Shih Tzu Names for Your Best Buddy

Shih Tzu Names — Cute, Adorable, and Loving for Your Fur Baby

Playful, hypoallergenic, and super affectionate — the Shih Tzu is a companion canine. But you already know that. What you don’t know is what to call him or her. And, you’ve probably realized there are oodles of Shih Tzu names to choose from. 

We appreciate that your chosen moniker is going to be with them for quite a while. Hence, if you’re struggling for inspiration, or you need a few more ideas to throw into the mix — you’ve come to the right place. 

We’ve handpicked some great Shih Tzu names to help you in your search.

If you’re after some cute dog names for your female Shih Tzu, we’ve got you covered:

• Bella — Meaning beautiful and comes from three different origins — Spanish, Italian, and Latin. A beautiful name for a beautiful pooch.
• Coco — A popular French name, referring to cocoa, the chocolate beans. It’s a chic and timeless name that gives a fashionable idea to any pup who has it. 
• Daisy — The tiny flower that means day’s eye. It’s a sweet and happy name that’s fitting for your Shih Tzu’s temperament. 
• Zoe — The name Zoe is a lovely Greek name, and it’s actually gender-neutral, even though it’s used mostly for girls. This name simply means life and is often associated with eternal life. 
• Lily — As in the flower, and also meaning pure. It comes from Latin and is often used as a symbol of innocence. A popular choice and ideal if your pup is perfect in your eyes! 
• Lucy — A common Shih Tzu name, it stands for light. So, if your lady pup brings lots of light into your life, why not choose this one?

If your new pup is a boy or you’re looking for something a little more manly, these are good names for a Shih Tzu:

• Einstein — Well, the obvious reason would be that if your pup is a genius like good old Albert Einstein, why not choose this name? Einstein is of German origin and it means to surround with stone!
• Snuggles — Now this is a lovely and heartwarming name for a pup that just loves to curl up in a ball and spend time with you. So if your Shih Tzu lives up to the lap dog name, this is a great shout. 
• Lionel — With Latin origins, it stands for little lion — similar to the lion dog name the Shih Tzu is given by Tibetan people.
• Rascal — If your pup gets up to all kinds of playful antics, but you still love them to bits, this could be ideal. It literally means someone who is mischievous.
• Karma — The Sanskrit word for action, it also forms a fundamental part of Buddhism. You’re sure to create plenty of good karma with your Shih Tzu around.
• Henry — This name comes from the old German name Heinrich and it means home and power.

There are some really cool Shih Tzu names if they’re black and white. Here are some of our favorites:

• Domino.
• Ace.
• Bandit.
• Snoopy.
• Elvis.
• Roscoe.
• Flyer.
• Sylvester.

Maybe you want something with a little more star value? Here are our favorite famous Shih Tzu names:

• Choo Choo.
• Bing.
• Bong.
• Honeychild.
• Gizmo.
• Pebbles.
• Sassy.
• Queen.

If you want a puppy name with a special meaning behind it, that maybe ties back to the Shih Tzu royal connections — try a few of these inspired by the British monarchy: 

• Archie — This name means to be genuinely bold or brave. So, it could be the perfect name for your pup if they’re adorable but also strong-willed. If you’ve heard of the name Archibald, then Archie is a variation on this and has been used by the British Royal family. 
• George — This Greek name means farmer/earthworker. Another popular name of the British monarchy.
• Lizzie — A classic name that translates directly as God’s promise. This moniker is sometimes used as a shortened version of Elizabeth — the name of one of the longest reigning Queens in History. 
• Charlotte — The lady’s version of Charles has Italian or French roots, and it means free man or petite. If we track the history, the name goes as far back to the 14th century — at least! 
• Beatrice — An English variant of the French name which derives from the Latin name Beatrix — meaning blessed one. Also, it’s the name given to Prince Andrew’s eldest daughter. You could also consider its nicknames — Birdie, Beu and Betty.
• Louis — This French name simply means loot bringer or famed warrior. Hence, if your pup has a little bit of fire to them, it’s a great shout for your puppy. The name has been seen throughout the monarchy, but most recently was the given name of the youngest son of Prince William.

These lion dogs come from Tibet, so you may want a heritage-inspired name:

• Badam.
• Dalha.
• Dawa.
• Diki.
• Jampo.
• Dorjee.
• Norbu.
• Shiwa.
• Buddha.
• Tibet.

Looking for liver brown Shih Tzu names? Take a look at these: 

• Chocolate.
• Mocha.
• Coffee.
• Brownie.
• Latte. 
• Peanut.
• Ginger.
• Nut.
• Fudge.
• Chip.

Conclusion

You have to consider your pup’s personality when choosing their name as well as their appearance and how easily the name rolls off your tongue. The next step, make a list and narrow down the contenders, then try them out to see if they work. If it’s a no, move on to the next one, and so on. 

And, while there are tons of Shih Tzu names out there for you to choose from — hopefully this guide should make it a little easier.

Shih Tzu Dog Name Ideas FAQs

What Is a Good Name for Shih Tzu?

There are so many amazing names that you could give your Shih Tzu. Here are a few more of our favorites.

• Tofu.
• Dumpling.
• Hazel.
• Bella.

Is a Shih Tzu a Good Family Dog?

Shih Tzus are great family dogs who love cuddles and spending time with the people they love. They get on really well with other animals and children, so they will be a great addition to any family.

What Is the Chinese Dog Name for Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu is often known as Xi Shi Dog, at least in contemporary Mandarin. Xi Shi was considered one of the most beautiful women in ancient China.

Can Shih Tzus Be Left Alone?

Shih Tzus love attention from everyone, which is great, but it also comes with its downfalls. This breed doesn’t do well on their own and can develop separation anxiety.

What Do You Call a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzu dogs are also known as chrysanthemum-faced dogs because their facial hair grows all over the place.

How Much Exercise Does a Shih Tzu Need?

Given that Shih Tzus are toy-group companion canines, not a working breed, they’re exercise needs aren’t taxing. A couple of short walks per day and playtime around the home should be sufficient.  

Are Shih Tzus Calm?

Shih Tzus are a very calm breed who are more than happy to sit and snuggle with you all day, but they can also be playful and need entertaining.