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Names for a Brown Dog: Find the Perfect one for Your Pooch
by Janice Jones |Last updated 11-15-2025
Brown Shih Tzus come in some of the most beautiful shades imaginable—chocolate, tan, red, gold, liver, mahogany, and every warm tone in between. Whether your Shih Tzu puppy looks like a tiny chocolate truffle, a soft caramel latte, or a warm autumn leaf, choosing a name inspired by their coat color is both meaningful and fun.
As someone who has raised Shih Tzu puppies for many years, I’ve heard hundreds of adorable brown-inspired names from new puppy families, and created a few myself for those brown and brindle babies.
Below you’ll find my favorite ideas—organized by shade, flavor, style, and personality—so you can quickly find the name that fits your dog perfectly.
If you are curious about coat colors in the Shih Tzu breed and like genetics, don't forget to check out Shih Tzu Coat Colors
Shades of Brown in Shih Tzu Dogs
Shih Tzus can come in many warm color variations. You can use your pup’s exact shade to inspire the perfect name.
| Shade | Description | Name Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver | Deep chocolate-brown pigment | Mocha, Kona, Bruno |
| Gold | Warm golden-brown coat | Honey, Maple, Amber |
| Red | Coppery, reddish-brown | Rusty, Pepper, Sienna |
| Tan | Light sandy brown | Sunny, Biscuit, Toffee |
| Mahogany | Deep reddish brown | Ember, Woody, Garnet |
| Brindle | Striped mix of dark and light brown | Tiger, Stripe, Marble |
Chocolate & Coffee-Inspired Names
Perfect for dark brown, chocolate, or liver-colored Shih Tzus.
- Mocha
- Espresso
- Kona
- Hershey
- Truffle
- Java
- Cocoa
- Marzipan
- Fudge
- Cadbury
- Brownie
- Nutella
- Affogato (coffee poured over ice cream)
- Latte
- Almond Joy (Joy for short)
Tip: Coffee names are adorable for little dogs with big energy and what puppy doesn't fit that definition!
Caramel & Honey Names
Great for golden, tan, or warm-brown coats.
- Caramel
- Maple
- Honey
- Waffles
- Biscuit
- Butterscotch
- Amber
- Pudding
- Buttercup
- Syrup
- Shortbread
- Toffee
- Crème
- Muffin
These names fit sweet, affectionate Shih Tzu dogs with soft personalities.
Earthy & Nature-Inspired Brown Names
For dogs with deep brown or reddish hues, such as brindles with mahogany streaks.
- Acorn
- Autumn
- Chestnut
- Maple
- Hazel
- Sorrel
- Copper
- Umber
- Clay
- Terra
- Woody
- Pebble
- Amberleaf
- Bracken
These names evoke warmth, comfort, and natural beauty—perfect for calm or mellow Shih Tzus.
Elegant Brown Dog Names
Shih Tzus carry elegance naturally, with their flowing coats and regal presence, so these names work beautifully.
- Sienna
- Mahogany
- Marigold
- Brulee
- Velvet
- Truffle
- Brandy
- Chai
- Dahlia
- Sahara
- Tuscany
- Merlot
Cute & Cuddly Names
Perfect for little lapdogs with big, expressive eyes.
- Teddy
- Snickers
- Poppy
- Doodle
- Munchkin
- Buttons
- Pipsqueak
- Snuggles
- Cupcake
- Cookie
- Coco Bean
- Pudding
- Bubbles
- Nibbles
This little lady is a brown brindle Shih Tzu with black points. The lovely natural highlights in this puppy's hair is almost identical to my daughter's hair. Notice her nose is black. She needs a perfect name to highlight her lovely brown coat.
Autumn-Inspired Names
Since many brown Shih Tzus resemble fall colors, autumn names are a lovely fit.
- Pumpkin
- Cider
- Spice
- Cinnamon
- Maple
- Rusty
- Ember
- Harvest
- Leaf
- Chestnut
- Amber
- Nutmeg
- Crispin
- Acorn
- Buckeye
Brown Names With Meanings
| Name | Meaning | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bruno | "Brown" in German | Dark brown Shih Tzus |
| Sienna | Reddish-brown clay | Red or mahogany coats |
| Tawny | Warm sandy-brown | Tan Shih Tzus |
| Sorrel | Copper-red color | Red/tan Shih Tzus |
| Hazel | Hazelwood / hazelnut | Light brown Shih Tzus |
| Kona | Hawaiian coffee | Dark, energetic pups |
| Maple | Golden brown sugar | Sweet, gentle puppies |
Complete List of Brown Shih Tzu Names
Below is an expanded list of brown-inspired dog names for Shih Tzu puppies. If you didn’t find the perfect fit in the categories above, this full list gives you even more ideas—from classic color names to unique choices submitted by our Shih Tzu community.
Shih Tzu Puppy Buyers are So Creative
- Amaretto
- Autumn
- Bailey Cream
- Bronze
- Brownie
- Brown Bear
- Bruno
- Buckeye
- Buster Brown
- Cadbury
- Café Noir
- Cappuccino
- Carmelo
- Charlie Brown
- Chestnut
- Choco
- Chewbacca (Chewy)
- (Chocolate) Chip
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Cocoa
- Coco Puff
- Coffee
- Coffee Bean
- Cola
- Cookie
- Copper
- CountChocula
- CuppaDeCaf
- DunkinDusty
- Eclair
- Espresso
- Fawn
- Fondue
- Fudge
- Folger
- Godiva
- Gingersnap
- Gravy
- Hazel
- Hazelnut
- Hershey
- Hickory
- Honey
- Jack Daniel
- Java
- Kahlua
- Khaki
- Kisses
- Kitkat
- Kodiak
- Kona
- Kopi
- Latte
- Leather
- Mahogany
- Meatloaf
- Mocha
- Molasses
- Molly Brown
- Muffin
- Mudd
- Mugs (Muggles)
- Nestle
- Nutella
- Nutmeg
- Oatmeal
- Peanut
- Pebbles
- Penny
- (Dr.) Pepper
- Pepsi
- Pretzel
- Puddin
- Raisinette
- Reese
- Riesen
- RockyRoad
- Rolo
- Rufous
- Russet
- Rusty
- Sable
- Saddle
- Sahara
- Sanka
- Sealy
- Sepia
- Sienna
- Smores
- Snickers
- Sorrel
- Starbuck
- Sundae
- Tadder Tot
- Taffy
- Tanner
- Teak
- Teddy Bear
- Tawny
- Toblerone (Toby for short)
- Tootsie Pop
- Tootsie Roll
- Truffles
- Twix
- Toast
- Umber
- Walnut
- Whiskey
- Wonka
- Woody
Last but not least, the old man who began my breeding program, Mr. Kool Beans, is now waiting for me at Rainbow Bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naming Your Brown Shih Tzu
What is a good name for a dark brown Shih Tzu?
What is a good name for a dark brown Shih Tzu?
Mocha, Kona, Espresso, Hershey, Java, and Truffle are perfect for chocolate or liver-colored Shih Tzus.
What are some elegant brown dog names?
What are some elegant brown dog names?
Sienna, Mahogany, Velvet, Sahara, and Brulee fit the Shih Tzu’s naturally regal look.
What’s a cute name for a tan or light brown Shih Tzu?
What’s a cute name for a tan or light brown Shih Tzu?
Biscuit, Honey, Muffin, Waffles, Amber, and Toffee are adorable choices.
Are brown Shih Tzus rare?
Are brown Shih Tzus rare?
Solid liver (brown) Shih Tzus are less common and come with liver-colored noses, paw pads, and eye rims. Gold, red, and tan Shih Tzus are more common.
Should I name a Shih Tzu based on coat color or personality?
Should I name a Shih Tzu based on coat color or personality?
Either works! Some owners choose names based on shade (Mocha, Cinnamon), while others prefer personality (Sunny, Teddy, Snuggles). Pick the one that makes you smile.
Names for a Brown Dog: Add to Your Puppy Board
Conclusion
Whether your brown Shih Tzu reminds you of a warm latte, a soft caramel swirl, or the colors of autumn, the perfect name is one that captures your puppy’s charm and personality. Take your time, explore the categories above, and choose the name that makes you smile every time you say it.
More Dog Names
"Hi, I'm Janice Jones, a former veterinary technician and Shih Tzu expert with over 40 years of experience with the breed. Through Miracle Shih Tzu, I combine my medical background and extensive breed knowledge to provide reliable, practical advice for Shih Tzu owners. My mission is to help you give your Shih Tzu the happiest, healthiest life possible through evidence-based information and real-world solutions. Whether you're new to the breed or a seasoned owner, you'll find trusted guidance here for all aspects of Shih Tzu care.
I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling.
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