Shih Tzu Dog Names
Chinese emperors kept these small dogs inside the palace, where court eunuchs bred them to resemble the guardian lions of Chinese art. Palace ledgers recorded their lineage under the Ming dynasty, which ruled China from 1368 to 1644, and the breed traces back further to Tibetan temple dogs sent to the imperial court. Bred as a royal lapdog and companion, the Shih Tzu moves with a head-high carriage and a tail that curves over the back. Its muzzle is short and flat. The long, flowing double coat comes in every color, from gold and white to solid black, and a white blaze on the face is common. Adults reach the breed ideal between 9 and 16 pounds, and the temperament stays affectionate and outgoing. The name itself anchors the theme: 'Shih Tzu' is Mandarin for 'lion,' so lion picks and Chinese names both suit the small frame and proud look. The list gathers cute and elegant picks sized for a lapdog.
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Temperament and choosing a dog name
Affectionate, playful, and outgoing, the Shih Tzu is a companion breed bred purely for the lap.
A lapdog suits a cute, playful or smooth sound. Each name card shows its sound-feel, and what a name's sound really means explains why.
What owners commonly report
Owners commonly find a cheerful, people-focused lapdog that needs regular coat grooming and can be slow to house-train.
These are aggregated observations from owner communities, not verified individual claims. Every pet is different and your experience may vary.
Names from Shih Tzu's Homeland (Chinese)
The Shih Tzu was bred in the Chinese imperial court, and its name means "lion dog." Chinese names, shown in pinyin, honor that origin.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Fu | FOO | luck, fortune |
| Bao | BOW | treasure, precious |
| Mei | MAY | beautiful |
| Ming | MING | bright |
| An | AHN | peace |
| Jin | JIN | gold |
| Yin | YIN | silver |
| Xue | SHWEH | snow |
| Hu | HOO | tiger |
| Zhen | JEN | precious |
| Le | LUH | joy |
| Feng | FUNG | phoenix |
| Xiao | SHOW | dawn, small |
| Lin | LIN | jade forest |
| Fa | FAH | prosperity |
Names for Two Pets
Bringing home a pair? A few matched sets that sound right together. See the full themed list on the dog names hub.
- Cookies & Cream dark and pale, like the ice cream
- Waffles & Syrup a breakfast duo that sticks together
- Woody & Buzz the Toy Story heroes
- Onyx & Pearl black stone and white gem
- Bacon & Eggs the breakfast pair
- Timon & Pumbaa the meerkat and warthog of The Lion King
- Simba & Nala the lions of The Lion King
- Lucy & Ricky the I Love Lucy couple
- Apollo & Artemis the twin sun and moon deities
Want more options? Try our Pet Name Generator with custom filters.
Tips for Choosing a Name
- Try saying the name out loud several times to see how it feels.
- Short names (1-2 syllables) are often easier for dogs to recognize.
- Consider names that reflect your dog's breed heritage or personality.
- Some owners choose names from the breed's country of origin.
- Avoid names that sound like common commands (sit, stay, no).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lion-themed names suit a Shih Tzu?
Yes, and the breed name backs it up. 'Shih Tzu' is Wade-Giles Mandarin for 'lion,' and early breeders shaped the dog to echo the lions in Chinese art, down to the full mane-like coat around the head. Names like Leo, Simba, or the Mandarin 'Shizi' all draw on that heritage. You'll find lion picks and their meanings grouped in the lists below.
Which famous Shih Tzu can inspire a name?
Marnie the Dog is the standout. A rescue Shih Tzu who lived from 2001 to 2020, she drew more than 1.9 million Instagram followers and became known for a permanent tilt of her head to the left. Owners sometimes borrow 'Marnie' outright or pick names in the same warm, senior-dog spirit. Her reach shows how well the breed's friendly nature comes across on camera.
What should I keep in mind when naming a Shih Tzu?
Affectionate, playful, and outgoing, the Shih Tzu is a companion breed bred purely for the lap. A name lasts the dog's whole life, so many owners pick one that suits that character, then check it is short, easy to say, and does not echo a cue like sit or stay.
Does a Shih Tzu's temperament point to a certain kind of name?
It can, as a fun guide and not a rule. A Shih Tzu tends to be affectionate, playful, and friendly. A lapdog suits a cute, playful or smooth sound. The name will not change the dog, so choose one that fits the Shih Tzu in front of you.
What are some popular Shih Tzu names?
Owners of Shih Tzus often reach for names such as Teddy, Gizmo, Milo, Oliver, and Leo. The curated list above groups many more so you can match one to your dog's look and character.