Dog Names! The Ultimate Guide to the Best Cute, Unique and Funny Dog Names

Whether you’re bringing home a new pup to add to your family pack or you just like thinking about dog names, we have the ultimate dog name guide for you. Packed with unique names for dogs of all colors, sizes, temperaments, and professions, our naming ideas will help you find the perfect call-name for your new best friend.

Dog Names That Celebrate Coat Colors!

Honor your furry friends crowning glory, his coat, with a name that celebrates its unique shade or pattern.

Personality Themed Dog Names

Here at Your Pets at Home, we know that picking the right name for your dog is an important part of introducing a new pup into your family. It’s the first thing your bundle of furry joy will hear from you in the morning. And the last thing they will hear at the end of the day, other than “Good Dog!”.

Dog names are often a self-fulfilling prophecy. Did you want a dog that is playful, serious, or somewhere in between? Well, we’ve got a list of dog names to match every personality. From adventurous names inspired by nature to strong, noble names for powerful breeds and livestock guardians. This guide brings together all the names we’ve shared over the years to help you find just the right fit. Each section is filled with ideas for names based on themes, personalities, and more.

Dog Names Specific to Breeds and Breed Types

Tips for Naming Dogs

When naming dogs, these tips will help you find the right name for your new best friend. After all, you are likely to be calling out for him or her in your neighborhood for the next 10 to 16 years.

• Always choose a respectful name for your dog. They are an extension and reflection of you, their master.
• If you’re having trouble selecting between several names, give them each a shout-out in the backyard a couple of times. Pick the one that feels more natural at a higher volume level.
• Choose short names for call names. If you select a long name, give him a short nickname (1-2 syllables) to make calling him easier.
• Avoid names that are too similar to the commands you intend to train him on.
• If you have multiple dogs, don’t worry about them being confused by similar-sounding names. Dogs are smarter than most people give them credit for. I had a Luna and a Lena, and they were never confused as to who I was talking to, although sometimes I was!

Tips for Changing a Dog’s Name

Sometimes a puppy or dog will arrive already trained to come to a name that just does not feel right to you. No worries, dogs can learn their new names pretty quickly. Just combine the old name with the new name when you call him. For instance, if your dog comes to Zeus, but you prefer Odin, just begin by calling for Zeus-Odin for a few days. Then reverse it to Odin-Zeus for a day or two., In short order, you can drop Zeus. Keep a pocket full of treats to reward him or her for coming reliably. You will be set in less than a week.

Tips for Selecting Registered Names

Once you have selected a good call name for your dog, you may want to register him with the AKC, ASCA or UKC. Here are the basics of registered names.

If your dog came from a breeder, they likely have a kennel name that will be the prefix for your dog’s registered name. If you have your own kennel name, or want to include your family’s surname, you can add that to the end of the dog’s name. For example, if your dog came from Solaras Border Collies, and you have your own kennel name, Callista Border Collies, you might name your dog Solaras Thunderbolt to Callista, and call him Zeus. To add your name at the end of the registered name, you can use “to,” “at,” or “of” as these are common conventions.

Often, the pedigree gives you naming clues and ideas to honor his ancestors. Especially, if they are stars in performance events or the show ring. Just like racehorses, dog’s registered names often reflect the names of their forbearers. Here is an example of a theme that has traveled down a couple of generations here at Solaras. Solaras-Callista Silk Stalkings is mother to Solaras-Callista Stalk Broker and Solaras-Callista Stalk Exchange (border collies are well-known stalkers).