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100+ Shih Tzu Dog Names: Adorable & Meaningful Ideas

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Shih tzu puppy dog eyes

The Shih Tzu is a petite hypoallergenic dog breed known to be intelligent, clever, affectionate, and friendly! Originating from Tibet, these outgoing pups are quite common in America. Coming in an array of colors including brindle, white, white, black, brown, blue, and gold and oftentimes, even a mixture of each. These fluffy little dogs are also known for their locks, which if their owners allow, can grow all the way to the floor.

Deciding on a name that’s suitable for your new addition can be a finicky task because there are so many options available. To help you with the process, we have gathered our favorite names for females and males, cute suggestions as well as a few Chinese names for this Tibetan breed!

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Female Shih Tzu Dog Names

  • Nala
  • Rosie
  • Fifi
  • Luna
  • Izzy
  • Ember
  • Theodora
  • Josie
  • Effie
  • Angel
  • Camilla
  • Olive
  • Bitty
  • Stella
  • Piper
  • Dove
  • Zoey
  • Scarlette
  • Java
  • Rosebud
  • Sangria
  • Flora
  • Poppy
  • Genevieve
  • Dixie

Male Shih Tzu Dog Names 

  • Milo
  • Leo
  • Ernie
  • Brody
  • Duke
  • Kingsley
  • Cotton
  • Jett
  • Opal
  • Blue
  • Oliver
  • Ash
  • Noir
  • Max
  • Charlie
  • Pepper
  • Winston
  • Agustus
  • Bear
  • Merlot
  • Roscoe
  • Jax
shih tzu with tongue out
Image Credit: Michael Mong, Shutterstock

Cute Shih Tzu Dog Names 

Not only are Shih Tzu’s cute because of their physical traits (short stature, flowy bangs, and floppy ears), these pups are also incredibly kind and warm, which makes them oh so adorable. Here are our top choices for the cutest Shih Tzu dog names:

  • Gizmo
  • Odie
  • Scully
  • Pewter
  • Sumo
  • Fergus
  • Morsel
  • Squirt
  • Parker
  • Barnabus
  • Archer
  • Rascal
  • Mittens
  • Buttons
  • Bean
  • Paisley
  • Runt
  • Nugget
  • Titan
  • Murk
  • Cohen
  • Peewee
  • Peanut
  • Gigi
  • Barkley
  • Finn
  • Lux
  • Lola
  • Pebbles
  • Aspen
  • Gidget
  • Alfie
  • Harper
  • Spud
  • Hazel

Chinese Shih Tzu Dog Names

As this breed originated in China, it seems only natural that some would search for an authentic Chinese name. Here we have listed a few of our favorite and most fitting names for the Shih Tzu:

  • Kekao (Trustworthy)
  • Banlu (Companion)
  • Zhengui (Precious)
  • Pengyou (Friend)
  • Shunu (Lady)
  • Zu (Lord)
  • Yonggan (Brave)
  • Keai (Lovely)
  • Ezuoju (Micheivious)
  • Meili (Beautiful)
  • Gongzu (Princess)
  • Qinre (Affectionate)
  • Guowang (King)
  • Tiaopi (Playful)
  • Jilie (Feirce)
  • Huangdi (Emperor)
  • Shizi (Lion)
  • Chundo (Purity)
  • Ganqing (Affection)
  • Wangquan (Royalty)
  • Junzhi (Monarch)
  • Chongbai (Adored)
shih tzu with curlers
Image By: chaoss, Shutterstock

Bonus: Scientific Name for a Shih Tzu 

Did you know the scientific name for the domestic dog is Canis Lupus Familiaris? Different dog breeds are not actually different species, though, so the scientific name for a Shih Tzu is the same as the scientific name of a Golden Retriever or a Bullmastiff.

So, whether you have an interest in science or you want a name so unique that has a cool backstory, this might just be the same one you’re looking for. Canis and Lupus both sound like great options too, don’t they?

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Finding the Right Name for Your Shih Tzu Dog

Deciding on a name as adorable as your teensy new Shih Tzu puppy might leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed, but we hope that our list of names has left you inspired. Whether you found something adorable like Peanut or Chewy or loved a name with a bit more authenticity like Effie, we are sure there are great suggestions for every type of Shih Tzu!

Below we have linked additional dog names posts that could help you find the perfect name for your furry friend if you weren’t sold on these names!


Feature Image Credit: Angel Sallade, Shutterstock

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