by Swan Morrison

Created on: February 21, 2009   Last Updated: July 30, 2010

Dog Names: Choosing the right dog name

The importance of the right name

A dog will be a companion for very many years, and a name will be part of the owner's daily life for as long as the animal lives. That name may also be recalled for ever by the owner, the owner's children, friends and acquaintances as part of their fond memories of the pet. Choosing the right name is therefore a decision with lifetime consequences.

Factors to consider include:

Matching the name to the dog:

Male dog names for a Border Collie, such as Sam or Ben can conjure the image of a hard working farm hand, which is what Borders are bred to be. Calling a Chihuahua, Terminator or a Rottweiller, Cuddles might lose its humour in due course, although a humorous name may suit the animal and owner, as in the naming of Lieutenant Columbo's Basset Hound, Dog.

Puppies grow up quickly:

Puppy names may come to mind to suit a tiny bundle of fur, but it is important to remember that a name must suit the fully grown animal that it will soon become. Dogs learn to respond to their names from a very early age, making it very inadvisable to later change them.

The reaction of others to the name:

Some people are very anxious around dogs and this, in turn, can unsettle an animal. It may help if the dog's name would not provoke fearfulness or anxiety in others. In addition, some religious and other groups may have sensitivities about naming animals after revered individuals, although politicians appear acceptable, as evidenced by the appearance of George W in lists of current boy dog names.

The regular usage of the name:

An owner may be calling a dog by its name many times each day, and sometimes calling that name across a park within earshot of others. An owner therefore needs to feel very comfortable with the name.

How to find inspiration when naming a dog

Pedigree:

If a dog has a pedigree, then it will have a pedigree name that will contain several words. Some people use part of that name, or an idea suggested by it. For example, a pedigree name containing the word Mississippi might suggest the name, Missi. This can be a source not only of unique dog names but also ones that have a clear connection with the history of the animal.

Behaviour or physical characteristics:

Each dog has its own individual appearance, and personality traits are apparent from an early age. Names which can derive from appearance or behaviour include: Patch, Blackie, Fluffy, Happy and Digger.

The media:

Names of animals or people in the media may provide inspiration. Madonna and Bjork now appear in lists of girl dog names, although Lassie, from the film and TV series, and Fifi, from Walt Disney, now appear less popular as female dog names.

List of names:

The Internet contains many lists of popular dog names, and there are several books in print. These are best consulted, however, after an owner has thought carefully about the qualities a name must have. That way, the right name will be recognised when seen.

The responsibility for naming a dog may seem a daunting task but, as with all decisions, talking it over with others can be invaluable. In fact, sharing this decision with family and friends can be the first of very many enjoyable experiences which owning a dog will bring.

Learn more about this author, Swan Morrison.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.