30 Awesome Boy Dog Names

Choose the perfect name for your Shih Tzu canine pal

BY MOLLY | EVERYTHINGSHIHTZU.COM
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Small Shih Tzu dog sitting in a baseball glove with a baseball

Getting a new dog is such a fun time, and it's also full of things to do and never-ending questions.

One of the most significant choices you're likely to make when it comes to your new playful pup is what to name him.

After all, whatever your dog's name is, the odds are good that you'll say it a lot, and in public, no less.

So, make sure you decide on a name you're comfortable saying aloud all of the time.

A lot of dog owners opt to name their dogs something that celebrates their dogs' personalities.

For this reason, you might want to wait a little bit after getting your dog before you name him.

This way, you have some time to see how he acts and what personality he develops.

But, if you opt for this method for naming your pup, just make sure you don't wait too long. You want your friend to start learning his name as soon as possible. 

Naming your dog is undoubtedly a big decision. 

Still, it's also exciting since it means you're welcoming a new, furry friend into your life.

Jump directly to the 30 best boy dog names for your Shih Tzu

Choosing the Perfect Name for Your Dog

If you adopt your pup or get him from another family, he may already have a name. 

If you like the name your dog has, you might decide to leave things the way they are. Easy peasy. In this case, your pooch already knows his name and is used to responding to it. 

However, if you don't particularly care for your pup's existing name, there's no reason you can't change it. You just have to make sure you go about it the right way.

In other words, change his name wherever you need to (on his items, any vet or grooming records he may have, etc.), and of course, teach him his new name.

If you opt to give your dog a new moniker, ensure you start teaching it to him immediately. You don't want your canine companion to get confused.

Inspiration for your dog's new name comes from many places.

You can name him after your favorite book or movie character, favorite food, coloring, or simply because you like the sound of a particular name.

No matter what name you choose, it's sure to be a perfect fit for your pooch.

Close up of a Shih Tzu's trimmed eye areaClose up of our boy Max

30 Best Boy Dog Names

Whether you already know what you want to call your boy dog, or you have no clue, there are tons of choices to pick from out there.

Here are 30 of the best boy dog names (in alphabetical order), with a few helpful pointers and tips when it comes to finding the perfect name for your pooch:

  1. Ace (Whether you're a fan of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, an avid poker player, or a top-notch pilot...this name fits a variety of situations; plus, it sounds really cool. Naming your pup after a favorite character or hobby is a popular option). 
  2. Apollo (This homage to the Greek god of the sun has been a longtime favorite for dog owners).
  3. Ash (This is a good name for a gray dog, or you might be a fan of the famous character of the same name from the Evil Dead series, played by Bruce Campbell).
  4. Bailey (It's a cute name on its own, or it's a good choice if you're a fan of Bailey's Irish Cream. Dogs often sport the name of their owner's favorite food or drink). 
  5. Barkley (Every dog has habits. If your pup loves to bark or maybe has a unique sounding woof, then this name could be the perfect fit)!
  6. Baron
  7. Baxter
  8. Bear (Some dogs look just like cute mini-bears. Many times, a dog gets his name from his resemblance to other animals).
  9. Bentley (Yep, you can always name your dog after your favorite car).
  10. Casper (Many dog names have a double meaning; for example, this one is great for a white dog and honors your favorite, friendly ghost).
  11. Chance
  12. Chips
  13. Cody
  14. Dexter
  15. Diesel
  16. Frankie
  17. Ghost
  18. Kobe (Your pet's name can memorialize someone important to you or honor a notable figure).
  19. Max
  20. Murphy (2020 is like the poster-child for Murphy's Law: you know, anything that can go wrong will go wrong. If anything, you'll have a good story to tell about your dog's name). 
  21. Oliver
  22. Oscar
  23. Rex
  24. Rocky
  25. Roscoe
  26. Rufus
  27. Tucker
  28. Stewey
  29. Zeus (Some names are classic for specific sizes of dogs. For example, Zeus is often a name for a big dog. However, you could have a lot of fun with it and name your Shih Tzu with a big-sounding name).
  30. Ziggy

While you need to name your dog for obvious reasons --identification, pet records, calling him back when he runs after a squirrel-- it's also fun to show off your pup's name in stylish ways.

For instance, you can put your dog's name or initials on his dog bed, his dog bowl, collar, and anywhere else you want.

Another essential purchase is an ID tag for your dog.

Include your dog's name and your phone number on the tag, so if your dog gets lost, he has a better chance of making it home to you quickly.

Even if a dog is microchipped, wearing a collar with an ID tag is an extra precaution that can help him return to you safely.

You can buy an ID tag at the pet store, order one online, or make one using an ID tag machine at many large retailers like Wal-Mart.

Make Sure Your Dog Knows His Name

Your dog will likely catch on to his name pretty fast, especially since you will use it often when you refer to him.

The best way to get your dog to know its name is to say the name repeatedly.

Link it to every command when training your dog, and in the beginning, reward your pup whenever he acknowledges his name.

Simply state your dog's name in a positive tone of voice, and as soon as he looks at you, give him a yummy treat.

He'll catch on soon enough that this word you keep saying is how you identify him and that he should respond to it whenever you say it.

You might find the perfect name for your dog on this list, or you may come up with a different one; it's up to you!

Take your time so you can find the best fit for your pooch. Start by picking out your ten favorites, then test them aloud in a variety of ways.

Finally, see how you feel when calling the name out loud at the dog park.

Once you have your top ten, think carefully about each name, and narrow down your list to your top five choices.

Eventually, you'll narrow your list down even further, coming up with your top three. At this point, it might be helpful to get some feedback from some trusted friends and family.

Don't forget to run your top three names by your pup too. After all, your dog might gravitate toward one name more than the others.

If he seems to really like one of them, then you might have found your winner!

Have a girl dog you need some name ideas for? Jump over to our 25 Best Girl Dog Names for Shih Tzu for some great ideas

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