TL;DR
Shih Tzus are compact, affectionate companions known for their big personalities in small packages—and they deserve names that match their spunky, entertaining nature. Unisex names work perfectly for this breed, giving you flexibility whether you adopt a male or female pup, or if you prefer names that transcend gender stereotypes. Playful names capture the Shih Tzu's natural charm, their love of attention, and their tendency to be mischievous little clowns. These names lean toward fun, approachable sounds that feel fitting for a dog bred to be a royal companion but who'd rather be your goofy best friend. Our top picks: Pepper, Ginger, Chip, Peanut, Muffin. 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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PepperSpicy and energetic name reflecting a Shih Tzu's feisty temperament.
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GingerWarm, lively name suggesting spirited personality or reddish coat tones.
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ChipCute, diminutive name evoking a small but mighty personality.
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PeanutAffectionate term for small size combined with nutty charm.
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MuffinSweet, cute name reflecting a Shih Tzu's soft, snuggly appearance.
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 Pepper 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepper | very popular | Spicy and energetic name reflecting a Shih Tzu's feisty temperament. | |
| Ginger | very popular | Warm, lively name suggesting spirited personality or reddish coat tones. | |
| Chip | popular | Cute, diminutive name evoking a small but mighty personality. | |
| Peanut | very popular | Affectionate term for small size combined with nutty charm. | |
| Muffin | popular | Sweet, cute name reflecting a Shih Tzu's soft, snuggly appearance. | |
| Biscuit | very popular | Playful food name suggesting golden color and crispy personality. | |
| Oreo | popular | Name referencing the black-and-white or dark-coated Shih Tzus. | |
| Pixel | trending | Modern, playful name suggesting small but mighty digital presence. | |
| Ziggy | popular | Energetic, zigzagging name perfect for dogs who bounce around playfully. | |
| Charlie | very popular | Friendly, approachable classic name meaning free person in old English. | |
| Bailey | very popular | Classic unisex name with English origins meaning steward or official. | |
| Riley | very popular | Playful Irish name meaning courageous or brave little one. | |
| Buddy | very popular | Straightforward friendly name emphasizing companionship and loyalty. | |
| Casey | popular | Irish origin meaning brave or vigilant, with playful energy. | |
| Morgan | popular | Welsh origin meaning bright sea or sea-dweller. | |
| Scout | popular | Adventurous name for dogs who explore and observe their surroundings. | |
| Tucker | popular | English occupational name meaning fuller or cloth maker. | |
| Windy | rare | Playful name suggesting movement, breeziness, and free spirit. | |
| Fuzzy | popular | Direct reference to a Shih Tzu's signature fluffy coat texture. | |
| Rascal | popular | Name celebrating mischievous, playful, or impish behavior. | |
| Milo | very popular | Greek origin meaning gracious or merciful. | |
| Coco | very popular | Simple, melodic name with warmth and international appeal. | |
| Smudge | popular | Playful name referencing dark markings or dirt-prone white coats. | |
| Piper | popular | English occupational name meaning one who plays the pipes. | |
| Satchel | rare | Whimsical name from character Satchel Paige, suggesting versatility. | |
| Dash | popular | Short name suggesting speed, energy, and quick movement. | |
| Fizz | rare | Bubbly, effervescent name suggesting playful sparkling energy. | |
| Jazzwu | rare | Creative blend suggesting musical ability and spirited personality. | |
| Bentley | popular | English origin meaning meadow with bent grass. | |
| Parker | popular | English occupational name meaning park keeper. | |
| Sawyer | popular | English occupational name meaning one who saws wood. | |
| Quinn | popular | Irish Gaelic origin meaning descendant of Conn. | |
| Aspen | popular | Nature-inspired name after the quivering aspen tree. | |
| Robin | classic | English name from the bird, suggesting cheerfulness. | |
| Skylar | popular | Dutch origin meaning scholar or of the sky. | |
| Indigo | rare | Color-inspired name suggesting deep, rich blue tones. | |
| Whiskers | popular | Playful reference to facial hair, emphasizing cute features. | |
| Buttons | popular | Diminutive term emphasizing small, cute, clickable personality. | |
| Noodle | rare | Playful food reference suggesting long hair and floppy ears. | |
| Pip | rare | Short, cute name suggesting something small and energetic. | |
| Loopy | rare | Playful name suggesting silly, fun, carefree behavior. | |
| Patches | popular | Name referencing multi-colored or patchy coat patterns. | |
| Bandit | popular | Playful name suggesting mischievous, rascally behavior. | |
| Juniper | popular | Nature name from the juniper plant, suggesting calm resilience. | |
| Pepper Mint | rare | Playful combination suggesting refreshing, cool personality. | |
| Scooter | popular | Playful name suggesting fast movement and fun energy. | |
| Bobo | rare | Simple, repetitive name with whimsical, silly energy. | |
| Doodle | popular | Playful reference to doodling or drawing random designs. | |
| Squirt | popular | Cute name emphasizing small size with spunky attitude. | |
| Kiwi | popular | Fruit-inspired name suggesting small, brown, fuzzy exterior. | |
| Tux | popular | Reference to tuxedo markings common in black-and-white dogs. |
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Frequently asked questions
What makes a name work for a unisex Shih Tzu?
Unisex Shih Tzu names typically avoid heavily gendered sounds and work equally well for male and female dogs. Playful options lean toward short, punchy names (Pepper, Buddy, Scout) or names inspired by traits and appearance (Fuzzy, Buttons, Bandit) rather than traditional boy or girl naming conventions. Two-syllable names work especially well for calling across rooms.
Are shorter names better for Shih Tzus?
Yes, shorter names are generally easier for Shih Tzus to recognize and respond to during training. One or two syllables (Charlie, Pepper, Buddy) work best for commands and recall. However, some owners enjoy longer playful names as nicknames and use the short version for training.
Should I pick a name based on my Shih Tzu's appearance?
Many owners love names that reference their dog's coat color or markings—like Pepper for dark coloring, Biscuit for cream tones, or Patches for multi-colored dogs. This approach can feel personally meaningful. However, personality-based names (Rascal, Scout, Dash) often feel more fitting over time as you get to know your pup's unique temperament.
Are food names popular for Shih Tzus?
Absolutely. Shih Tzus are famously cute, and food-inspired names (Muffin, Peanut, Biscuit, Oreo) capture that cuddly appeal perfectly. These names also tend to age well—they're playful but not childish, so they work for adult dogs too.
Can I change my Shih Tzu's name after adoption?
Yes, dogs can learn new names at any age, though puppies and younger dogs typically adapt faster (1-2 weeks). For older Shih Tzus, consistency and positive reinforcement help the transition. Some owners keep a dog's original name or modify it slightly for familiarity.
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.