TL;DR
Shih Tzus are natural entertainers—bred to charm and delight, these small lap dogs deserve names that match their playful, mischievous personalities. Playful names work especially well for this breed because they're affectionate, vocal, and love being the center of attention. Whether your Shih Tzu is a prankster who steals socks or a charmer who demands lap time, a fun name captures their spirited energy and compact-yet-bold presence. These 50 names lean into humor, whimsy, and personality—avoiding overly serious or severe choices that don't fit their spunky temperament. Our top picks: Biscuit, Muffin, Pickle, Peanut, Giggles. 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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BiscuitSweet treat name reflecting the breed's small, adorable size and tan coloring.
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MuffinPlayful food-inspired name perfect for a small, round Shih Tzu with fluffy features.
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PickleCheeky, fun name for a mischievous Shih Tzu prone to getting into trouble.
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PeanutDiminutive, affectionate name highlighting the breed's tiny stature.
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GigglesWhimsical name capturing the playful, happy-go-lucky temperament Shih Tzus are known for.
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 | Sweet treat name reflecting the breed's small, adorable size and tan coloring. | |
| Muffin | popular | Playful food-inspired name perfect for a small, round Shih Tzu with fluffy features. | |
| Pickle | trending | Cheeky, fun name for a mischievous Shih Tzu prone to getting into trouble. | |
| Peanut | very popular | Diminutive, affectionate name highlighting the breed's tiny stature. | |
| Giggles | rare | Whimsical name capturing the playful, happy-go-lucky temperament Shih Tzus are known for. | |
| Bandit | popular | Playful outlaw name for a Shih Tzu with a mischievous streak and bold personality. | |
| Fuzzy | classic | Descriptive name referencing the breed's characteristic long, flowing coat. | |
| Rascal | popular | Cheeky name for a Shih Tzu with a cunning, entertaining personality and mischievous antics. | |
| Cupcake | popular | Sweet, adorable food-themed name for an irresistibly cute Shih Tzu. | |
| Zippy | trending | Energetic name for a Shih Tzu that moves fast, jumps around, and radiates boundless enthusiasm. | |
| Taco | trending | Fun, whimsical food name for a spunky Shih Tzu with a big personality in a small package. | |
| Squirt | classic | Playful name emphasizing the breed's small size while suggesting surprising strength and sass. | |
| Snickers | popular | Candy-inspired name combining sweetness with playful giggles and laughter. | |
| Tigger | popular | Energetic, bouncy character name perfect for an enthusiastic, playful Shih Tzu. | |
| Dumplin | rare | Affectionate, cute variation of dumpling; perfect for a round, adorable Shih Tzu. | |
| Scooter | popular | Playful, action-oriented name for a fast-moving, energetic Shih Tzu. | |
| Sprite | trending | Bright, lively name reflecting a spirited, animated Shih Tzu personality. | |
| Muppet | rare | Theatrical, expressive name for a Shih Tzu with big personality and entertaining antics. | |
| Pepper | popular | Spicy, spirited name for a feisty Shih Tzu with attitude and sass. | |
| Noodle | trending | Whimsical, stretchy-sounding name for a flexible, agile Shih Tzu. | |
| Bubbles | popular | Light, joyful name capturing the effervescent personality of a happy Shih Tzu. | |
| Yodel | rare | Musical, quirky name perfect for a vocal Shih Tzu prone to barking and howling. | |
| Pokey | classic | Ironic, playful name for a Shih Tzu that moves at their own lazy pace. | |
| Waffle | trending | Adorable breakfast-themed name for a golden, crispy-colored Shih Tzu. | |
| Fidget | trending | Energetic name for a restless, playful Shih Tzu that can't sit still. | |
| Pixel | rare | Modern, tech-savvy name for a small but mighty Shih Tzu with big digital personality. | |
| Pumpernickel | rare | Humorous, long food name for a dark-colored or black-and-white Shih Tzu. | |
| Dizzy | classic | Playful name for a hyperactive, spinning Shih Tzu with endless energy. | |
| Nifty | rare | Positive, clever name for a smart, quick-witted Shih Tzu. | |
| Sprocket | rare | Mechanical, whimsical name for a small but efficient, high-functioning Shih Tzu. | |
| Doodle | trending | Creative, artistic name for a Shih Tzu with a free-spirited, imaginative personality. | |
| Whoopee | rare | Joyful, energetic name for a Shih Tzu that thrives on fun and chaos. | |
| Ziplock | rare | Clever name for a Shih Tzu prone to closing their mouth dramatically or being stubborn. | |
| Chiclet | rare | Tiny gum-inspired name perfect for a small, chewy-personality Shih Tzu. | |
| Skittles | popular | Colorful candy name for a multi-hued or parti-colored Shih Tzu. | |
| Ruffles | popular | Playful name highlighting the Shih Tzu's luxurious, ruffled coat texture. | |
| Gizmo | popular | Tech-inspired name for a small gadget-like Shih Tzu with multiple entertaining functions. | |
| Poppy | popular | Bright, cheerful name for an upbeat, vibrant Shih Tzu with constant enthusiasm. | |
| Chewy | classic | Playful reference to the dog's toy-destroying habits or sticky personality. | |
| Mogul | rare | Funny, ironic name for a tiny Shih Tzu that dominates the household like a powerful boss. | |
| Prancer | classic | Graceful, theatrical name for a Shih Tzu with proud, elevated gait and showmanship. | |
| Hiccup | rare | Quirky name for a Shih Tzu with an adorable, unexpected habit or personality tick. | |
| Bubby | classic | Affectionate baby-talk name for the cuddliest, most lovable Shih Tzu. | |
| Jinx | popular | Mischievous name for a Shih Tzu prone to causing chaos and unexpected trouble. | |
| Spazzle | rare | High-energy, silly name for an overexcited, constantly bouncing Shih Tzu. | |
| Boomer | classic | Bold, energetic name for a Shih Tzu with a surprisingly loud bark and big presence. | |
| Fuzzbucket | rare | Affectionate, silly compound name for a fluffy, cute Shih Tzu. | |
| Mittens | popular | Sweet name referencing small paws or a Shih Tzu with white paws and dark coat. | |
| Scrapple | rare | Quirky, playful name for a Shih Tzu constantly scrapping and roughhousing with toys. | |
| Whiskers | classic | Descriptive name highlighting the Shih Tzu's prominent facial hair and beard. | |
| Rambo | popular | Ironic action-hero name for a tiny Shih Tzu with outsized bravery and aggression. |
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Frequently asked questions
What makes a good playful name for a Shih Tzu specifically?
Shih Tzus are bred to be companion entertainers with spirited, bold personalities despite their small size. Playful names work best when they embrace humor, whimsy, or irony—like naming a tiny dog 'Rambo.' Food-themed names, energy-related terms, and silly compound words resonate because they match the breed's natural charm and attention-seeking behavior.
Are playful names better for male or female Shih Tzus?
Playful names work equally well for both genders. While some lean slightly feminine (like 'Cupcake' or 'Bubbles') or masculine (like 'Bandit' or 'Rambo'), most fun names like 'Biscuit,' 'Pickle,' 'Gizmo,' and 'Pepper' work across gender lines because they focus on personality rather than gender stereotypes.
Do Shih Tzus respond better to shorter playful names?
Shorter names (1-2 syllables) like 'Pepper,' 'Fuzzy,' or 'Bandit' are typically easier for dogs to recognize and respond to. However, playful names like 'Pumpernickel' or 'Fuzzbucket' work fine as long as you use a shorter nickname in everyday training—the fun, full name is for personality and social use.
Can I change a Shih Tzu's name if I adopt an adult dog?
Yes, adult dogs can learn new names, especially playful ones. Shih Tzus are intelligent and adaptable. Use consistent positive reinforcement and practice frequently. It typically takes 2-4 weeks for an adult dog to fully respond to a new name, so patience is key.
What if my Shih Tzu doesn't match the playful personality?
Not all Shih Tzus are high-energy extroverts. If your dog is calm, aloof, or reserved, consider names that still honor the breed's elegance but suggest less chaos—names like 'Prancer,' 'Snickers,' or 'Pokey' still feel playful without demanding constant activity.
About the author
Sarah Finch
CPDT-KA · Gaeilge teacher · rescue volunteer
Sarah has spent fifteen years in dog rescue and positive-reinforcement training, mostly in the shadow of the Wicklow mountains. She writes about Celtic and Gaelic naming traditions, the ones that require pronunciation guides and reward the effort. Currently training a brindle lurcher named Maeve who believes all food on low tables belongs to her.