What are the Best Shih Tzu Names for My New Puppy?

Last Updated on April 20, 2023

Ready to welcome a new Shih Tzu puppy into your home? Finding the perfect name for your furball can be intimidating and stressful.

But we have some ideas that can come from your pet’s appearance, personality, or history. Even the breed name itself can serve as a jumping-off point, like Little Lion.

Keep reading so we can help you decide on which Shih Tzu name works best for your pup!

What’s a good name for a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus are an ancient Tibetan breed developed in China, where they were once an esteemed palace pet.

These Lion Dogs with cute, squishy faces followed at the heels of emperors. And as small dogs, they were worn in the sleeves of the fashionable elite when traveling.

Other than their size, they’re also known for their flowing coats and playful nature.

People tend to give this dog breed long and multisyllabic distinguished names because of their regal origin and elegance.

BUT we recommend naming your fido up to three syllables max, so it’s easy to say and your pup can remember it easier.

Repeating your doggo’s name whenever you give a command, while playing at the doggy park, when calling her for mealtime, or during training will help her remember her name faster.

So you would want something that rolls off your tongue.

Other paw parents give their pet a long name on paper or records but call them with a one- or two-syllable nickname.

Also, go for Shih Tzu names that you’ll be comfortable to say out loud in public. One that’s not offensive for older people and children.

Speaking of training, steer clear of names that sound like basic commands such as sit, stay, up, or lay down.

It’s also best to pick a name that you can use while being stern or if you just want to cuddle. The point is to be clear so your Shih Tzu won’t be confused.

These are the factors worth considering before giving your Shih Tzu dog a name. But you can watch this video for more advice and tips on teaching your canine friend her Shih Tzu name:

Famous Shih Tzu dog names

The Shih Tzu dog breed has been quite popular in China, Europe, and the US, and that’s why it’s no surprise that celebrities own them, as well.

Did you know that this pooch is the 20th most popular dog in America today?

They’re adorable toy canines that run around the mansion of many Hollywood stars. You may have seen Sophie Choudry’s Tia, but you can also check out the names these actors and actresses chose for their Shih Tzus:

1. Honey Child (owned by Nicole Richie)
2. Bing and Bong (Mariah Carey’s Shih Tzus)
3. Bonny (Colin Farell’s dog)
4. Munchie (Beyonce’s pup)
5. Bella (Rebecca Mader’s dog)
6. Moulin Rouge (Zsa Zsa Gabor’s Shih Tzu)
7. Balmer (Bill Gates’ dog)
8. Rusty (David Hasselhoff’s pet)
9. Sebastian (Vanessa Williams’ dog)
10. Harry (Geri Halliwell’s fido)
11. Choo Choo (Queen Elizabeth’s pup)
12. Legend (Jacinda Barrett’s Shih Tzu)
13. Lollipop (Andie MacDowell’s pup)
14. Panda (Betty White’s dog)
15. Sumo (Susie Essman’s Shih Tzu)

If you prefer your favorite TV show or movie, there’s Snoopy from the Peanuts comic and Odie from Garfield. For films, there’s Marley from Marley & Me, Bailey from A Dog’s Purpose, and we all know Lassie, Beethoven, as well as Disney’s Pluto.

Shih Tzus also like to be stars of their own, often even having their own social media followings. Check out this cute Shih Tzu named Gizzie dancing to Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas:

Some are Instagram-famous and are considered celebrities on their own. Marnie takes the top spot with 1.7M followers. And the runner up is Dougie, who’s also on Facebook and YouTube.

You might also like the names of other popular Insta dog influencers like:

1. Munchkin (@munchkintheteddybear)
2. Simba (@pawsofsimba)
3. Ralphie & Maisie (@ralphie_the_sith_tzu)
4. Athena (@athena_the_shihtzu)
5. King Binky (@shihtzybinky)
6. Muffin (@muffincan)
7. Potato McTater (@potato_mctater)
8. Sparkles (@sparklesthediva)
9. Puchi (@fabulous_shihtzu)
10. Ollie (@ollieallday)
11. Jazzy (@shihtzujazz)
12. Brodie & Olivia (@brodietzusmom)
13. Beckett (@barks4beckett)
14. Koki (@kokistateofmind)
15. Teddy (@teddy_shih_tzu)
16. Gigi (@gigi.lerma)
17. Akasha (@loveakasha)

Top female Shih Tzu names

Since this dog breed has been associated with royalties, queen-worthy names make an excellent choice for a girl Shih Tzu puppy.

Here are a few female dog names you might like:

1. Isabel
2. Charlotte
3. Grace
4. Victoria
5. Penelope
6. Lucy
7. Juliet
8. Gloria
9. Elizabeth
10. Empress
11. Duchess
12. Lady
13. Gigi
14. Petunia
15. Zoey
16. Paisley
17. Sienna
18. Jojo
19. Pippa
20. Princess 
21. Queenie
22. Baroness
23. Starlet

Top male Shih Tzu dog names

We can’t forget about the boys. Male dog names also reflect this breed’s formal, dignified nature. Here are some suitable male Shih Tzu names for your furball:

1. Admiral
2. Adonis
3. Alfie
4. Archer
5. Beau
6. Benji
7. Caesar
8. Charlie
9. Dougie
10. Eddie
11. Harry
12. Leo
13. Lion
14. Magnum
15. Mercury
16. Orion
17. Ralph

Shih Tzu names based on their appearance

Characterized by big dark eyes, a flat face, button nose, and long, flowing coat, names inspired by the Shih Tzu dog’s physical qualities can reflect its attractive traits:

1. Fluffy
2. Beauty
3. Locks
4. Cuddly
5. Pixie
6. Shaggy

Shih Tzu names for small dogs

Belonging to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Toy Group, this adorable pooch only has a weight of 9 to 16 pounds ( 4 and 7 kg) and a height of 9 to 10.5 inches (23 to 27 cm) when fully grown.

This small size can inspire great names for such a cute fido. Here are some of the best small dog names for a toy breed.

1. Baby
2. Bean
3. Button
4. Impy 
5. Jellybean
6. Mini
7. Munchkin
8. Nugget
9. Peanut
10. Peewee
11. Pipsqueak
12. Shorty
13. Squirt
14. Tiny

Shih Tzu names inspired by colors

Shih Tzus come in a variety of shades. Some can have a solid color, while others boast a mix of two or different colors and patterns.

We commonly see this canine with black and white fur, but they can also have brown, gold, silver, red, combined with white. 

If you love your pet’s hair, you may choose Shih Tzu puppy names representing those gorgeous locks or colors.

White Shih Tzu names

Whether you have a solid-colored pup or one with little patches of other shades, we should acknowledge that snow-white fur.

1. Bianco
2. Blizzard
3. Cotton
4. Dove
5. Frosty
6. Ghost
7. Ice
8. Jasmine
9. Lily
10. Marshmallow
11. Pearl
12. Snowy
13. Sugar

Black Shih Tzu names

One of the most common coat colors for Shih Tzus is black, but it doesn’t mean they don’t stand out.

1. Ash
2. Blackie
3. Blue
4. Cinder
5. Coal
6. Ember
7. Jet
8. Onyx
9. Raven
10. Shadow

Black and White Shih Tzu names

There are seven varieties of bi-colored Shih Tzus, each one mixing white with one other color. We often see black and white Shih Tzus, but no two dogs ever look the same.

1. Checkers
2. Domino
3. Dusky
4. Luna
5. Mickey
6. Oreo
7. Patches
8. Pepper
9. Puffin
10. Smoky
11. Starlight

Brown Shih Tzu names

Liver or brown Shih Tzus are like cute versions of Chewbacca, which sounds adorable. And so is the name Chewie!

1. Bear
2. Biscuit
3. Brownie
4. Cocoa
5. Choco
6. Coffee
7. Espresso
8. Heath
9. Hershey
10. Hickory
11. Mocha
12. Rolo
13. Rusty
14. Snickers
15. Tootsie

Red Shih Tzu names

The shades of red Shih Tzus have are typically deep, dark orange. But some can be red and white. If you love that color, here are some names that say crimson:

1. Annie (for the little red-headed orphan Annie)
2. Ariel (named after The Little Mermaid)
3. Autumn
4. Burgundy
5. Fiona (after Princess Fiona in Shrek)
6. Fox
7. Merida (from the character in the film Brave)
8. Merlot
9. Redford
10. Rose
11. Ruby
12. Sangria
13. Scarlet
14. Shiraz
15. Valentine

Tan or Gold Shih Tzu names

Does your Shih Tzu have that light yellow or tan color giving her fur a goldish effect?

The shade may range from light gold to a deep dark beige, and it may slightly change as they get old, but it’s one of their captivating colors.

1. Amber
2. Blondie
3. Buttercup
4. Caramel
5. Chai
6. Copper
7. Fawn
8. Ginger
9. Goldie
10. Honey
11. Sunny

Grey or Silver Shih Tzu names

Shih Tzu pups that were white at birth but had silver undertones will become more noticeable as she grew. If you think it’s an attractive hue, you might like these names:

1. Foggy
2. Misty
3. Mouse
4. Spirit
5. Steely
6. Sterling
7. Storm
8. Wolf

Exotic Shih Tzu dog names

Want your Shih Tzu to stand out? An exotic name will do just that. From foreign words or names to mythological stories and biblical characters to fairytales, the list goes on! These few made our list:

1. Casanova
2. Isaiah
3. Kona (which means lady in Hawaiian)
4. Nala
5. Odysseus
6. Simba
7. Solomon

Chinese Shih Tzu names

This beloved Chinese lapdog often accompanies royalty and their owners in Peking courts and official events. Thus, it makes sense to choose a Chinese name for your dog.

These names can have special meanings associated with beauty and power.

If you decide on this route, just practice a bit to get the pronunciation spot on to make it legit.

1. Gongzhu (meaning Princess)
2. Nuwang (meaning Queen)
3. Keai (meaning Cute)
4. Junzhu (meaning Monarch)
5. Meili (meaning Beautiful)
6. Shunu (meaning Lady)
7. Zu (meaning Lord)
8. Bo (meaning Precious)
9. Shizi (meaning Lion)
10. Chongbai (meaning Adored)
11. Pengyou (meaning Friend)
12. Xiyue (meaning Joy)
13. Wangquan (meaning Royalty)
14. Guowang (meaning King)
15. Huangdi (meaning Emperor)
16. Huanghou (meaning Empress)
17. Ganqing (meaning Affection)
18. Qinre (meaning Affectionate)
19. Keai (meaning Lovely)
20. Heai (meaning Kindly)
21. Qiangda (meaning Powerful)
22. Jilie (meaning Fierce)
23. Tiao Pi (meaning Playful)
24. Ezuoju (meaning Mischievous)
25. Banlu (meaning Companion)
26. Reqing (meaning Warmth)
27. Qiang Du (meaning Strength)
28. Yonggan (meaning Brave)
29. Chundu (meaning Purity)
30. Kekao (meaning Trustworthy)

Cute Shih Tzu names 

There’s no denying that Shih Tzus are one of the cutest breeds! It just makes sense to give them a name that reflects those charming qualities.

There’s Angel for their looks and Sparky for their personality, but here are more cute names that will put a smile on your face any time of day:

1. Bestie
2. Bubble
3. Buddy
4. Fifi
5. Gidget
6. Gizmo
7. Lollipop
8. Precious
9. Rascal
10. Sweetie

Elegant Shih Tzu names

You can count on Shih Tzus to be the best dog that portrays flair. We can see it from their origin, coat, movement, and even temperament.

That’s why we think it’s a good idea to add names that reflect elegance. If you’re really proud of her classy name, have it embroidered on her towel, dog bed, bandana, or bag!

1. Augustus
2. Aurora
3. Barnabus
4. Benedict
5. Camilla
6. Chanel
7. Charleston
8. Chaucer
9. Duke
10. Gatsby
11. Julius
12. King
13. Lux
14. Stella

Top funny Shih Tzu names

Were all those names felt too serious for your little pooch? If you want to name your Shih Tzu reflecting how goofy, playful, and mischievous she is. Here are some funny names that will fit her character:

1. Barkley
2. Chewy
3. Chico
4. Cookie
5. Cuddles
6. Dasher
7. Diva
8. Doofus
9. Kooky
10. Sassy
11. Scoundrel
12. Spud
13. Wrecker
14. Ziggy

What should I name my Shih Tzu?

Perhaps inspiration has struck, and you’ve already chosen a name for a Shih Tzu, or you have a few dog name ideas that you can now consider.

Remember, you can’t change your dog’s name once they have gotten used to it, so choose wisely. Especially if you already bought a collar and dog tag from Amazon and have her name engraved on it.

You’ll want a unique name for this distinctive breed that you also like saying daily. Or one that connects with your doggo and yourself.

What’s the name of your Shih Tzu? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Further reading: Dog Name Ideas for other Dog Breeds

• Best Yorkie Names
• Best Boxer Names
• Best Pug Names
• Best Beagle Names
• Blue Heeler Names
• Best Australian Shepherd Names
• Best Bulldog Names