While some people may prefer menacing guard dogs, to protect their home and property, those of us with small children and elderly family members appreciate the affections of a mellow pack member. For many, a dog that does not jump up, tolerates children hanging on them and allows delivery people to come and go in peace, is worth his weight in gold. To be sure you get your training started off on the right foot, begin your journey with your new pack member by selecting gentle dog names for male and female pups, from our comprehensive amicable list below!
Choosing soft dog name ensures you will begin every interaction with your canine companion with patience and cooperation. After all, how can anyone get frustrated with a pup named Whisper, Charity or Feather? Just try saying either name in anger; it can’t be done!
Soft Sounding Call names for Gentle Dogs
If you like a well mannered dog, consider one of these gentle dog names to ensure maximum biddability (trainability) for your new pack member. Many of these monikers have been used by top AKC agility, obedience, and show dog champions of the past. Positive reinforcement and a positive frame of mind make the learning of new tricks, as well as patient, long stays, as easy as one, two, three.
Bambi – A cute name for a small spotted dog.
Blanche – A nice soft name for a white pup.
Blush – A charming name for a cream-colored female.
Blythe – Merry and carefree.
Bonnie – Beautiful.
Bubbles – For an effervescent personality.
Buck – Courageous and resilient young man.
Bumble – To bungle or blunder.
Butters – South Park character, meaning “Little Buddy.
Buzz – Low continuous humming sound and famous astronauts Lightyear and Aldrin.
Capers – Dancing or skipping playfully.
Cheerios – Good wishes on parting and children’s cereal.
Cheers – Celebratory good wishes.
Chelsea – Means kind.
Famously gentle dog breeds include the Cavalier King Charles, the Golden Retriever and The Labrador Retriever
Chipper – Alert and happy.
Crush – Ardent youthful attraction.
Cubbie – Smallest and youngest Mouseketeer of the 1950s.
Daffy – Silly.
Dapper – Smartly dressed.
Dan – Name meaning “God is my judge.”
Dandy – An excellent thing of its kind.
Downy – Soft and fluffy.
Drifter – Naturally an easygoing traveler.
Easy – Achieved without great effort.
Echo – Greek nymph fated only to repeat the words that have been spoken to her.
Fairly – Particularly with justice.
Feather – Light as air, soft and delightful for tickling.
Fling – A merry jaunt.
Flurry – Light snow.
Flutter – To fly or float gently.
Fly – To take wing or to the sky.
Frolic – Merry dance or play.
Gala – Formal celebration.
Glee – Joy.
Hootie – Joyful blowfish.
Jazz – Mellow or improvisational music.
Joy – Happiness.
Jubilee – Celebration of an anniversary.
Keeper – Protector.
Laddy – Dear boy.
Lilt – Gentle accent.
Mac – Mac Daddy, surely to be awesome or amazing.
Noble – High-minded.
Macy – Gift of Yahweh.
Max – At the most, the Great.
Mercy – Grace or forgiveness.
Merry – Joyful or happy.
Mersey – Given name that means compassion.
Gentle Giants Include the Great Dane, Newfoundland and the Saint Bernard
Papoose – Device that protects and carries infants.
Pebbles – Gentle Flintstones baby girl.
Peeps – Marshmallow Easter treat.
Plush – Soft and luxurious.
Poppet – A beloved doll.
Poppy – Flower that symbolizes sleep and peace.
Posh – Smart and stylish.
Puck – Mischievous sprite.
Puff – Soft and fluffy, kindly magic dragon.
Remy – Means strength or perseverance.
Romeo – Lovestruck, faithful youth.
Ruffles – Soft and flowing adornment.
Savvy – Knowing or wise.
Silky – Suave and smooth.
Sketch – A one-act humorous play.
Skye – Island of clouds.
Snickers – Candy bar.
Sparkles – Witty or flashes of light.
Sparrow – Small gentle bird.
Spirit – The soul or life force.
Sprinkles – Gentle drops of water.
Squire – Young nobleman.
Suki – Japanese, meaning “beloved.”
Sunny – Warm and bright.
Swagger – To strut confidently.
Taffy – Chewy, stretchy candy.
Tippy – Inclined to fall over.
Trace – A very small quantity, a cute name for a teacup dog.
Trim – To take a small amount off.
Twist – To turn or rotate.
Vibe – Feeling or sensation.
Wendy – Peter Pan’s friend.
Whisper – To speak softly.
Willow – Symbolizes survivorship and rebirth.
Windy – Breezy.
Wish – Desire.
Wriggly – Shifty.
Gentle Dog Names Male
While looking for the perfect name for your sweet and loyal boy, consider one of these male dog names that comes from famed best buddies and super sidekicks, many to our favorite heroes. If you seek a furry friend that embodies the spirit of a true companion, by being always by your side and ready for cuddles, surely this list is for you! We’ve gathered a collection of male dog names inspired by words signifying “best buddy” and “sidekick,” each one a fitting tribute to the gentle and steadfast nature of your beloved canine pal.
Amigo
Barney
Beastie Bestie
Broski
Bubba
Buckaroo
Buddy
Bunky
Chap
Chewbacca
Chip
Digger
Dude
Duff
EvanderÂ
GarethÂ
Gofer
Goomba
Gorin
GursonÂ
GuthrieÂ
Homes
Jayce
Joker
Kato
Kemo Sabe
Lad
Lass
Marta
Mate
Mick
Only
Pard
Pisan
Robin
Skate
Spock
Tonto
Turk
Watson
Whammy
Yo Diggity

Photo by: Avi Richards on Unsplash
Gentle Dog Names Female
Adina – Gentle or delicate.
Ashari – Soft spoken.
Anisa – Good-natured or friendly.
Aura – Soft breeze.
Bayne – Soft bridge.
Blandon – Gentle.
Bonner – Courteous.
Bunny – Soft and fluffy.
Caron – Gentle and kindhearted.
Clementine – Merciful and mild.
Dalia – Gentle or tender.
Damone – To tame.
Damara – Gentle girl.
Druti – Soft.
Fifi – Short for Josephine, meaning divine addition.
Friday – His girl Friday.
Ellis – Kind.
Emmie – Soft and friendly.
Heidi – Of noble birth.
Honey – Sweetness, affection and golden warmth.
Jennifer – Fair, soft, or smooth.
Jing – Gentle spirit.
Johana – Gift from God.
Jonah – Dove.
Kevin – Gentleness.
Lateef – Pleasant.
Levar – Soft spoken.
Malinda – Gentle.
Malvina – Soft or kind.
Mehri – Kind and sunny.
Melba – Sensitive.
Mildred – Gentle strength.
Mungo – Kind.
Nariko – Gentle child or thunder.
Padma – Beautiful.
Stillman – Calm or gentle.
Sugar – Southern pet name for a kind disposition.
Tidda – Australian aboriginal name meaning sister or close friend.
Winnie – Fair and pure.
Yuki – Gentle brightness.
Yuko – Excellence or gentleness.
Zephyr – Gentle wind.
Dog Names That Mean Happy
For a gentle, happy pup, consider one of these breezy names that evokes a sense of lighthearted whimsy!
Bliss
Bonny
Boon
Bounder
Breezy
Bubbles
Charm
Cozy
Daffy
Flip
Frenzy
Joy
Jubalee
Keen
Lark
Lucky
Magic
Peppy
Petals
Rapt
Ribbons
Rip
Rosy
Sassy
Savvy
Sparky
Spirit
Spry
Sunny
Swing
Tipsy
Swoozy
Gentle Giant Dog Names Male
Andre – Pro wrestler turned actor, Andre the Giant.
Appa – The Last Airbender.
Baloo – Affable bear in The Jungle Book.
Ben – Short for Benevolent, Gentle Ben was a TV bear in the 1960s.
Chewy – Chewbacca, Star Wars series.
Clifford – The Big Red Dog.
Coffey – John Coffey in The Green Mile.
Fezzik – Andre the Giant’s character in The Princess Bride.
Hagrid – Harry Potter’s giant friend.
Jolly – The Jolly Green Giant.
Kronk – The Emperor’s New Groove.
Raph – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.
Shrek – Gentle green giant.
Sulley – Monsters, Inc.
Gentle Giant Dog Names Female
Archer – Nancy Archer, wealthy socialite and main character in The Attack of the 50 Foot Woman.
Ginormica – Monsters vs. Aliens takeoff on Attack of the 50 Foot Woman.
Reno – Former Attorney General, Janet Reno.
Sandy – Sandy Allen, previously world’s tallest living woman at 7’7″.
Skadi – Female giant of the Wilderness.
Zhang Jianlan: Chinese woman said to be 8’1.7″ tall.
Heavenly Gentle Dog Names
Angel – Winged heavenly being.
Angelique – Angel like.
Job – Remembered for his infinite patience.
Maleka – Messenger of God.
Micah – Angel of Unity.
Muse – Greek deities who inspire artists.
Seraph – Angelic being.
Watcher – Subgroup of angels who watched over the activities of mankind.
Spirit – Goodly nonphysical essence.
Sprite – An elf or fairy.
Final Thoughts on Gentle Dog Names
Are dog names a self-fulfilling prophecy? Yes, I believe they are. The name you call your dog by sets the tone for every interaction with them. Gentle and happy names start each engagement with a collaborative tone. Consider who you want your dog to be in your life and name them accordingly!