TL;DR
Shih Tzus are bred to be lap dogs with big personalities—tiny in size but enormous in sass and charm. Their fluffy coats, pushed-in faces, and fearless attitudes make them perfect candidates for names that lean into humor and irony. Funny names work especially well for this breed because owners love the contrast between their cute appearance and their stubborn, sometimes aloof demeanor. Whether you're looking for puns, pop culture references, or names that poke fun at their grooming needs, this list captures real names and nicknames that Shih Tzu owners actually use. These picks celebrate the breed's independent spirit and comedic timing. Our top picks: Chairman Meow, Mop Head, Dumpling, Sir Barks-a-Lot, Chewbacca. 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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Chairman MeowA clever cat pun renamed for a dog—implies your Shih Tzu runs the household with authority.
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Mop HeadReferences the breed's signature fluffy, floor-length coat that resembles a mop.
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DumplingCute nickname for a small, round, fluffy dog that looks like a steamed bun.
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Sir Barks-a-LotA knighted title for a dog famous for barking at everything, playing on medieval formality.
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ChewbaccaStar Wars reference based on the breed's hair-covered appearance and occasional grunts.
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 Chairman Meow 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman Meow | very popular | A clever cat pun renamed for a dog—implies your Shih Tzu runs the household with authority. | |
| Mop Head | common | References the breed's signature fluffy, floor-length coat that resembles a mop. | |
| Dumpling | very popular | Cute nickname for a small, round, fluffy dog that looks like a steamed bun. | |
| Sir Barks-a-Lot | popular | A knighted title for a dog famous for barking at everything, playing on medieval formality. | |
| Chewbacca | trending | Star Wars reference based on the breed's hair-covered appearance and occasional grunts. | |
| Princess Fluff | very popular | Combines the breed's regal grooming tendencies with their absurdly fluffy coat. | |
| Nugget | very popular | References the dog's small, compact size and often golden-colored coat. | |
| Taco | popular | A food name for a dog that's small, round, and wrapped in fluffy 'layers' of fur. | |
| Ewok | trending | Star Wars creature reference based on the breed's small size and fuzzy appearance. | |
| Duchess of Fluff-ington | common | Over-the-top formal title that mocks the breed's inherent snobbiness. | |
| Pom-Pom | popular | References the breed's resemblance to a cheerleader's pom-pom or pom-pom plant. | |
| Biscuit | very popular | Cute food name for a dog that's golden-brown and small, like a baked good. | |
| Fuzzy Wuzzy | common | Nursery rhyme reference emphasizing the breed's extremely fluffy coat. | |
| Gremlin | common | Playful insult based on the breed's mischievous behavior and slightly alien facial structure. | |
| Snoop | popular | References Snoop Dogg while also describing the breed's tendency to sniff and investigate everything. | |
| Fuzzbucket | common | Combination of 'fuzz' (describing the coat) and 'bucket' (the dog's small container-like body). | |
| Captain Fluffington | common | Military-inspired title for a dog that commandeers the entire household. | |
| Mooshi | trending | Cute play on words combining 'moo' (cow sounds) with a fluffy dog sound. | |
| Pumpernickel | rare | Food-based name for darker-colored Shih Tzus with fluffy, bread-like texture. | |
| Rascal | very popular | Classic name highlighting the breed's mischievous, independent streak despite their small size. | |
| Puffball | popular | Describes the round, cloud-like appearance of a well-groomed Shih Tzu's head and body. | |
| Squirt | very popular | Playful name emphasizing the dog's tiny size and tendency to dart around quickly. | |
| Potato | popular | Food name for a small, round, lumpy dog that resembles a spud wrapped in fur. | |
| Lint Roller | common | Humorous reference to the amount of hair shedding and grooming required for the breed. | |
| Pickles | popular | Quirky food name for a dog that's small, spicy in personality, and slightly wrinkled-faced. | |
| Meatball | common | Food name for a small, round dog that's solid and dense from muscle and fluff. | |
| Ziggy | popular | Short, bouncy name for a dog that zigs and zags unpredictably around the house. | |
| Powder Puff | common | Classic description of the breed's soft, fluffy coat texture. | |
| Beans | very popular | Cute nickname for a small dog that's packed with personality despite tiny size. | |
| Floof | trending | Internet slang describing an excessively fluffy dog, especially one in full grooming. | |
| Señor Paws | common | Spanish-inspired title giving the dog a dignified yet silly persona. | |
| Tornado | common | Ironic name for a tiny dog that destroys everything in its path during play. | |
| Tumbleweed | common | References the way shed fur rolls across floors like tumbleweeds. | |
| Wobbles | common | Describes the breed's sometimes unstable gait, especially puppies or older dogs. | |
| Frito Lay | common | Playful combination pun on the snack brand and the dog's tendency to lay around. | |
| Chaos | popular | Humorous name for a dog that brings disorder despite being adorable and small. | |
| Bubble Wrap | rare | References the dog's poppy personality and the protective, cushioned nature of their coat. | |
| Groomer's Nightmare | common | Humorous acknowledgment that Shih Tzus require extensive, frequent professional grooming. | |
| Bamboo | common | Reference to Asian heritage of the breed; also describes the thin, wiry legs under the fluff. | |
| Gidget | very popular | Classic small dog name with a cute, bouncy quality perfect for the breed's personality. | |
| Sir Snuffles-Lot | popular | Knighted title acknowledging the breed's constant snuffling, snoring, and sneezing. | |
| Cupcake | very popular | Food name for a small, sweet dog with an often elaborately groomed, frosting-like coat. | |
| Typhoon | common | Ironic big-disaster name for a tiny dog that causes major household upheaval. | |
| Whiskers McGee | common | Playful name emphasizing the breed's facial hair and silly personality. | |
| Noodle | popular | Food name for a dog with long hair that resembles pasta strands when ungroomed. | |
| Pip | very popular | Short, punchy name for a small, spunky dog full of attitude and energy. | |
| Marshmallow | very popular | Food name for a white or cream-colored Shih Tzu with an extremely soft, fluffy coat. | |
| Trouble | popular | Classic name for a mischievous dog that's constantly getting into problematic situations. | |
| Tribble | rare | Star Trek reference to the fuzzy, round creatures; perfect for a ball of fluff. | |
| Pumpernickel Puff | rare | Combination name for a dark-colored Shih Tzu with an exceptionally fluffy coat. | |
| Pandemonium | rare | Grand, dramatic name for tiny dogs that cause absolute chaos wherever they go. | |
| Butterscotch | popular | Sweet candy name for a tan or golden-colored Shih Tzu with a sugary personality. |
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Frequently asked questions
Why do funny names work so well for Shih Tzus?
Shih Tzus have outsized personalities packed into tiny bodies, making them perfect candidates for ironic or exaggerated names. Their independent streak, constant grooming needs, and slightly ridiculous appearance (pushed-in face, fluffy coat) make humorous names feel authentic and relatable to owners who experience their breed's unique quirks daily.
Should I choose a funny name or a traditional one for my Shih Tzu?
It depends on your personality and your dog's temperament. Funny names work best if you genuinely find them amusing and if your dog's behavior matches the name (like 'Chaos' for a destructive pup). Traditional names work equally well; the most important factor is that you love calling out the name regularly.
Are funny names harder to train with?
Not necessarily. Dogs respond to tone and consistency more than name length or silliness. A two-syllable or single-syllable nickname (like 'Floof' or 'Puff') works just as well for training as traditional names. The key is using a consistent sound your dog recognizes, whether that's the full funny name or a shortened version.
What makes a good funny name for this breed specifically?
The best funny Shih Tzu names reference the breed's signature traits: their fluffy coat (Mop Head, Puffball), their tendency to bark (Sir Barks-a-Lot), their snobbish attitude (Princess, Duchess), their small size (Nugget, Beans), or their grooming requirements (Lint Roller). Names that acknowledge their personality quirks tend to age better than generic food or pop culture references.
Will a funny name embarrass me when calling my dog in public?
That's personal preference. Some owners love the attention and laughs a funny name brings. Others prefer more dignified names for public settings but use silly nicknames at home. Many choose compromise names that are cute but not too outrageous (like Dumpling or Biscuit) that work in any context.
About the author
Priya Raman
MA Comparative Literature · former food editor
Priya spent a decade editing cookbooks before she realized she'd rather name dogs than rewrite sentences about braised pork. Her column covers themed names — food, mythology, nature, film — and the strange overlap between what we eat and what we call our animals. Dog of record: a twelve-pound Cavalier King Charles named Miso.