TL;DR
Male Shih Tzus are confident, affectionate lap dogs that deserve names matching their dignified yet playful personality. This breed originated in Tibet and China, so names honoring that heritage work well—but so do cute, spunky, or elegant options that suit their compact size and long, flowing coats. Male Shih Tzus tend to be slightly more assertive than females, so names with personality and character often fit best. Whether you prefer classic names, pop culture references, or something tied to their imperial Asian roots, this list covers proven choices that actual Shih Tzu owners use. Our top picks: Biscuit, Charlie, Max, Duke, Cody. 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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BiscuitA sweet, edible term perfect for small dogs with light-colored coats.
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CharlieA classic, timeless name meaning 'free man' that suits friendly, outgoing Shih Tzus.
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MaxLatin name meaning 'greatest,' ideal for confident, bold personalities.
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DukeA regal title perfect for Shih Tzus' noble, imperial heritage.
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CodyA friendly, modern name meaning 'helpful' or 'cushion,' suits playful males.
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 Biscuit 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biscuit | Very popular | A sweet, edible term perfect for small dogs with light-colored coats. | |
| Charlie | Very popular | A classic, timeless name meaning 'free man' that suits friendly, outgoing Shih Tzus. | |
| Max | Very popular | Latin name meaning 'greatest,' ideal for confident, bold personalities. | |
| Duke | Popular | A regal title perfect for Shih Tzus' noble, imperial heritage. | |
| Cody | Popular | A friendly, modern name meaning 'helpful' or 'cushion,' suits playful males. | |
| Teddy | Very popular | Derived from Theodore, meaning 'gift of God'; perfect for beloved lap dogs. | |
| Bailey | Very popular | An English surname meaning 'bailiff,' traditional yet friendly for dogs. | |
| Panda | Popular | A cute, playful name referencing the black-and-white coloring many Shih Tzus have. | |
| Buddha | Trendy | Honors the spiritual heritage of Tibet and the breed's calm, meditative nature. | |
| Jasper | Popular | A semi-precious stone name suggesting warmth and earthiness. | |
| Louie | Popular | A friendly, casual take on Louis, meaning 'famous warrior.' | |
| Copper | Popular | A metal name suggesting warmth, reddish-brown coloring typical of the breed. | |
| Bentley | Trendy | A sophisticated, elegant name meaning 'bent meadow.' | |
| Milo | Very popular | A Greek name meaning 'merciful,' perfect for gentle, affectionate dogs. | |
| Bandit | Popular | A playful name for mischievous dogs, suggests a rogue personality. | |
| Samson | Classic | A biblical name meaning 'sun,' fitting for radiant, warm personalities. | |
| Ginger | Popular | A spice-based name perfect for reddish or golden-colored coats. | |
| Oliver | Very popular | Latin origin meaning 'olive tree,' symbolizes peace and gentleness. | |
| Fuzzy | Popular | A descriptive, cute name referencing the breed's signature long, fluffy coat. | |
| Pepo | Rare | A whimsical, Asian-influenced name with a playful ring. | |
| Simba | Popular | A Swahili name meaning 'lion,' perfect for small dogs with big pride. | |
| Winston | Classic | An English name meaning 'wine stone,' suggests sophistication and maturity. | |
| Alfie | Popular | A friendly, British-sounding name meaning 'elf counsel.' | |
| Buddy | Very popular | A classic, friendly name emphasizing companionship and loyalty. | |
| Koda | Trendy | A Native American-inspired name meaning 'friend,' suits affectionate dogs. | |
| Benny | Popular | Short for Benjamin, meaning 'son of the right hand,' suggests favor and blessing. | |
| Pepper | Popular | A spice name perfect for dogs with dark coats or peppery personalities. | |
| Toto | Classic | A cute, playful name made famous by Dorothy's dog in The Wizard of Oz. | |
| Leo | Very popular | Latin for 'lion,' symbolizes courage despite the breed's small size. | |
| Marshmallow | Popular | A sweet, soft name perfect for white or cream-colored Shih Tzus. | |
| Rascal | Popular | A playful name for mischievous, spirited dogs who love to entertain. | |
| Admiral | Rare | A naval rank suggesting authority and leadership for small but proud dogs. | |
| Oreo | Very popular | Cookie-inspired name perfect for black-and-white or parti-colored coats. | |
| Rusty | Popular | A rustic, warm name for reddish-brown or red-gold coated dogs. | |
| Champ | Popular | Short for champion, suggests excellence and winning spirit despite small size. | |
| Daikon | Rare | A Japanese radish name honoring the breed's Asian heritage. | |
| Patches | Popular | A descriptive name for dogs with multi-colored or patchy coat patterns. | |
| Gatsby | Trendy | Literary reference suggesting sophistication and glamour. | |
| Socks | Popular | A cute, playful name for white-pawed or white-stockinged dogs. | |
| Rory | Trendy | An Irish name meaning 'famous ruler,' suits spirited, confident males. | |
| Noodle | Trendy | A cute, playful food name for thin-bodied or wispy-haired dogs. | |
| Prince | Popular | A royal title honoring the breed's imperial Chinese origins as palace dogs. | |
| Bentham | Rare | An English surname suggesting refined, intellectual qualities. | |
| Shaggy | Popular | A descriptive name referencing the breed's famously long, shaggy coat. | |
| Rocket | Trendy | A fast, energetic name for surprisingly spry and quick small dogs. | |
| Muffin | Popular | A sweet, baked-goods name perfect for soft, round lap dogs. | |
| Paws | Trendy | A literal, playful reference to the dog's paws and movement. | |
| Tuxedo | Popular | Named for formal black-and-white coloring; perfect for distinctly marked dogs. | |
| Zippy | Popular | A fast, energetic name for lively, spirited Shih Tzus. |
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular male Shih Tzu names?
Charlie, Max, Buddy, Teddy, and Bailey are consistently the top choices for male Shih Tzus. These names work because they're easy to call, memorable, and fit the breed's friendly, companionable nature. Many owners prefer shorter names (one or two syllables) that the dog learns quickly.
Should I pick a name that matches my Shih Tzu's coat color?
It's a popular approach but not required. Color-based names like Biscuit, Pepper, Ginger, and Oreo work wonderfully for Shih Tzus and add personality. However, many owners choose personality-based names like Bandit or Rascal instead. Pick whatever resonates with your dog's temperament first.
Are there names that honor the Shih Tzu's Chinese heritage?
Yes—Buddha, Prince, and Emperor all nod to the breed's imperial Tibetan and Chinese origins. Some owners also use Asian-inspired names like Pepo or Daikon. These choices celebrate the breed's dignified history as palace companions for royalty.
How do I know which name will suit my male Shih Tzu?
Spend a few days with your dog and observe his personality—is he playful and mischievous (Rascal, Bandit), calm and cuddly (Teddy, Milo), or confident and bold (Max, Champ)? Say the top contenders out loud; pick names that sound natural and feel right. Avoid names too similar to common commands like 'Kit' or 'No.'
Are there trendy vs. classic male Shih Tzu names?
Classic choices include Charlie, Duke, Winston, and Buddy—timeless and recognizable. Trendy options include Bentley, Gatsby, Koda, and Rocket. Neither category is better; classic names are proven crowd-pleasers, while trendy names feel fresh and modern. Choose based on your preference.
About the author
Jamie O'Connell
IAABC · strength coach · father of four pit mixes
Jamie writes the loud half of Bark Names. Tough names, working-dog names, names that sound right on a cattle ranch at 5 a.m. He's trained protection dogs and worked the rescue circuit in Denver for eleven years. Strong opinions about naming anything a 'Zeus' or a 'Rogue.' Also has four pits, all named after fictional small-town sheriffs.