TL;DR
Shih Tzus are affectionate, spirited lap dogs with big personalities—and they deserve names that match their charm. Names starting with P work particularly well for this breed: they're punchy, easy to call across a room, and many feel luxe or playful, which suits Shih Tzus' regal-yet-goofy temperament. Whether you're drawn to classic human names, food-inspired picks, or something whimsical, P-names offer variety without feeling overwrought. This list includes real names Shih Tzu owners actually use, from popular standbys like Penny and Pippa to underrated gems like Phoebe and Piper. Our top picks: Penny, Pippa, Piper, Phoebe, Paisley. 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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PennyDerived from penny, symbolizing something small and precious—fitting for tiny Shih Tzus.
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PippaShort form of Philippa, meaning 'lover of horses,' but works perfectly for spirited small breeds.
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PiperOccupational name for someone who plays the pipes; conveys playfulness and energy.
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PhoebeGreek name meaning 'bright' or 'pure,' associated with the moon goddess.
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PaisleyNamed after the Scottish town; pattern-inspired name with bohemian charm.
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 Penny 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny | very popular | Derived from penny, symbolizing something small and precious—fitting for tiny Shih Tzus. | |
| Pippa | very popular | Short form of Philippa, meaning 'lover of horses,' but works perfectly for spirited small breeds. | |
| Piper | very popular | Occupational name for someone who plays the pipes; conveys playfulness and energy. | |
| Phoebe | popular | Greek name meaning 'bright' or 'pure,' associated with the moon goddess. | |
| Paisley | trending | Named after the Scottish town; pattern-inspired name with bohemian charm. | |
| Pepper | very popular | Spice-based name suggesting a feisty, bold personality. | |
| Pistachio | rare | The green nut; whimsical food name perfect for quirky pet owners. | |
| Pandora | classic | Greek mythology figure whose curiosity opened a box of evils; means 'gifted to all.' | |
| Pattycake | rare | Playful reference to the nursery rhyme game; whimsical and endearing. | |
| Peaches | popular | Stone fruit-inspired name suggesting sweetness and warmth. | |
| Pearl | popular | Precious gem formed in oysters; symbolizes elegance and rarity. | |
| Pancake | rare | Breakfast food name; cute and comfort-food inspired. | |
| Priscilla | classic | Latin origin meaning 'from ancient times'; vintage and elegant. | |
| Purl | rare | Knitting term for a stitch; literary and craft-inspired name. | |
| Pip | popular | Short, snappy name meaning 'seed' or 'stone'; simple and catchy. | |
| Pixie | very popular | Mythical small fairy creature; suggests mischief and magic. | |
| Pax | classic | Latin for 'peace'; minimalist name with deeper meaning. | |
| Pumpernickel | rare | Dark rye bread; quirky food name for dark-colored dogs. | |
| Paige | popular | Middle English occupational name for a young servant or attendant. | |
| Pesto | rare | Italian basil sauce; food-inspired name with Mediterranean flair. | |
| Peanut | very popular | Legume; small and sweet; perfect for tiny breeds. | |
| Poppy | very popular | Flowering plant; bright and cheerful name suggesting vitality. | |
| Petite | rare | French for 'small'; describes the delicate Shih Tzu frame. | |
| Picasso | rare | Famous artist's name; suggests creativity and unique vision. | |
| Patches | popular | Multiple small pieces or sections; descriptive for multi-colored coats. | |
| Pixar | rare | Animation studio; modern and pop-culture inspired. | |
| Panda | popular | Large black-and-white bear; cute and instantly recognizable. | |
| Posey | popular | Small bouquet of flowers; delicate and romantic. | |
| Pretzel | rare | Baked snack; quirky and fun food-inspired name. | |
| Primrose | classic | Early spring flower; suggests freshness and renewal. | |
| Pudding | popular | Dessert; sweet and endearing term. | |
| Pru | rare | Short for Prudence; vintage nickname with retro charm. | |
| Poco | classic | Italian/Spanish for 'little'; musical term suggesting smallness. | |
| Pins | rare | Sewing tool; minimalist and practical. | |
| Petra | rare | Greek for 'stone' or 'rock'; strong and grounded. | |
| Puffin | rare | Small black-and-white seabird; adorable and distinctive. | |
| Peony | classic | Lush flowering plant; romantic and springtime-inspired. | |
| Pookie | popular | Term of endearment; sweet and cuddly sounding. | |
| Pia | rare | Latin for 'devoted' or 'pious'; short and melodic. | |
| Pita | rare | Flatbread; quirky food name with Mediterranean appeal. | |
| Phokey | rare | Playful variation of 'pokey'; whimsical and fun. | |
| Pom | rare | Short for Pomeranian or pomegranate; quirky nickname. | |
| Pinto | rare | Spanish for 'spotted' or 'painted'; descriptive and artistic. | |
| Peppermint | rare | Mint plant; fresh, cool, and holiday-inspired. | |
| Puff | popular | Cloud-like or fluffy; describes the Shih Tzu's signature coat. | |
| Paisano | rare | Spanish for 'countryman' or 'friend'; warm and inclusive. |
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular P names for Shih Tzus?
Penny, Pippa, Piper, Pepper, Pixie, Poppy, and Peanut are among the most used P-names for Shih Tzus. These names are short, easy to call, and suit the breed's small size and spirited personality. Poppy and Pippa have grown especially trendy in recent years.
Do P names work better for male or female Shih Tzus?
Many P names work beautifully for either gender. Names like Piper, Pip, Paige, and Pax are unisex. For female-leaning options, Penny, Pippa, Poppy, and Phoebe are classics. Male-leaning names include Paco, Picasso, and Poco. Consider your dog's personality rather than strictly adhering to gender conventions.
Are there luxury or elegant P names for Shih Tzus?
Yes. Names like Pearl, Priscilla, Pandora, and Primrose have a more refined, elegant feel—perfect for Shih Tzus, which have a regal history. Paisley and Petite also offer sophistication while maintaining charm.
What if my Shih Tzu has a color-specific coat pattern?
For black-and-white Shih Tzus, consider Panda or Patches. For cream or white dogs, Pearl works beautifully. Picasso suits multicolored or uniquely marked dogs. Pumpernickel or Pinto are great for dark or spotted coats. Color-descriptive names add a personal, meaningful touch.
Are there uncommon P names that still sound good?
Absolutely. Purl, Pax, Pia, Peony, and Petra are less common but beautiful choices. Quirky food names like Pistachio, Pesto, and Pancake appeal to owners seeking uniqueness. These names tend to be memorable and spark conversations.
About the author
Cal Whitfield
archivist · crossword setter · index obsessive
Cal is responsible for Bark Names' A-Z index and the unreasonable number of letter-by-letter posts. They spent a decade as a library archivist before a pandemic pivot into full-time dog writing, and they bring a cataloguer's attention to things no one else on the team would read. Lives with a border terrier named Q, which is as far as they'll discuss.