Perfect Puppy Names

Choosing your puppy's name is one of the fun things about being a new 'parent'.... but it's important to put a little thought into the moniker you pick. After all, you're going to be using it a LOT!



Picking the  perfect puppy name

Whether you're looking for a popular name, one that's unique or one to suit your sense of humor/your dog's breed/color/size/personality and so on.... I can help you find the perfect fit.

Choosing a name for your new furball isn't quite as fraught as choosing a baby's name but it can come close!

And although you don't want to take a month to make a decision you do need to take a little time to think about it and pick a name that feels 'just right'

....... because you're going to use it what seems like a hundred times, every single day, for years to come :)

To see some of today's most popular puppy names click HERE


What's In A (Puppy) Name?

It might actually be more than you think, because the name you choose for your new pup can say a lot about you, as well as a fair bit about how you view your dog!

Other people might even judge your dog's personality by the name you give him.

Calling him 'Killer' or 'Hannibal' might seem funny if you own a complete softie who wouldn't say boo to a goose! BUT strangers may not be amused when he's barking or growling at them - especially if you own a breed that tends to be feared due to media hype and lack of public education (such as Pitbulls and Rottweilers).

It might also be a good idea to rein in your sense of humor :)

If you choose the name 'Tiny' for your Great Dane puppy or 'Rocket' for your little Basset Hound, it will probably raise a smile at the dog park. But it can undermine your dog's natural dignity when you go for a laugh at his expense.

Dogs are intelligent animals, and don't think they don't sense when someone is making fun of them.

The best foundation for a good relationship between you and your puppy is mutual love and respect, bear that in mind when choosing a puppy name.


Puppy Naming Tips & Advice

There are a few basic guidelines you can use to help you pick out that perfect puppy name. When choosing names for a puppy, you can use the following tips to find a name that sounds 'just right'

  • Keep it simple
    There are two reasons for this. Firstly, dogs respond better to short commands and can easily get confused by long, strange-sounding words. Keep the name you choose short and simple, one or two syllables is best.

    If your puppy is a pure-bred you can indulge your desire for an exotic name when you pick his or her registered name. Secondly You are going to be using your puppy's name many (repeat, MANY) times a day! It'll be a lot less wearing if it's short and simple.

  • It's not just a puppy name
    Your new puppy won't always be this small! You're also choosing a DOG name here. Depending on the breed he or she could reach anywhere up to 130lbs plus within a couple of years. Even a thoughtfully chosen puppy name such as 'Tickles' or 'Buttercup' may seem a whole lot less appropriate when 'Tickles' the St. Bernard is fully grown.

  • Let your puppy help you out
    Yes, believe it or not your little bundle of fur can help choose his own name! How? It's quit simple - just take a close look at him (okay, you're a little too close when he's planting puppy kisses on your nose!) and then pay attention to his personality.

    Remember the 'Rocket' example I used earlier? Well, not for a Basset Hound perhaps, but it could be the perfect puppy name for your super-speedy Italian Greyhound. Or how about 'Snowflake' for your American Eskimo pup? See what I mean?

  • Consider his heritage If you have a purebred puppy you probably know what country his breed originated in. If you have a Rottweiler or German Shorthaired Pointer then a German dog name would be a great choice. The same goes for your French Bulldog, or Italian Mastiff etc. etc.

  • What about a theme?
    A great way to find puppy names that are not so 'run of the mill' is to think of a theme.. this also helps later on if you're adding another pup to your home. You can pick two names that work together and sound cute!

    When it comes to themes, there are just way too many to list, but here are a few that might jump-start your imagination... cartoon characters, celebrities or movie stars, sports stars or teams, music - ie bands, rock stars, opera, country music etc., presidents, artist... the list could go on and on and on.....


Most Popular Puppy Names

Here's a quick look at the top boy and girl puppy names for both 2011 and 2012.

These lists are taken from compilations done by various organizations who regularly have millions of puppy names in their databases.

The first collection is for 2011, and was produced by the Banfield Pet Hospital....



Top 20 Names For Puppies (Male & Female) - 2011

Bella
Max
Buddy
Daisy
Bailey
Lucy
Molly
Coco
Charlie
Rocky

Chloe
Maggie
Sadie
Princess
Sophie
Lucky
Roxy
Jack
Lola
Harley



Now onto 2012.

Here's the result of a survey of over 1 million puppies in the Vetstreet.com database.....

Top 10 Male Puppy Names

 Max
 Buddy
 Charlie
 Rocky
 Cooper
 Bear
Bentley
 Duke
Jack
Toby

Top 10 Female Puppy Names

Bella
Daisy
Lucy
Molly
Lola
Sophie
Sadie
Chloe
Coco
Maggie



And finally, the most popular puppy names in 2012, as published by VPI Pet Insurance Company

Top 20 Male Dog Names 2012

Max
Buddy
Rocky
Bailey
Jake
Charlie
Jack
Toby
Cody
Buster
Duke
Cooper
Riley
Harley
Bear
Tucker
Murphy
Lucky
Oliver
Sam

Top 20 Female Dog Names 2012

Bella
Molly
Lucy
Maggie
Daisy
Sophie
Sadie
Chloe
Bailey
Lola
Zoe
Abby
Ginger
Roxy
Gracie
Coco
Sasha
Lily
Angel
Princess



Of course many of the same names appear on all the lists above, simply because they're so popular! And of course there are also lots more adorable and popular boy and girl names for dogs.

Or, if you're looking for something different, unique, or with a certain international 'flair', why not check out some of these pages. There's bound to be at least one name that's absolutely perfect for your new pup.......







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