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Shih Tzu Names

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Shih Tzu NamesReady to bring home your very own puppy, but struggling to find good Shih Tzu Names

Here’s our guide to the very best Shi Tzu dog names,

Including suggestions for male puppies, female puppies, cute names, funny names, and more!

Are you about to welcome a Shih Tzu puppy into your home, but having trouble with deciding on a name for your new furry friend?

For some, a name for a new pet might come like an instant flash of inspiration.

For everyone else, we’ll share our ideas with you!

For thousands more ideas visit our main dog names library

Maybe you’ll get that instant inspiration, that “click” moment where you know one of these names must be the one for your Shih Tzu.

Or maybe some of these names will serve as a jumping-off point to think of your own.

Either way, we hope these ideas will help you to de-stress this important process.

Naming Your Shih Tzu

Before diving into Shih Tzu puppy names, there are some considerations you may want to note about the naming process.

One popular way of naming a new pet is to go off of personality or appearance.

While every dog is unique, there are some distinct characteristics you can expect to see in a Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu Names

First, Shih Tzu are known for being playful and affectionate.

Furthermore, they are largely home-bound pups, preferring to lounge indoors than run full-speed through a park.

Remember before you look for your puppy, that their characteristic appearance can cause problems with breathing or walking.

Make sure you know all about these potential issues before committing to bringing your new friend home.

All of these traits can be seen as a reflection of their ancestors’ lives as “palace pets” hundreds of years ago in imperial China!

Shih Tzu are also very distinctive in their appearance.

These dogs, small enough to be put in the “toy breed” category, have beautiful, distinctive, flowing coats, and a hard-to-place but adorable facial expression.

Frequently Shih Tzu have coats of black, white, or a mix of both.

That being said, there are many other possibilities, including blue, gold, red, and silver, just to name a few.

Now that you know more about the Shih Tzu, let’s dive into some suggestions, starting with Shih Tzu names for male puppies.

Male Shih Tzu Names

In this section, as well as the next on female name ideas, we will focus on “standard” human names for your Shih Tzu puppy.

This presents a unique challenge for a dog such as the Shih Tzu—their appearance is so distinctive, and carries its history as canine royalty wherever it goes.

Male Shih Tzu Names

We need to address the impulse to use a “dignified,” even formal name while recognizing the practical realities when naming a pet.

When training your puppy, or just calling for your buddy from one side of the room to another, chances are you won’t want to be bogged down by a four-syllable name, just for the sake of appearances.

For these reasons, this and the following section will try to choose longer names carefully, many of which can be easily shortened to nicknames, along with some shorter, and still dignified names.

For male Shih Tzu puppies, here are some ideas:

  • Jameson
  • Aiden
  • Adam
  • Jackson
  • Lance
  • Gabe
  • Charlie
  • Cole
  • Cooper
  • Danny
  • Lucas
  • Logan
  • Oliver
  • Nathaniel
  • Bobby
  • Wesley
  • Kingston
  • Bennett
  • Richie
  • Eddie
  • Colin
  • Bradley
  • Jesse
  • Brady
  • Kenneth
  • Jasper
  • Charlie
  • Cody
  • Damien
  • Felix
  • Cesar
  • Donnie
  • Archer
  • Holden
  • Ralphie
  • Louie
  • Remmy
  • Melville
  • Marshall
  • Cohen
  • Walker
  • Porter
  • Theo
  • Ace

Female Shih Tzu Names

Similar to our previous section, we’ve picked out some stately, even queen-like names for a female Shih Tzu.

While some are sort and sweet, others are several syllables, but can also be shortened to nicknames. It’s up to you which way to go.

Female Shih Tzu Names

Here are some ideas to help you get started!

  • Sophia
  • Olivia
  • Mia
  • Isabel
  • Charlotte
  • Amelia
  • Gracie
  • Victoria
  • Lilian
  • Natalia
  • Alexandra
  • Brooke
  • Penelope
  • Samantha
  • Allison
  • Ariana
  • Stella
  • Gabby
  • Lucy
  • Madeline
  • Ellie
  • Carolina
  • Claudia
  • Serena
  • Juliet
  • Gloria
  • Marie
  • Eve
  • Eliza
  • Alicia
  • Alice
  • Coraline
  • Chloe
  • Elana
  • Maria
  • Valencia
  • Natasha
  • Tina
  • Michaela
  • Christie
  • Josephine
  • Nikki
  • Tricia
  • Shirley
  • Noelle

Cute Shih Tzu Names

Shih Tzu dogs seem to be made for cute names.

Their small size, flowing coat, and big eyes arguably make them one of the more precious, conventionally adorable dog breeds.

In addition, Shih Tzu typically have personalities on the playful and affectionate side.

Cute Shih Tzu Names

We’ve used these traits to offer some suggestions for cute Shih Tzu names.

  • Joyful
  • Charmer
  • Darling
  • Precious
  • Allure
  • Sweetie
  • Enchantress
  • Cuddly
  • Angel
  • Winsome
  • Dainty
  • Pipsqueak
  • Dazzler
  • Pizzazz
  • Glamour
  • Amity
  • Bestie
  • Kindly
  • Goodie
  • Lady
  • Cookie
  • Lucky
  • Perky
  • Peppy
  • Bubbly
  • Spunky
  • Bouncy
  • Jolly
  • Frolic
  • Merry
  • Whimsy
  • Sleepy
  • Munchkin
  • Peaceful
  • Serenity

Chinese Shih Tzu Names

We briefly mentioned Shih Tzu being referred to as “palace pets.”

This actually goes back to China hundreds of years ago, where Shih Tzu were kept by rulers within imperial courts.

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They were especially present in Peking courts, specifically as both “a pet and companion for royalty.”

Shih Tzu, sharing the name of “lion dogs” with several similar breeds, were so valued that they literally marched alongside humans in official processions.

As Sharon Lynn Vanderlip explains in her book The Shih Tzu Handbook, such “lion dogs” would follow “at the heels of emperors and empresses”

Given this rich history, it would be wrong for us not to include some Chinese dog names for Shih Tzu.

Most of these names will stem from terms for royalty, beauty, power, and affection. Of course, going this route means taking special note of Chinese pronunciation, which in general can take a bit of practice.

Still, we think these potential names would be well worth the extra linguistics homework!

  • Gongzu (Princess)
  • Nuwang (Queen)
  • Keai (Cute)
  • Wangquan (Royalty)
  • Junzhu (Monarch)
  • Meili (Beautiful)
  • Shunu (Lady)
  • Zu (Lord)
  • Guowang (King)
  • Huangdi (Emperor)
  • Huanghou (Empress)
  • Bo (Precious)
  • Shizi (Lion)
  • Juhua (Chrysanthemum)
  • Ganqing (Affection)
  • Qinre (Affectionate)
  • Zhengui (Precious)
  • Keai (Lovely)
  • Chongbai (Adored)
  • Heai (Kindly)
  • Qiangda (Powerful)
  • Jilie (Fierce)
  • Tiaopi (Playful)
  • Emo (Imp)
  • Ezuoju (Mischievous)
  • Banlu (Companion)
  • Reqing (Warmth)
  • Qiangdu (Strength)
  • Yonggan (Brave)
  • Chundu (Purity)
  • Kekao (Trustworthy)
  • Pengyou (Friend)
  • Xiyue (Joy)

Black and White Shih Tzu Names

Appearance is often a key inspiration in naming a pet.

Shih Tzu come in many colors, with either a one-color coat or various combinations of different colors.

Some of the more commonly seen coats are all black, white, or a combination of the two.

Best Dog Food For Shih Tzu

Here are a few ideas for Shih Tzu names for black and white pups.

Some may be more fitting than others, depending on the ratio of black to white coloring.

  • Oreo
  • Moonbeam
  • Moonlight
  • Twilight
  • Midnight
  • Luna
  • Dusky
  • Nightfall
  • Starry
  • Starlight
  • Snowy
  • Snowfall
  • Snowflake
  • Blizzard
  • Ghostly
  • Specter
  • Icy
  • Ebony
  • Ivory
  • Shiny
  • Eclipse
  • Shadow
  • Smoky
  • Murky
  • Shady
  • Nightlight
  • Frosting
  • Vanilla
  • Patchy
  • Milky Way

Famous Shih Tzu Names

Back in their days in China as palace pets, Shih Tzu were often called “lion dogs,” the “chrysanthemum-faced dog,” and, perhaps strangest sounding of all, the “sleeve dog.”

This last term referred to their small size, as they traveled easily within the sleeves of the well-dressed elite.

Any one of these terms could make for a vivid mental picture in our heads for the Shih Tzu.

The Shih Tzu breed just doesn’t quit with its distinctive identity (or in this case, identities)!

While these three terms were used to describe Shih Tzu in general, we can use these names as a jumping-off point for further name suggestions.

The main ideas we’ll use here will be based on the Shih Tzu association with the fierceness of a lion, the beauty and delicacy of a flower, and their historical precedence for providing a source of revered, valuable companionship.

Here are some ideas for Shih Tzu names:

  • Imperial
  • Belle
  • Beauty
  • Titan
  • Fiery
  • Howl
  • Lion/Lioness
  • Stormy
  • Tempest
  • Regal
  • Ruler
  • Chiller
  • Companion
  • Tranquil
  • Harmony

Celebrity Shih Tzu Names

The Shih Tzu history does not end there, of course.

These “toy breed” dogs are very popular today, shown in part by the number of Western celebrities that have opted for their own palace dogs.

Most of the Shih Tzu names here are unconventional, and even if you don’t have a particular affinity toward the celebrities mentioned here, you may find yourself attracted to the names they’ve chosen.

Here are some names, accompanied by their star/starlet owner:

   
  • Honey Child (Nicole Richie)
  • Sumo (Susie Essman
  • Bella (Rebecca Mader)
  • Munchie (Beyonce)
  • Moulin Rouge (Zsa Zsa Gabor)
  • Choo Choo (Queen Elizabeth)
  • Bing and Bong (Mariah Carey)
  • Bonny (Colin Farell)
  • Lollipop (Andie MacDowell)
  • Harry (Geri Halliwell)
  • Balmer (Bill Gates)
  • Legend (Jacinda Barrett)
  • Panda (Betty White)
  • Rusty (David Hasselhoff)
  • Sebastian (Vanessa Williams)

Funny Shih Tzu Names

Sometimes one of the most enjoyable ways to name a puppy can be in an ironical sense, dramatically playing on some of the more over-the-top traits of the puppy in question.

And, no offence to the Shih Tzu, but their appearance especially lends itself to this train of thought, along with their royal heritage.

Shih Tzu Names

And, of course, there’s their playful, mischievous nature and overall relaxed, home-body lifestyle.

Here are some funny Shih Tzu names, some obvious, some not so obvious.

  • Princess
  • Duchess
  • Queenie
  • Baroness
  • Diva
  • Starlet
  • Sparky
  • Riff-Raff
  • Crusher
  • Rascal
  • Devil
  • Doofus (my personal favorite!)
  • Wrecker
  • Dasher
  • Snappy
  • Speedy
  • Scoundrel
  • Imp
  • Goofy
  • Giant
  • Chief
  • Wacky
  • Kooky
  • Daffy
  • Nutty
  • Oddball
  • Funky
  • Shaggy
  • Tiny
  • Bouncer
  • Friendo
  • Scoundrel

Best Shih Tzu Names

Finding the right name for a new pet can seem intimidating, and understandably so.

It is an important decision for both you and your pet, since there are no take-backs once your pet has become accustomed to their new title.

With Shih Tzu names in particular, there are many different directions to go because it is such a unique, distinctive breed.

Having many options can quickly turn into having too many options.

In this article, we’ve done our best to provide a break-down for some basic naming categories, in the hopes of narrowing down what you’re looking for in a name, or even the exact name you want to use.

If you’re still drawing a blank for naming your Shih Tzu, you should consider looking to your favorite movies, TV shows, books, video games, and the like, for further inspiration.

We hope this article has provided you with several good ideas, or even the one perfect idea for naming your Shih Tzu.

If you are planning on bringing home a Shih Tzu puppy, make sure you check out our complete guide to the breed here.

And that you know what the right food is going to be for your new friend too!

Here’s our guide to the very best Shi Tzu dog names

References

 

Comments

  1. Dottie Banes says

    My first Shihtzu was a male we named He So Shaggy, Shag for short, & he was a character. Then came Missey, Maggie, Abby, Saige, .& now we have Pixie. They were all the sweetest dogs. We are getting up there in age so Pixie will probably be our last. Each of them hold a special place in our heart.

    Reply

    • Lilly says

      My friend has some Shih Tzus and their names are Mocha(girl), Milo(boy), and Maggie(girl) Mocha is the mom, Milo is the dad, and Maggie is the daughter.

      Reply

  4. Christi Z says

    I had to let my baby – Wilbur, aka Bubby – cross the rainbow bridge in August 2020. He was a rescue who already had a name so it just stuck. But now I’m about to adopt two more that still need names. The little girl we’ve settled on Miss Lily-Bear (Lily for short). But we are stumped on what to name our boy. He’s a solid, liver-colored little one, and I want something two syllables that suits him. Any ideas? (And not Copper or Teddy please!)

    Thanks!

    Reply

  6. Sherron (Dover) Elliasmine says

    We had one back in the 80’s and named him Sumo, because my mom said he looked like a Sumo Wrestler. My brother had one named Koto after the Japanese instrument. They were both great dogs and lived for 13 and 15 years.

    Reply

    • Deb says

      My beautiful little girl’s name is Toddy. She’ll be 15 in July.
      She has a cataract on her left eye now. She’s been a joy to me from minute 1.

      Reply

  7. Mary Daughtrey says

    My 11 year old companion was born on July 4 and therefore is named him “Patrick Henry”. Of course he answers to whatever I call him because we are both elderly and live alone. He loves long walks and riding in the basket of my tricycle. Life couldn’t be better!z

    Reply

    • Deb says

      Our precious babies love is the best we can have. My little girl will be 15 in July. She’s my beautiful angel + I love all the time I spend with her. She’s a great companion in my golden years.

      Reply

  8. Susan says

    When we rescued our Shih Tzu from nycacc she had the name Linda. NOT HAPPENING. We immediately changed it to Lulu and she took to it like it was always her name. Nothing but love from her and for her.

    Reply

    • Qursum says

      I am buying a black and whit shihtzu puppy she is 2 weeks old I decided to name her skittles or cookie today she is arriving from Karachi to Islamabad

      Reply

  9. Jeanie Baartman says

    All the names sound good.
    I had a Shih Tsu her Aka,
    Name was Chocolate b Good we named her Coco She went over the Rainbow Bridge One Month Shy Of 14yrs.
    She was the love of our lives.
    Didn’t think We would be able to replace her,however here came a puppy who just stole our hearts.
    We named her Misty .
    She is adorable sometimes we think she should be called Sassy.

    Reply

  11. SusanC says

    I have a 4 year old Shih Tzu, named Holly Belle. She is the sweetest, very friendly girl, also very smart and cuddly. Could not have asked for a better family member.

    Reply

  12. Sheila Carlson says

    In 1995 got first female Shih Tzu named Ewok. Bred her twice and kept her daughter named Callie, then next birth kept her son, Chevy. Then bred Callie and kept her daughter, named Sachi. Lived with all four of them together for over ten years. Sachi died in February at the age of 18 1/2. They were my best ever family.

    Reply

  13. Lauren says

    How can I get my parents to get me an adorable Shih Tzu? What are good name suggestions for both male and female?
    Thanks!

    Reply

  14. Tom says

    Our little lady’s official name is “Mollie”, but she also goes by “Lady Scruffington” or her wrasslin’ name “Ruffy Scruffy”.

    Reply

  16. Rory says

    I had two black and white Shih Tzu boys. One was named Spanky and the other was named Pepe Le Pew. They were the loves of my life. Both lived to be old men, 14yrs and 16 1/2 yrs old. I miss them so much and will have one again someday.

    Reply

  17. Missi says

    My girl’s name is Broadway Brie, I call her Brie Brie, my boy’s name is Boardwalk Bob, and of course I call him Bob Bob, lol

    Reply

  19. Fred & Nan says

    My shin Tzu picked her own name, every time anyone said. The word ADORABLE OR STAR she would immediately jump up and respond. By the time we got home she was answering to ADORY STAR, of course she is called Dory for short, but you can’t say adorable without her coming to you.

    Reply

  21. Penny says

    My little ShiTzu was a throw away as she was found in my grandson’s truck. He was unable to keep her so he brought her to me and she has been my baby ever since. That has been several years ago. She has been my guardian and she loves me as much as I love her. I named her Cuddles as she is a real cuddle bug.

    Reply

  22. Jay Garrett says

    My bestie fur baby whose been with me for almost a year on the 28th Feb took some time to give him a suitable name, after reading all the other names not one was suitable for him.
    Until one afternoon just brushing him gently & trying to sort his wayward hair he then shook himself & looked no different – he earnt the beautiful name ‘RUFFLES’ trust me, it suits him and he suits me just great, never ever known a pet to be on such a par as he is with me.
    A truly wonderful magnificent little creature he is & the love I have for him is painful. I love him sooo very much, I waited two years for him & he was worth the wait. What a dog, what a personality & what a great name: RUFFLES xx

    Reply

    • Tami Haynie says

      I had a black an white one for 12 years. His name was Puffin. Best dog ever. I miss him everyday ❤️

      Reply

      • Debbie Booth Stanley. says

        I’m so sorry for your loss. I can relate. Our little 9 yr. old Abby has been in renal failure since July -2019. She also has bladder cancer. We are giving her sub fluids every day. We can go back to 4 days a week soon. She is the BEST little Fur Baby ever. We take it day by day. We won’t allow her to suffer though. My Heart goes out to you. I am so sorry. It’s very Heartbreaking. God Bless. 🙏❤️

        Reply

        • Anita Bates says

          I was very fortunate to receive a little girl shitzu. She was 5 weeks old. Before I named her, I watched her. She was very feisty and would take on another dog, a golden retriever named Buddy. He was very sweet and would let her have her way. She thought it was her attitude! Because of her feistiness and because of Buddy’s name, I named her Idgy from the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. It suited her perfectly!!

          Reply

    • Gale says

      I just had to help my 11 year old cross the rainbow bridge.
      She was black and white and a very feminine little girl , her name was Lacey🌹

      Reply

      • Linda says

        So very sorry Gale for your loss. Shit tzus are so amazing which makes it so hard to lose them. Mine is my world and I don’t know how I could do without her. They truly are lion dogs. Two days ago she chased off a blue heron that was going to grab one of the fish or turtles I was feeding. Today she was guarding that spot waiting for it to return. They are fearless.

        Reply

  25. Dina says

    My sweet baby girl’s name is Maribel. (The I sounds like an A) She is a mix of shih Tzu & Malteese. Sweestest girl ever!

    Reply

  26. Vicky Thomson says

    I’m getting a female shih tzu next week and her full name is Princess Trixie Belle but will be known as Trixie

    Reply

  27. Rose Kinney says

    We named our baby boy MILO. 3weeks.We are so excited .We already have Max he’s 3 yrs . Mollie is 10 yrs .

    Reply

  29. Rosetta Payton says

    I have the greatest name for my best friend. His name is Coach. He is adorable and yet he is in charge of everything. I could not have picked a better name.

    Reply

  31. Christine says

    I’m looking a name for my shorkie puppy. It’s a girl, born July 23. I’m leaning towards Dixie. But I have to see her more.

    Reply

  32. JAY GARRETT says

    my now 6 month old Shih Tzu is so loving and seriously funny, makes me laugh every day.

    I struggled to find a suitable name for him, UNTIL I sat and brushed him, he’d then shake and look no different, he got the name Ruffles Alexander (after my dad, whom I sorely miss every day).

    Not heard this name anywhere, yet!

    Reply

  33. Debbie says

    My last two girls were named Brie and Riley. For my new girl I’m leaning toward Sailor, Zoey or Jazzy.

    Reply

  34. MJH says

    I had the most loving cutest shih tzu for 14 years. She was our baby! Her name was Nelly, after my favorite grandma. It’s now two years since we lost Nelly and in one more month we are adopting another female shih tzu. We are pretty sure we will name her Sofie.

    Reply

  35. Candace Yoakum says

    My shih tzu ,aseet little girl, we named Mollie, how we loved that little girl. She is no longer with us, lived for 13 years. Brought so much joy into our lives
    She was a rescue, was skin and bones, 7 lbs
    Gained 5 lbs., what a loving sweetheart , very bossy, she let me know bedtime, mealtime , when to walk and when ror belly rubs, etc;

    Reply

  40. Amanda says

    I had a shih Tzu (Boy) for 16 years…My companion and best friend. We named him Peluche, Spanish for stuffed animal…Miss him terribly.

    Reply

  41. Ryanne says

    My dog Daphne is ADORABLE she is only w but she has the cutest facial expressions and she is tan and white and has the most adorable mask or hair on her eyes SHE IS THE BEST!!

    Reply

  42. Megan VanderGracht says

    My little Shih Tzu is a girl. I’ve had her since she was 7 weeks and is now just over a year. I wanted a special name for her. I came up with Maisie (Scottish for Margaret) meaning pearl “child of light.” She has a beautiful white coat with tan markings.

    Reply

  45. Shelagh says

    So far I’ve had a Chaplin, Presley, Brando and now a Harlowe. All sweet little Shih Tzus! Love this breed.

    Reply

    • Beatrice says

      My children want to name my 5 mo. Old shitzu Gizmo too. I’m not crazy about the name and everyone says he’s too nice looking for the name. He is white and brindle with some copper on his head and tail and black ears.

      Reply

    • Lynne DeMarco says

      Omg that’s a cute name. I’m trying to think of a different name. I keep leading towards Bella and now I came across your dogs named Candy (I love to eat candy lol) and it may fit.
      Good luck!

      Reply

  49. Peg Makynen says

    Psyche and Luna were my twin blonde Shih Tzu girls and Zeus, Pax, Ajax and Hermes were the boys. I later had a 4.5 pounds girl named Zelda Fitzgerald, I now have two Teddy Bears named Finnegan and Phoebe.

    Reply

  53. Aurora Rice says

    My ShiTzu name is Zeus, My husband’s ShiTzu name is Thor.
    These dogs are incredible and are named after imperial God’s.. God backwards in English is Dog.

    Reply

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