100+ Chinese Dog Names: Authentic & Charming Ideas (With Meanings)

China is one of the hardest-working countries. Many of our products are imported from China, and their culture has influenced our own. We have adopted a few of their customs, such as the Chinese New Year and the Zodiac calendar, indulge in their delicious cuisine like dim sum and hot pot, and they have given us the phones we use and the televisions we watch.

So, we understand why you might be interested in a Chinese name for your pet. It could be an integral part of your heritage, or you can't get enough Chinese history and culture! Below, we have our favorite female and male dog names, lucky words or items that double as sweet pup names, and, of course, a list inspired by the Zodiac calendar!

Female Chinese Dog Names

• Fang (Fragrant)
• Lee (Plum)
• Zhen (Chaste)
• Bao (Jewel)
• Li Ming (Beautiful Light)
• Lin (Gem)
• Qui (Autumn)
• Sying (Star)
• Jia (Beautiful)
• Tao (Peach)
• Boba (Tea)
• Yang (Sun)
• Xiao Bai (White)
• Mei Mei (Little Sister)
• Hong (Rainbow)
• Ling (Soul)
• Nuwa
• Shu (Warm Hearted)
• Mulan
• Hai (Sea)
• Ah Lam (Peace)
• Chao (Leap)
• Nuwa (Mother Goddess)
• Huiqing (Affectionate)
• Lian (Dainty/Delicate)
• Hua (Flower)
• Yenay (She Who Loves)
• Zi (Beautiful)
• Xiolian (Little Lotus)
• Nuan (Affectionate)
• Chun Hua (Spring Flower)
• Hi (Loving)
• Jiao (Charming)
• Zhenzhen (Precious)

Male Chinese Dog Names 

• Dao (Sword)
• Heng (Eternal)
• Weisheng (Greatness is Born)
• Ji (Lucky)
• Xiaobo (Little Wrestler)
• Jiaozi (Dumpling)
• Didi (Little Brother)
• Lei (Thunder)
• Ken-Zhi (Earnest)
• Chen Gong (Success)
• Ming-Hua (Brilliant)
• Manchu (Pure)
• Buddha
• Weizhe (Great Sage)
• Chen (Great)
• Ming-Tun (Intelligent)
• Jie-Rui (Quick Minded)
• Jun (Handsome)
• Nao Nao (Naughty)
• Bai (Pure)
• Ping (Stable)
• Kai (Victorious)
• Wei (Robust)
• Fu Han (Broad Minded)
• Liko (Protected by Buddha)
• Quon (Bright)
• Mushu
• Xun (Sun)
• Liang (Excellent)
• Diandian (Spot)
• Fu (Wealthy)
• Chanming (Forever Bright)
• Xin (New)
• Lok (Happiness)
• Hong Li (Great Strength)
• Hui (Splendor)
• Gengi (Golden)
• Xue (Snow)
• Longwei (Greatness of a Dragon)
• Quan (Fresh Spring Water)

Lucky Chinese Dog Names 

There are quite a few ways you could be considered lucky in Chinese Culture. Good luck is represented in symbols, rituals, colors, numbers, animals, and insects. Their beliefs also include several things that are considered unlucky. If your pup seems to have the golden horseshoe, or maybe just the opposite, this list is for you! We have gathered a list of our favorite lucky and unlucky names.

• Red
• Nine
• Jujube
• Frog
• Eight
• Grape
• Deer
• Laughing Buddha
• Bear
• Cabbage
• Two
• Plum
• Kumquat
• Beetle
• Six
• Bamboo
• Fish

Chinese Zodiac Dog Names

The Chinese Zodiac is a 12-year classification scale based on the lunar calendar. You can determine where you fall in the calendar by referencing your or your dog's birth year. Because this dates back many decades and it would be too long to list, you may need to research this on your own before selecting one of these names. From there, you will be linked to an animal and an interesting story. The following are great names for a brand-new pup!

• Rat | shǔ | generous, outgoing, hates waste
• Ox | niú | calm, dependable, proud
• Tiger | hǔ | optimistic, stubborn, emotional
• Rabbit | tù | careful, temperamental, considerate
• Dragon | lóng | Strong, confident, obsessive, illogical
• Snake | shé | intellectual, superstitious, private
• Horse | mǎ | cheerful, impulsive, manipulative, self-reliant
• Ram | yáng | timid, forgiving, pessimistic, good-natured
• Monkey | hóu | charming, inquisitive, successful, self-centered
• Chicken | jī | aggressive, logical, overly critical, decisive
• Dog | gǒu | practical, open-minded, clever, maybe belligerent
• Pig | zhū | trustworthy, brave, patient, hot-tempered

Bonus: Unique Chinese Dog Breeds

Although there are several breeds from China, these three are the most unique. Special traits and physical qualities vastly differentiate these beautiful dogs! Learn more about the Chinese Crested, the Chow Chow, and the Shar-Pei below.

Chinese Crested Dog

Known for being next to hairless with a few pony-like tufts around the face, paws, and tail, the Chinese Crested dog is by far the most interesting to look at! However, there is a hairy version of this pup, which is referred to as the Powderpuff.  These dogs are lively, happy, and sweet-tempered. Be ready to snuggle if you've adopted a Chinese Crescent, as they are very affectionate and love spending time with their owners.

Chow Chow 

The Chow Chow looks similar to a fluffy teddy bear, with a large round face, sweet little ears that poke out of their mane, and a massive bushy tail. Don't be fooled by their endearing appearance. They are naturally protective, and the proper training as a pup is crucial if you want to ensure they're well-mannered as adults. Chow Chows make excellent family pets since they are devoted to keeping their loved ones safe.

Shar Pei

Recognizable by their deep and overlapping wrinkles and black tongue, the Shar-Pei is a large breed suitable for homes with older children. They can be affectionate yet are suspicious and reserved, and their independence ensures they keep a watchful eye over your home. Shar Peis are generally not very sociable, but there is hope if you introduce them to puppy friends at an early age.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right name for your new addition can be a complicated and challenging decision, but we hope our list of names has inspired you to choose something reminiscent of China. Whether you love the authenticity of a traditional name such as Jia or Tang, find comfort in a lucky name like Eight, or are fascinated with the Zodiac, there is sure to be a name for every type of dog!

However, if your search for the perfect name continues, we suggest you check out another one of our dog name links below:

• Names for Your Dog Inspired By Police Dogs

• Great Names for Hebrew and Jewish Dogs

Featured Image Credit: Katoosha, Shutterstock