TL;DR
Shih Tzus are small, affectionate lap dogs with big personalities and luxurious coats—they deserve names that capture their charm without being strictly masculine or feminine. Unisex names work perfectly for this breed, whether you're unsure of your dog's gender, prefer neutral terminology, or simply like names that feel equally adorable on any pup. These 50 cute options range from playful and whimsical to elegant and sophisticated, all selected for how well they suit the Shih Tzu's fluffy appearance, friendly temperament, and those distinctive personality traits. Our top picks: Bailey, Teddy, Charlie, Pepper, Sunny. 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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BaileyA classic unisex name meaning steward or official; works beautifully for warm, dependable Shih Tzus.
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TeddyDerived from Theodore, meaning 'gift of God'; perfect for a cuddly, adorable companion.
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CharlieMeans 'free man'; a cheerful, approachable name that suits playful Shih Tzus.
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PepperA spicy, energetic name for small dogs with big personalities and quick movements.
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SunnyBright and cheerful; ideal for Shih Tzus that bring joy and warmth to any room.
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 Bailey 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey | Very popular | A classic unisex name meaning steward or official; works beautifully for warm, dependable Shih Tzus. | |
| Teddy | Very popular | Derived from Theodore, meaning 'gift of God'; perfect for a cuddly, adorable companion. | |
| Charlie | Very popular | Means 'free man'; a cheerful, approachable name that suits playful Shih Tzus. | |
| Pepper | Popular | A spicy, energetic name for small dogs with big personalities and quick movements. | |
| Sunny | Popular | Bright and cheerful; ideal for Shih Tzus that bring joy and warmth to any room. | |
| Ginger | Popular | Derived from the spice; suggests vibrancy and a warm, friendly temperament. | |
| Casey | Popular | Irish name meaning 'brave'; suits confident, spirited Shih Tzus. | |
| Pixie | Popular | A magical, mischievous fairy-like name perfect for a tiny, enchanting dog. | |
| Riley | Very popular | Irish origin meaning 'courageous'; a friendly, energetic choice for active Shih Tzus. | |
| Fuzzy | Cute/casual | Literally describes the Shih Tzu's soft, fluffy coat; playful and descriptive. | |
| Dottie | Charming | A vintage-charm name meaning 'gift of God'; sweet and endearing for tiny pups. | |
| Scout | Growing | Adventurous and exploratory; suits curious, clever Shih Tzus. | |
| Muffin | Cute | Food-inspired, sweet name that captures the fluffy, baked-good appearance of the breed. | |
| Peanut | Very popular | Perfect for small dogs; conveys smallness with affection and warmth. | |
| Morgan | Classic unisex | Welsh name meaning 'sea-born'; strong yet gentle for a balanced personality. | |
| Smokey | Popular | Evokes a gray-toned coat or mysterious, calm temperament. | |
| Avery | Trendy | English origin meaning 'elf ruler'; sophisticated yet playful name. | |
| Cocoa | Popular | Warm, comforting like hot chocolate; suits brown or chocolate-colored Shih Tzus. | |
| Ash | Trendy | Minimalist, nature-inspired name suggesting a calm, quiet demeanor. | |
| Remy | Trendy | French origin meaning 'oarsman'; a smooth, sophisticated choice. | |
| Biscuit | Very cute | Captures the golden-brown coloring and soft, baked texture of the coat. | |
| Jordan | Classic | Hebrew origin meaning 'descending'; classic, grounded unisex option. | |
| Whiskers | Cute | Highlights the breed's distinctive facial features and delicate whisker patterns. | |
| Devon | Unique | English place name; elegant and uncommon for a sophisticated pup. | |
| Cinnamon | Popular | Warm spice; suits reddish-brown coats and warm personalities. | |
| Sky | Trendy | Simple, nature-inspired name evoking openness and freedom. | |
| Marble | Unique | Suggests swirled coloring or smooth, elegant appearance. | |
| Quinn | Growing | Irish origin meaning 'wise and desirable'; a short, punchy choice. | |
| Cotton | Popular | Describes the soft, cloud-like texture of a Shih Tzu's fluffy coat. | |
| Blake | Classic | English origin meaning 'pale or fair'; calm, sophisticated name. | |
| Butterscotch | Cute | A playful, sweet name for dogs with golden or tan-colored coats. | |
| Lux | Trendy | Latin for 'light'; elegant, short name for a radiant personality. | |
| Toby | Very popular | Hebrew origin meaning 'God is good'; cheerful and universally likable. | |
| Spice | Cute | Reflects a dog's personality kick; playful and spirited. | |
| River | Trendy | Nature-inspired; suggests calm flow and gentle strength. | |
| Honey | Popular | Sweet term of endearment; suits golden-colored, affectionate Shih Tzus. | |
| Sage | Growing | Suggests wisdom and herbaceous tranquility; calm and gentle. | |
| Stevie | Unique | Greek origin meaning 'crown' or 'garland'; vintage-cool feel. | |
| Chip | Popular | Playful, energetic name for a quick, spirited small dog. | |
| Phoenix | Unique | Mythical bird symbolizing renewal; strong and magical. | |
| Patches | Cute | Highlights mixed coloring or distinctive markings common in the breed. | |
| Indigo | Rare | Deep color name; artistic, mysterious vibe for a unique personality. | |
| Finley | Growing | Irish origin meaning 'fair warrior'; strong yet charming. | |
| Taffy | Cute | Sweet candy name evoking a soft, chewy, delightful companion. | |
| August | Trendy | Latin for 'great' or 'majestic'; sophisticated for a small dog. | |
| Clover | Growing | Lucky, nature-inspired; suggests good fortune and charm. | |
| Parker | Popular | English origin meaning 'keeper of the park'; friendly and approachable. | |
| Mocha | Popular | Coffee-inspired; suits brown or espresso-toned Shih Tzus. | |
| Wren | Trendy | Small songbird; delicate, nature-inspired name for a tiny companion. |
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Frequently asked questions
Why choose a unisex name for a Shih Tzu?
Unisex names offer flexibility if you're uncertain about your dog's gender, allow for more creative naming freedom, and often feel more modern. Many owners simply prefer gender-neutral names that focus on personality traits rather than traditional gender associations. Plus, Shih Tzus' small, fluffy appearance makes androgynous names feel natural and charming.
Do cute names work for all Shih Tzu personalities?
Yes, though pairing is key. Playful dogs like Pepper or Chip suit high-energy names, while calm pups fit Sage or River better. The breed's inherently affectionate nature means almost any cute name lands well—the best choice reflects your individual dog's temperament and appearance.
What makes a name work well for Shih Tzus specifically?
Shih Tzus are small, fluffy, and affectionate lap dogs, so names capturing softness (Cotton, Fuzzy), warmth (Honey, Cinnamon), or playfulness (Pepper, Chip) resonate best. Short, punchy names are also ideal since the breed responds well to quick, clear commands. Avoid names that clash with their elegant, toy-like appearance.
Are food-inspired names popular for Shih Tzus?
Absolutely. Shih Tzus' round faces and fluffy coats naturally invite food-related names like Biscuit, Muffin, Peanut, and Cocoa. These names are universally cute, easy to call out, and capture the breed's adorable, almost edible appeal.
Can I use trendy names, or will they feel dated?
Trendy unisex names like Riley, Avery, and River have staying power because they're grounded in real meaning and natural appeal. Classic options like Bailey and Charlie are timeless. Choose based on what feels right for your dog—the best name is one you love calling out daily.
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.