TL;DR
Shih Tzus are small, affectionate lap dogs bred for companionship, and their toy-like appearance demands equally charming names. Cute names work especially well for this breed because they match their fluffy coats, round faces, and playful personalities. These names lean toward endearing, gentle sounds and often reflect their gentle, expressive nature. Whether you prefer vintage charm, pop culture references, or nature-inspired options, this list focuses on names that capture the sweetness Shih Tzus are known for—perfect for a dog that's as much a toy as a companion. Our top picks: Bella, Daisy, Coco, Lulu, Molly. Full list below, searchable and sortable.
Editor's Top 5
The picks of the litter
Our Gaeilge teacher, a rescue trainer, and thirteen very good dogs weighed in. These five kept coming up.
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BellaItalian for 'beautiful,' one of the most popular cute names for small dogs.
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DaisyA cheerful flower name that evokes sweetness and innocence, perfect for fluffy Shih Tzus.
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CocoShort, punchy name with French flair, often associated with elegance and chocolate tones.
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LuluPlayful, bouncy-sounding name meaning 'pearl' in Hawaiian, radiates charm and whimsy.
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MollyTraditional English name meaning 'of the sea,' gives off friendly, approachable vibes.
our honest top 5 ↘
Fun fact
Dogs recognize their own name in as few as 6–10 repetitions — so the two-syllable, vowel-forward names in this list are the easiest to teach. Our kennel records show Bella is the hands-down favorite for fastest recall.
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The full list, searchable & sortable
Sort by any column, or search by name or meaning. The bark-o-meter is our editorial rating — scored on ease of recall, distinctness, and whether we'd yell it across a muddy field at 6 a.m.
| Name ▾ | Tag | Meaning | Bark-o-meter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bella | very popular | Italian for 'beautiful,' one of the most popular cute names for small dogs. | |
| Daisy | classic | A cheerful flower name that evokes sweetness and innocence, perfect for fluffy Shih Tzus. | |
| Coco | very popular | Short, punchy name with French flair, often associated with elegance and chocolate tones. | |
| Lulu | popular | Playful, bouncy-sounding name meaning 'pearl' in Hawaiian, radiates charm and whimsy. | |
| Molly | classic | Traditional English name meaning 'of the sea,' gives off friendly, approachable vibes. | |
| Penny | trending | Cute name meaning 'weaver' in Greek, suits small, delicate-looking dogs perfectly. | |
| Sophie | very popular | Greek name meaning 'wisdom,' sounds sweet and sophisticated for a lap dog. | |
| Ginger | popular | Spice-inspired name perfect for reddish or tan-colored Shih Tzus with warm coats. | |
| Mochi | trending | Japanese rice cake name that's soft, sweet, and perfect for fluffy dogs. | |
| Rosie | popular | Flower-based name suggesting brightness, rosy cheeks, and innocent charm. | |
| Pixie | popular | Magical fairy-like name perfect for tiny, mischievous Shih Tzus with spritely personalities. | |
| Poppy | trending | Vibrant flower name suggesting cheerfulness, energy, and a bright personality. | |
| Lucy | very popular | Latin name meaning 'light-bringer,' conveys warmth and friendliness for companion dogs. | |
| Annie | classic | Hebrew name meaning 'grace,' suits the elegant, flowing coats of Shih Tzus. | |
| Honey | popular | Sweet food name reflecting golden tones and the dog's loving, affectionate nature. | |
| Puffin | rare | Cute bird name suited to fluffy, compact dogs with rounded bodies. | |
| Tilly | trending | English name meaning 'of the tilled earth,' offers cottagecore charm and sweetness. | |
| Biscuit | popular | Food-based name reflecting golden-brown coloring and the dog's baked-good softness. | |
| Abby | popular | Hebrew name meaning 'father's joy,' perfect for beloved family companion dogs. | |
| Stella | very popular | Latin for 'star,' conveys brightness and a special sparkle for beloved pets. | |
| Hazel | trending | Nature name referencing hazel eyes or trees, suits earthy-toned Shih Tzus. | |
| Sweetie | popular | Direct, affectionate term reflecting the Shih Tzu's loving companion dog nature. | |
| Noodle | trendy | Playful food name for thin, elongated dogs, though Shih Tzus are actually stocky. | |
| Willow | trending | Nature-inspired name suggesting grace, flexibility, and gentle strength. | |
| Pepper | popular | Spice-based name suggesting playfulness and energy despite diminutive size. | |
| Rory | trendy | Irish name meaning 'red king,' suits ginger or red-colored Shih Tzus beautifully. | |
| Piper | popular | Musical instrument player name, suggests whimsy and liveliness. | |
| Olive | trending | Nature name suggesting peace and health, works for green or dark-eyed dogs. | |
| Lily | very popular | Flower name conveying purity, innocence, and delicate beauty. | |
| Cuddles | popular | Affectionate name directly referencing the breed's primary purpose and nature. | |
| Pippa | popular | Short form of Philippa, bouncy and cute-sounding with double consonants. | |
| Fluff | popular | Direct descriptor for the breed's distinctive fluffy, cloud-like coat. | |
| Winnie | popular | English name meaning 'fair one,' suggests sweetness and innocence. | |
| Pearl | classic | Precious gem name suggesting value and beauty, perfect for beloved Shih Tzus. | |
| Minnie | classic | Diminutive form suggesting tiny, precious size perfectly suited to toy breed dogs. | |
| Sunny | popular | Weather-based name suggesting brightness, warmth, and positive temperament. | |
| Buttercup | popular | Flower and butter name combining delicate beauty with soft, creamy sweetness. | |
| Darling | rare | Term of endearment emphasizing the breed's beloved, cherished status in families. | |
| Fuzzy | popular | Texture-based name highlighting the Shih Tzu's signature fuzzy, furry coat. | |
| Bambi | popular | Innocent, Disney-inspired name referencing a young, gentle fawn character. | |
| Gigi | popular | French-origin name suggesting elegance and sophistication despite small size. | |
| Betsy | trending | Hebrew name meaning 'God's oath,' offers friendly, girl-next-door charm. | |
| Cocoa | popular | Warm, comforting drink name perfect for brown, chocolate-colored Shih Tzus. | |
| Bailey | very popular | English name meaning 'bailiff,' gives off approachable, friendly vibes. | |
| Sadie | very popular | Hebrew name meaning 'princess,' perfect for regal, beloved toy breed dogs. | |
| Mitzy | rare | Playful, energetic-sounding name suggesting spark and liveliness. | |
| Paisley | trending | Scottish pattern and name suggesting style and decorative charm. | |
| Buttons | popular | Small, delicate object name perfect for tiny Shih Tzus. | |
| Cinnamon | popular | Spice name perfect for reddish, brown, or tan-colored Shih Tzus. |
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Frequently asked questions
What makes a name 'cute' specifically for Shih Tzus?
Cute names for Shih Tzus emphasize their small size, fluffy appearance, and companion dog nature. Short, punchy names with soft syllables (like Coco, Mochi, or Daisy) work well. Names reflecting their physical traits—fluffy, puffed-up, or toy-like—enhance their already charming appearance. The key is matching the name to their role as beloved lap companions rather than working dogs.
Are there naming trends specific to Shih Tzu owners?
Shih Tzu owners often gravitate toward vintage names (Winnie, Penny), food-inspired names (Mochi, Biscuit, Honey), and nature-based names (Lily, Daisy). Asian-inspired names sometimes appear due to the breed's Chinese origin. Many owners choose names reflecting the dog's fluffy coat (Fluff, Puffin, Mochi) or warm coloring (Ginger, Cinnamon, Cocoa).
Should I pick a short or long cute name for my Shih Tzu?
Short, one or two-syllable names (Coco, Daisy, Bella, Lulu) are ideal for Shih Tzus because they're easier to call quickly and for the dog to recognize. However, longer cute names like Buttercup or Paisley still work if you have a short nickname ready (Buttercup → Butter; Paisley → Pais). Choose based on what feels natural when calling your dog.
Do Shih Tzus respond better to certain name sounds?
Dogs generally respond better to names with hard consonants and one or two syllables. For cute-sounding names, those with repeated syllables (Lulu, Coco, Gigi) or ending in 'ee' sounds (Daisy, Molly, Sunny) work especially well. Avoid names too similar to common commands like 'Sit' or 'Bay' that might confuse training.
Can I use cute names for both male and female Shih Tzus?
Absolutely. Many cute names are gender-neutral or work equally well for either sex: Bailey, Sunny, Mochi, Ginger, and Pepper all suit male or female Shih Tzus. Choose based on your dog's personality and appearance rather than strict gender conventions, especially since small companion dogs often cross traditional naming boundaries.
About the author
Eleanor Vance
AKC breeder-judge · former librarian · whippet rescue chair
Eleanor covers the elegant end of the Bark Names beat — classic, vintage, and sweet names that age well. Her tone is slightly prim, her research is unimpeachable, and she is the person the rest of the editorial team asks when they want to know if a Victorian name has aged into ridicule or charm. Three whippets, all named after Bloomsbury-adjacent minor poets.