Shih Tzu puppies are fuzzy balls of sass, that barrel into your life with a flare and a fashion that can knock you sideways. If you can see straight through the early puppy haze of fur and fabulousness, you’ll need to find a name to match this incredible canine’s unique nature. Today I’ll share dozens of Shih Tzu names that won’t just do your perfect pal justice, they’ll turn heads too.
Contents
- Classic girls and boys names
- Uniquely cute ideas
- Inspiration from their Chinese history
- Shih Tzu names by coat color
The best dog names tend to be short and sweet, just like your new friend, in fact! They are easy to understand, and will help your puppy to learn to come when called quickly and easily. Two sylables tends to be the winner, with hard consonants and long vowels.
Male Shih Tzu Names
Traditional boys names suit this noble dog down to the ground. These ideas range from modern to historical, and will work well on any masculine little scruff.
- 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
Feminine but still tough, your powderpuff powerhouse will sound great with any of these classics.
- 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
- Victoria
Flower Names For Shih Tzus
A floral theme is a great place to start gathering ideas for this pretty breed of dog. Here are some of our favorites to get you started
- Daisy
- Pansy
- Peony
- Poppy
- Violet
- Anemone
- Dahlia
- Iris
- Lily
- Fuschia
- Buttercup
- Rosie
- Flora
- Marigold
Cute Shih Tzu Names
With their playful and affectionate personalities, 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, adorable dog breeds.
- 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
Shih Tzu were traditionally palace pets. This actually goes back to China hundreds of years ago, where their ancestors were kept by rulers within imperial courts. 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.
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. 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
Golden Names For Shih Tzu Dogs
- Amber
- Star
- Brandy
- Goldie
- Copper
- Honey
- Dandelion
- Popcorn
- Sunny
- Whisky
- Toffee
- Fudge
Traditional 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.
(paid link) - Imperial
- Belle
- Beauty
- Titan
- Fiery
- Howl
- Lion/Lioness
- Stormy
- Tempest
- Regal
- Ruler
- Chiller
- Companion
- Tranquil
- Harmony
Famous Shih Tzus
- 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 Dog 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.
- Princess
- Duchess
- Queenie
- Baroness
- Diva
- Starlet
- Sparky
- Riff-Raff
- Crusher
- Rascal
- Devil
Dolly N says
I named my little girl Mika. It means beautiful and good in Japanese. I’ve never had a shih tzu before but I just live her!
Eileen Duffy says
My shih tzu was named Bentley. I loved his name. I had him for14 years.
Dee Dyer says
Sorry for your loss. We had Pitter Patter Pawz for 16 years. Her bed is still in the corner of our family room. I can’t bring myself to move it.
Nicole Ladouceur says
I just got an 8 week old female Shih Tzu!! I am trying to think of a unique name for her!! She is a light honey/latte colour!!
Any suggestions??
Eileen Duffy says
How bout mocha or latte
Katie says
Call her honey.
Tracey says
I have a bichon shih tzu with perfect tuxedo markings. He is well known in my neighborhood as the social butterfly. Every one knows my 9 year old George. Just George, sometimes Georgie, Georgie boy, Pordgie or Super George. He answers to all his nick names.
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.
Lorraine Lorette says
We are about to get a boy and a girl, their mother is very pregnant. The girl will be Rose-Marie and the boy will be Brody Baron. I’m getting so excited!
Lorraine Lorette says
Just an addition to my previous statement, My babies have been born!!! They will be coming home on June 17th. SO HAPPY!!
Mira says
My shih Tzus’ names are Betty and Rocky. Always get compliments.
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.
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!
Deb says
How about Lionel for him.
Cindy Curtis says
We named ours, General lee.
Debora says
Our little guy is 11 years old he is liver colored with white patches. His name is”Oscar”
Aakarshit says
We named are Shih Tzu cherry
Victoria L says
How can Jasmine be missing?
We have Jasmine & Lily. Both girly & oriental!!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Helen says
Lulu is a great name my jackapoo is called Lulu xx
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.
Iris says
My lovely boy is called Porridge, he is so cute. I love him.
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.
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.
Simone says
Lol I always say my baby looks like an Ewok I should’ve named her Ewok I decided on Zsa Zsa
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!
Janelle Bermea says
If you can find one,just them the picture of it. It’ll melt their hearts❤
Tom says
Our little lady’s official name is “Mollie”, but she also goes by “Lady Scruffington” or her wrasslin’ name “Ruffy Scruffy”.
Clifford Knight says
Our 2 yo male is “Spike”…
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.
Joshua says
I am getting a shit tuz named coco
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
Hraaya says
Very inovative names… How about incoperating Skittles as a name?
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.
Erin says
My two babies are named Harley and Charlie they are my whole world
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.
Deb says
My Poodle was named Cotton BUT I immediately changed it to Cuddle Bugz. Cuddles for short.
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
Nina says
My shihton is named Mia and we love calling her MeeMee! She is the cutest girl ever. What a joy to have her.
Olivia says
I am getting a female black and white Shih Tzu puppy any name suggestions??
Tami Haynie says
I had a black an white one for 12 years. His name was Puffin. Best dog ever. I miss him everyday ❤️
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. 🙏❤️
judy says
I black & white I name pepples
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!!
Debbie Booth Stanley says
Abby Gail ! Congratulations. Best Babies EVER ! 💖💖
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🌹
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.
JAYLA says
MAYBE COOKIE?
Susan says
Pepper
Deb says
How about Ollie. a version of your name. Or Livie, another version of your name.
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!
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
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 .
Evie says
I was born July 23 2007.
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.
Sherry says
Ava Rose and Bree are the names of my two year girl Shih Tzu
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.
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!
Debbie says
My last two girls were named Brie and Riley. For my new girl I’m leaning toward Sailor, Zoey or Jazzy.
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.
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;
Eleanor Anderson says
I have a Shihchon (Shih Tzu, Bichon mix). She stole my heart, I call her Stella.
Karen says
I have a 7 month old black and white Male. His name is Tuxedo (Tux).
diogo says
Minha Shih Tzu se chama Peti
Debbie Day says
I have had one shih Tzu named Rue I ha d him 17years,my new little boy is Copper
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.
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!!
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.
Jane says
We are new to the breed , and fell in love on sight. We named her Bailey. She is adorable just like her name.
Dawn says
My husband has a momma Shih Tzu names Precious and I have her daughter named Phoebe.
Shelagh says
So far I’ve had a Chaplin, Presley, Brando and now a Harlowe. All sweet little Shih Tzus! Love this breed.
Mary says
We named ours Gizmo and he totally matched the name
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.
Adithi says
I have my Shihtzu names as Candy…
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!
Mija says
My baby is called ‘My Daughter’ in Spanish
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.
Sandi says
My little fur ball is Pixie Belle
Official Mitt Romney says
I love my shitzu I named it God because when I was in the car an angel came down and kissed it before leaving
Tiffany Cardona says
Having trouble finding a name for my Shih Tzu/Chihuahua I NEED help…ITS A GIRL
Official Mitt Romney says
How about Chihuazoo or Sausage those are some good names?
Trish says
I have 2 female Shih Tsu babies…Toot and Millie
Gary says
We just lost our Shihtzu Chihuahua mix of thirteen years. She was the best dog we ever had. Her name was Rosie, I called her Rose.
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.
Marilyn says
I was thinking of Zeus ..
Melody Grill says
The best name for this breed, is Teddy , that is what I named mine