Perfect puppy names

..... and how to choose them!

You can get away with calling him 'sweetie-pie' or 'snuggle-butt' for a couple of days, but unless you really don't object to shouting "Come here Snuggle-butt" across the local park you'd better think about choosing a proper name sooner rather than later.

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

Although you don't want to take a month to make a decision (unless you actually like the name Snuggle-butt!) you do need to take a little time to think about it and pick a name that feels 'just right'.

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'll undermine your dog's natural dignity when you go for a laugh at his expense.

Dogs are intelligent animals, 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.

What's in a name?

Other people may judge your dog's personality by the name you give him. Calling him 'Killer' or 'Hannibal' may do wonders for your sense of security but is unlikely to make him the darling of the neighborhood - no matter how much of a softie he is!

Tips that'll help you make the right choice

• 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 puppy 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 a short, simple name - trust me, I know this!

• 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 'Rocket'? 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 stars

  Sports stars or teams

  Music - ie bands, rock stars, opera, country music etc.

  Presidents

  Artists

Get a little extra help...................

With over 1000 great names to choose from, there's bound to be one to fit your little guy or girl.

Naming your puppy has never been this easy. Have fun!

This fun dog-naming book has hundreds of names for cute puppies the world over.

From traditional, to unique there's something for everyone (and every puppy!)

You might also want to check out this great website...

Dog Names and More
Where you'll find Cool, Funny or Unique Dog Names to give your new puppy. Hundreds of naming suggestions, as well as other helpful dog related categories.

So, if you're ready to choose a name for a puppy, go grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable and scroll down to see a list of our popular, funny, unusual, inspired (and more!) Puppy Name Pages.

Happy Hunting & Good Luck!!

Male Dog Names

Girl Dog Names

German Dog Names

Rottweiler Names

Italian Dog Names

French Dog Names

Alaskan Dog Names

Portuguese Dog Names

Unusual Dog Names




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