Shih Tzu Names: 400+ Ideas & Puppy Naming Guide

Growing up, my neighbor had a Shih Tzu named Bubbles. Bubbles was a small, fluffy dog with a friendly face and a tail that wagged like a little propeller. I remember how Bubbles’ name suited her bubbly personality perfectly. Every time I called her, she would tilt her head and trot over cheerfully.

In this article, I’ll guide you through various aspects of naming your Shih Tzu. We’ll explore popular names, how to pick a name based on their unique physical features and personality, and even look into some creative and culturally inspired names.

Whether you’re looking for something classic, unique, or meaningful, read on!

Best Shih Tzu Names for Your Dog

Gender-Specific Names

When considering gender-specific names for your Shih Tzu, it’s about choosing a name that you feel fits the personality and characteristics often associated with a particular gender. However, there are no strict rules. Here’s a closer look:

Male Shih Tzu Names

For male Shih Tzus, owners often lean towards names that either reflect traditional masculine qualities or are simply popular among male dogs. Names like Max, Charlie, Buddy, or Jack are common. These names might evoke a sense of strength, and playfulness, or just be favorites due to their popularity. Some owners might choose names that reflect a bold or sturdy characteristic, despite the small size of the breed, as a playful contrast, like Duke, Rex, or Thor.

Here are some excellent Shih Tzu boy names to choose from that roll off the tongue and make it easy to be both stern and affectionate with a pup.

From Adobe Stock

• Ace
• Admiral
• Adonis
• Alfie
• Archer
• Archie
• Asher
• Ashton
• Baxter
• Beau
• Benji
• Benny
• Blue
• Brady
• Brody
• Bruno
• Buster
• Caesar
• Chance
• Charlie
• Chase
• Chewie
• Cody
• Cooper
• Dexter
• Dougie
• Eddie
• Ernie
• Fergus
• Finn
• Frankie
• Gus
• Hamilton
• Hank
• Harley
• Harry
• Heath
• Henry
• Jack
• Jackson
• Jake
• Jasper
• Jax
• Jeeves
• Joey
• Kobe
• Leo
• Lion
• Little Lion
• Loki
• Louie
• Magnum
• Marley
• Max
• Mercury
• Mickey
• Murphy
• Odie
• Oliver
• Ollie
• Orion
• Oscar
• Otis
• Patches
• Percy
• Pluto
• Prince
• Ralph
• Remi
• Riley
• Rocco
• Rocky
• Romeo
• Roscoe
• Rudy
• Rusty
• Sammy
• Scooter
• Scrappy
• Scully
• Snoopy
• Storm
• Tank
• Teddy
• Theo
• Toby
• Tucker
• Vincent
• Wally
• Walter
• Ziggy

Female Shih Tzu Names

For female Shih Tzus, names like Bella, Daisy, Lily, or Lucy are popular. These names often have a softer, more delicate sound, reflecting traditional feminine qualities. Names inspired by flowers, gemstones, or sweet-sounding words are common choices, like Rose, Ruby, or Honey. These names can mirror the elegance and beauty often associated with the Shih Tzu breed, especially given their luxurious coat and graceful demeanor.

Here are the best Shih Tzu girl names for an adorable female puppy to show affection to your new companion.

From Adobe Stock

• Angelica
• Annie
• Ariel
• Aspen
• Bailey
• Baroness
• Bella
• Bianca
• Callie
• Charlotte
• Chloe
• Constance
• Daisy
• Dakota
• Darling
• Dixie
• Duchess
• Effie
• Elizabeth
• Ella
• Ellie
• Emma
• Empress
• Evangeline
• Evelyn
• Fiona
• Flora
• Genevieve
• Gertrude
• Gigi
• Gloria
• Goldie
• Grace
• Gracie
• Hannah
• Harper
• Hazel
• Isabel
• Izzy
• Jasmine
• Jojo
• Josie
• Juliet
• Khloe
• Koda
• Lacey
• Lady
• Layla
• Lexi
• Lily
• Lola
• Lucy
• Lulu
• Luna
• Macy
• Madison
• Maggie
• Maisie
• Maya
• Merida
• Mia
• Miley
• Millie
• Missy
• Misty
• Mittens
• Molly
• Natalia
• Nina
• Octavia
• Olive
• Paisley
• Pearl
• Penelope
• Penny
• Petunia
• Phoebe
• Piper
• Pippa
• Poppy
• Princess
• Queenie
• Rose
• Rosemary
• Rosie
• Roxy
• Ruby
• Sabine
• Sadie
• Sally
• Sasha
• Scarlet
• Shadow
• Sienna
• Sophie
• Starlet
• Stella
• Theodora
• Trixie
• Victoria
• Violet
• Winnie
• Zoe
• Zoey

Additionally, I find that dog owners are increasingly opting for unisex names that work well regardless of the dog’s gender. Names like Bailey, Sam, Alex, or Riley are gender-neutral and have become popular choices for pet owners who prefer a more modern naming approach.

Creative Name Ideas

I’ve always been fascinated by how names can reflect personality and character, even in pets. For instance, turning to nature for name inspiration can give your Shih Tzu a peaceful and unique identity. Names like ‘River’, ‘Willow’, or ‘Aspen’ not only sound beautiful but also carry an essence of nature’s tranquility. If you’re an art lover like me, why not name your Shih Tzu after a famous artist or artwork? Names like ‘Picasso’, ‘Mosaic’, or ‘Frida’ are not only unique but also hold a story within them. And for those who love a touch of cosmic wonder, names like ‘Orion’, ‘Nova’, or ‘Luna’ can reflect the vast beauty of the universe. The following are more ideas:

Cute Shih Tzu Names

Here are the cutest Shih Tzu puppy names to show your dog how much you love its sweet nature.

From Adobe Stock

• Baby
• Bandit
• Barkley
• Bean
• Bear
• Beauty
• Bestie
• Bing
• Biscuit
• Bubble
• Buddy
• Button
• Chewy
• Chico
• Coco
• Cookie
• Cuddles
• Cuddly
• Dasher
• Diva
• Doofus
• Fifi
• Fluffy
• Gidget
• Gizmo
• Honey
• Impy
• Jellybean
• Lassie
• Locks
• Lollipop
• Lucky
• Milo
• Mimi
• Mini
• Minnie
• Munchie
• Munchkin
• Nugget
• Oreo
• Peanut
• Pebbles
• Peewee
• Pepper
• Peppermint Patty
• Pipsqueak
• Pixie
• Precious
• Rascal
• Sassy
• Scoundrel
• Shaggy
• Shorty
• Snickers
• Sparky
• Spud
• Squirt
• Sweetie
• Tiny
• Wrecker

Unique Shih Tzu Names

Here are the most unique Shih Tzu puppy names to let your puppy stand out from the crowd, giving your dog an aura of elegance and importance.

From Adobe Stock

• Alcott
• Alfred
• Archibald
• Ash
• Autumn
• Bentley
• Bianco
• Blackie
• Blake
• Blizzard
• Blondie
• Brownie
• Buttercup
• Cadbury
• Caramel
• Chai
• Charlie Brown
• Checkers
• Choco
• Cinder
• Coal
• Cocoa
• Coffee
• Copper
• Cosmo
• Cotton
• Darcy
• Desmond
• Domino
• Dove
• Dusty
• Edmond
• Edwin
• Ember
• Emerson
• Espresso
• Fairfax
• Fawn
• Foggy
• Fox
• Foxy
• Francois
• Frosty
• Ghost
• Godiva
• Goldy
• Granite
• Hershey
• Hickory
• Hudson
• Ice
• Java
• Jet
• Kahlua
• Kingsley
• Kingston
• Marshmallow
• Merlot
• Mocha
• Mouse
• Onyx
• Pepe Le Pew
• Pewter
• Preston
• Princeton
• Puffin
• Raven
• Red
• Redford
• Redmond
• Rockwell
• Rojo
• Rolo
• Russet
• Sangria
• Shiraz
• Silver
• Smoky
• Snowy
• Spirit
• Starlight
• Steely
• Sterling
• Stormy
• Sugar
• Sunny
• Tawny
• Tootsie
• Valentine
• Wolf
• Yogi
• Yoshi

Exotic Shih Tzu Names

Here are the most exotic Shih Tzu puppy names to give your new friend an exotic personality.

From Adobe Stock

• Anemone
• Augustus
• Aurora
• Axel
• Barnabus
• Belle
• Benedict
• Camilla
• Casanova
• Chanel
• Charleston
• Chaucer
• Dahlia
• Dolly
• Duke
• Fuschia
• Gatsby
• Ginger
• Gucci
• Iris
• Isaiah
• Julius
• King
• Kona
• Lux
• Marigold
• Momo
• Nala
• Odysseus
• Pansy
• Peony
• Sebastian
• Simba
• Solomon
• Willow
• Winston
• Zeus

Cultural Names

I’ve always been intrigued by the rich cultures around the world and how they can inspire beautiful names for our pets. When it comes to Shih Tzus, with their origins rooted in Chinese culture, there’s a wealth of names that pay homage to their heritage. For instance, names like ‘Ling’ (meaning delicate) or ‘Bao’ (meaning treasure) not only have a lovely sound but also carry deep cultural significance. I remember meeting a Shih Tzu named ‘Ming’, inspired by the famous Chinese dynasty.

But cultural inspiration doesn’t have to stop with China. The world is full of beautiful languages and histories that can be reflected in pet names. For instance, a Shih Tzu named ‘Kai’, which means ‘sea’ in Hawaiian, or ‘Nala’, a name of African origin meaning ‘successful’, can add an exotic flair.

What I love most about cultural names is how they also reflect your personal interests or background. Here is a selection of such names.

Chinese Shih Tzu Names

Here are some Chinese Shih Tzu names, along with the meaning of the names to pay respect to your puppy’s heritage.

From Adobe Stock

• Banlu — meaning “partner” in Chinese
• Baobiao — meaning “guard” in Chinese
• Baobei — meaning “precious” in Chinese
• Chongbai — meaning “adored” in Chinese
• Chunjie — meaning “purity” in Chinese
• Ganqing — meaning “sentimental” in Chinese
• Gongzhu — meaning “princess” in Chinese
• Guowang — meaning “king” in Chinese
• Heai — meaning “kind” in Chinese
• Huangdi — meaning “emperor” in Chinese
• Huanghou — meaning “empress” in Chinese
• Gungzhu — meaning “monarch” in Chinese
• Keai — meaning “cute/lovely” in Chinese
• Kekao — meaning “trustworthy” in Chinese
• Meili — meaning “beautiful” in Chinese
• Nuwang — meaning “queen” in Chinese
• Pengyou — meaning “friend” in Chinese
• Qiangda — meaning “powerful” in Chinese
• Qiangje — meaning “strength” in Chinese
• Qinaide — meaning “affectionate” in Chinese
• Reqing — meaning “warmth” in Chinese
• ShuaiGe — meaning “charming boy” in Chinese
• Shitzi — meaning “lion” in Chinese
• Shunu — meaning “lady” in Chinese
• Tiaopi — meaning “playful” in Chinese
• Wangquan — meaning “royalty” in Chinese
• Xiyue — meaning “joy” in Chinese
• Xiaomafan — meaning “mischievous” in Chinese
• Yingxiong — meaning “brave/heroic” in Chinese
• Yonggan — meaning “brave” in Chinese
• Zhengui — meaning “precious” in Chinese
• Zhu — meaning “lord” in Chinese

Naming Tips & Considerations

Firstly, a puppy’s name is usually the first word it learns. When you call your puppy by its name, it learns to pay attention to you. This is really helpful when you are training your puppy. For example, when you say your puppy’s name and then a command like “come” or “sit,” your puppy starts to learn that it needs to listen and respond to what you’re saying.

Secondly, I find that using your puppy’s name positively builds a good relationship between you and your puppy. Your puppy feels safe and loved, which makes it more likely to listen to you and learn from you.

Also, a name helps a lot in social situations. When you take your puppy to a park or a training class, using its name helps it understand that you are speaking to it, even when there are many other dogs and people around. This can also keep your puppy safe. If your puppy is running towards something dangerous, saying its name can make it stop and look at you, which can prevent accidents.

For these reasons, you should choose your pet’s name wisely. Consider the following:

Breed Characteristics

Shih Tzus are renowned for their friendly and affectionate nature. When thinking of names, consider their loving temperament. Names like ‘Joy’, ‘Buddy’, or ‘Cuddles’ reflect their amiable personality. These dogs are also known for being alert and lively, so names like ‘Sparky’ or ‘Zippy’ might suit a more energetic Shih Tzu. Understanding these traits can help you choose a name that matches your dog’s behavior and attitude.

Size and Appearance

I know the distinct physical traits of a Shih Tzu, like their small stature and luxurious coat, can inspire the perfect name. For instance, names like ‘Tiny’, ‘Peanut’, or ‘Button’ suit their small size, while ‘Fluffy’, ‘Silky’, or ‘Fuzzy’ can be nods to their coat. Also, consider their color: a white Shih Tzu might suit ‘Snowy’ or ‘Cloud’, while a brown one could be ‘Cocoa’ or ‘Mocha’. These names not only acknowledge their physical appearance but also add a touch of charm and relevance.

Personal Connection

Your personal experiences and memories can greatly influence your choice of name. Perhaps a book you love has a character whose qualities you admire, like ‘Atticus’ from To Kill a Mockingbird. Or maybe a place you’ve visited left a lasting impression, leading to names like ‘Paris’ or ‘Aspen’. This approach makes the name more meaningful and strengthens the bond you share with your Shih Tzu, making it a true reflection of your personal life and memories.

Avoid Common Command Words

Names that sound like common commands, such as ‘Kit’ (similar to ‘sit’) or ‘Bo’ (like ‘no’), can confuse your dog during training. It’s important to choose a name that sounds distinct from commands to avoid such confusion. This clarity helps in effective communication and training, ensuring your dog understands when it’s being called versus being given a command.

Future Usability

Consider how the name will grow with your dog. A name like ‘Tiny’ might suit a puppy but can seem ironic for a fully grown dog. Also, think about how comfortable you’ll be calling this name in public spaces or different life scenarios. A name that remains appropriate and pleasant throughout your dog’s life stages is ideal.

Ease of Pronunciation

A name that’s easy to pronounce ensures consistency, which is crucial for your dog’s recognition and response. It helps in clear communication, making training sessions and daily interactions smoother. Avoid names that are complex or can be easily mispronounced, as this can lead to confusion for your dog.

Length of the Name Matters

Short names, typically one or two syllables, are ideal for dogs. They’re easier for your Shih Tzu to recognize and respond to. Names like ‘Max’, ‘Bella’, or ‘Luna’ are quick to say and easy for your dog to understand. This simplicity is beneficial in training and in gaining your dog’s attention quickly when needed.

FAQs on Shih Tzu Names

Should I choose a Chinese name for my Shih Tzu due to their origin?

Choosing a Chinese name for your Shih Tzu as a nod to their origins is a thoughtful idea, but it’s not necessary. The most crucial aspect is selecting a name that you love and feel suits your dog’s personality, regardless of its cultural origin.

Can I name my Shih Tzu after my favorite food or character?

Naming your Shih Tzu after a favorite food or character is a delightful and personal approach. It adds a touch of your personality and preferences to your pet’s identity. For instance, names like Oreo, Taco, or Frodo not only stand out but also carry a part of your interests, making the naming process unique and fun.

How important is the length of a Shih Tzu’s name?

Shorter is usually better. Dogs generally respond more readily to shorter names, making one or two-syllable names ideal. This consideration is particularly useful during training and in daily communication, as it ensures that your dog can easily recognize and respond to its name.

Are there any names I should avoid for my Shih Tzu?

It’s advisable to avoid names that closely resemble common training commands, as this can lead to confusion during training sessions. For instance, names like Kit, which sounds like ‘sit’, or Ray, similar to ‘stay’, might make it harder for your Shih Tzu to distinguish between its name and a command.

Is it better to choose a name based on my Shih Tzu’s appearance or personality?

It’s a great approach. Some owners prefer to select a name that highlights their dog’s distinctive physical features, like Fluffy for a dog with a luxurious coat. Others might choose a name that captures their dog’s unique personality traits, such as Bouncer for a particularly energetic Shih Tzu. The key is to pick a name that feels fitting and special to your pet.

Can I change my Shih Tzu’s name if I adopt them as an adult?

It’s possible. It may require some patience and consistent training, but with positive reinforcement, your dog can adapt to a new name. On top of that, choosing a new name that sounds similar to their old one can help make the transition smoother and quicker.

How can I test if a name suits my Shih Tzu?

Call it out and observe your dog’s reaction. A suitable name should capture their attention effectively. Also, think about how you feel when saying the name. It should reflect both your dog’s identity and the bond you share with them, feeling natural and right when you call them.

Be Creative: Get the Perfect Name

The name you select plays a significant role in how you interact and communicate with your pet. It can enhance the bond you share and positively influence their response and behavior in training.

Remember, this name will be used daily for years to come. It will become a part of your shared memories and experiences. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a name that resonates with both you and your Shih Tzu’s personality and characteristics.

I encourage you to take the time to consider various factors like the breed’s characteristics, your Shih Tzu’s unique personality, and your personal preferences and interests. Whether you lean towards a name that’s popular, culturally significant, or uniquely creative, the most important aspect is that it suits both you and your furry friend.

If none of the names provided in this article are suitable for your new companion, check out the top male dog names, female dog names, or small dog names.