The easy part is done: you have found the puppy of your dreams. Now the real work begins: working through that long list of puppy names to find the exact right one for your new canine companion.
Some puppies will almost be born to a name, especially if they come from a breeding program that has a naming routine, which is fairly common for purebred animals, especially dogs, cats and horses. This routine often includes, the kennel or farm name, plus a distinctive identifier. For example, say that XYZ Kennel raises Chocolate Labrador Retrievers. When creating a name for a puppy, these folks may opt to name their dogs after candy bars; XYZ's Snickers, XYZ's Zagnut, XYZ's Butterfingers, etc.
But, most of us are less formal, and seek the best name possible for our new companion. Here are some tips for finding or creating a list of suitable puppy names.
- Keep in mind that puppy names also have to be suitable for full-grown dogs. Cute little Bullmastiff puppies grow into big dogs. So, diminutive names like Bitsy, Pookie or Sweetums may seem odd when attached to a 120 lb. dog. However, naming against type -- i.e. Killer for a Chihuahua, Spike for a Welsh Corgi or Tiny for a Newfoundland -- somehow works.
- Think of how the name will sound when introducing your dog to others. Decide on puppy names that don't take a lot of explaining. Avoid Agamemnon if you're not a Classics major -- unless you have time to discuss Greek tragedies. Does everyone remember Grendel was a character in "Beowulf"?
- There is nothing wrong with simple puppy names. It is easy for you to call, and for a dog to respond to Jake or Spike or Skip, rather than Aloisius or Mister Fabulous.
- No double entendres when thinking up puppy names. You don't want to be embarrassed when calling your companion at the dog park.
- When you are creating possible puppy names, avoid those that you don't want him/her to live up to. Be careful of Devil, Mischief, Sir Chews-A Lot or Wanderer.
- Think of something you are fond of, and create names to remind you of that thing. If you like movie stars, try Mel or Tom for a male and Meg and Kate for a girl. But, Keanu and Gwyneth may be stretching it.
What do others think are good puppy names? Does that matter? You and your dog have to live with the name. However, here are the 10 most popular names for male and female dogs, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance, which sells health insurance for your pets.
The top 10 names for male dogs:
- Max
- Buddy
- Jake
- Rocky
- Bailey
- Buster
- Cody
- Charlie
- Bear
- Jack
The top 10 names for female dogs:
- Molly
- Maggie
- Daisy
- Lucy
- Sadie
- Ginger
- Chloe
- Bailey
- Sophie
- Zoe
So, when you are lucky enough to need to think up puppy names, slow down and give careful thought before blurting out anything. After all, you and the dog have to live with it long after your fascination with the latest Brittany, Paris or Niki has faded from the spotlight.
