a week.
• Weight: judged against your vet's target, never against what the dog asks for.
• Teeth: brushed or given something to chew; dental trouble is the most under-treated thing we see.
• Clinic: number saved and records kept in the same place.