Choosing the Perfect Puppy Names for Female and Male Dogs

Posted on October 16th, 2010 Written by +Brian Benson Email Author

Choosing the perfect puppy names for your puppies could be a downright challenge, is it not? You very well know that any name, or any simple puppy name, would not do because you want to name your dog or puppy with something special or unique. Yes, he or she is indeed special so you need to come up with a good puppy name for him or her.

Actually, some expecting dog owners make a shortlist of puppy names beforehand so they would be ready in case the puppy comes out any time. On the other hand, some dog owners prefer to wait for the precise moment until they are actually holding the newborn pup in their arms before they decide on a cute puppy name. Do you belong to one of these groups? Or are you one of those who are totally confused and dumbfounded on how to name your cute puppy? Coming up with good puppy names can be quite difficult because you know that your dog would carry this name all of his or her life; besides, you would be saying and speaking that puppy name aloud for plenty of times. If you are finding it difficult to come up with some cute puppy names, read on below to find some helpful and comprehensive tips on the matter at hand. These helpful tips would surely help you think and brainstorm of the perfect name for your beloved newborn puppy.

Choosing an appropriate name for your puppy

You have to keep in mind that the sound of the puppy name is a very important and vital factor. You should choose or select a cute puppy name that has a pleasant tone or ring to it. Yes, saying or speaking it aloud to yourself can help you judge whether if it sounds appealing or pleasant to the ears.

Take your time

In choosing the perfect puppy name, keep in mind that there is no need to rush it. Naming your puppy or dog should be a pleasant experience for everyone. Besides, you only get to name your dog just this once, so better enjoy while you can!

The K.I.S.S. principle

In thinking of a female dog name or male dog name, focus on the K.I.S.S. naming principle. As a matter of fact, the K.I.S.S. naming principle can be applied to wide range of uses; not just in thinking of puppy names. The acronym K.I.S.S. stands for “Keep-It-Short-and-Simple”. Nifty and catchy acronym, is it not? Puppies and dogs tend to remember their names faster and better if they are composed of mere single or double syllable words. Cute puppy names like “Dover” and “Rox” are good examples of these.

Be unique and creative

As mentioned above, choosing the perfect puppy name for a newborn puppy is a must because all puppies are unique and special in their own way. As such, it would a good idea to look for a unique feature from your puppy, and name him or her according to that. For example, if your beloved puppy has a big mole right up his muzzle, then you can most likely call him or her “Moley”. Pretty simple trick isn’t it? Go ahead and look for that unique mark on your dog!

Avoid command homonyms

Additionally, a good pint to remember when thinking of good puppy names is to avoid names that sound like the dog commands that you use. For instance, a mutt named Sprint can easily confuse his name from the dog command “sit”. This would pose a problem for some dog training and housebreaking sessions. Thus, it would be best to avoid puppy names that sound very similar to the commands.

Tried and tested puppy names are good too

Sometimes, the dog you are trying to name is actually not a puppy anymore, but a juvenile dog already. Most pet owner find it more difficult to come up with good puppy names or dog names in this instance, so they just keep the old name of the dog. Actually, this is not a bad idea. This would keep the dog from name and calling confusion. Plus, it would definitely him or her get accustomed to his or her new home. Nevertheless, you can still try to give him or her that new and cute puppy name. However, the good dog name you come up with should sound very similar to his or her old name.

But do not overdo it!

Yes, thinking of good and cute puppy names is supposed to be fun and all; however, keep in mind as well that you should not go overboard. By this, we mean, that you should refrain from coming up with weird or freaky names. As mentioned above, try your best to keep it simple. Also, you would be calling this name out and aloud in public most of the time, so be delicate and sensitive for that factor as well.

Give that puppy some time

If ever you have already decided on a cute puppy name, keep in mind as well that your puppy or dog needs some time to get accustomed to that name. Yes, it is essential to give him or her ample time to get used to the name. To help dogs and puppies get accustomed to their new and cute puppy names, dog owners should always acknowledge them whenever they respond positively to their name or when they are called. Give your dog a warm pat and scratch whenever he or she responds to his or her name, or you can even praise him or her and reward him or her with a treat or two.

Good puppy names are for love

In contrast and in continuation of the tip above, do not reprimand or issue discipline your dog with their puppy names. For example, avoid using “Dover, no!” Instead, just use a simple and sharp “No!” So what is the logic behind this tip? This helps your dog associate his or her good puppy name with good and pleasant things, and helps him learn it faster. This is actually good, so whenever you call your dog by his or her puppy name, then he or she would be more alert and accommodating to your wishes.

Now those are very handy and useful tips are they not? if All of those are somewhat hard to keep in mind at all times, just remember the three very important ones:

1. Choose and select the puppy names that are easily recognizable by the dog or puppy. Stick to choosing a single syllable or double syllable puppy name. Keep in mind that dogs do not have extensive language capabilities like humans, thus long puppy names are definitely not a good idea.
2. As much as possible, avoid puppy names that sound very similar to dog commands that you use. Avoid names that sound like “no”, “sit”, “down”, “come”, “stay”, or “fetch”. This is very important so your dog would not get confused whenever you are issuing a command to him or her.
3. Stick to the K.I.S.S. naming principle. Try your best to settle with simple and pleasant puppy names. Keep in mind that you would be using these names in public places, so you need to be comfortable with the puppy name as well.

Good Inspiration for good puppy names

So are you now ready to have some fun in thinking of good puppy names for your beloved mutt? Still no go? Still confused on how and where to start? Okay, then may be what you really need is a good inspiration, or a good naming theme. Well, you can start by looking hard and long at your newborn puppy. Do you see or spot any distinctive features about him? Does the cute little thing remind you of something? Did he or she get born on a special date or event?

Like what was mentioned above, there is definitely no need to rush in naming your cute and beloved puppy. You can wait for him or her to grow up some and get to display and develop some unique personality traits. You can definitely take into account these personality traits, disposition, and overall behavior in coming up with a unique and cute puppy name for him or her. Does he or she like to jump and pounce around while playing? Then you can probably name him or her with Pongo. Does his or her thick and dark fur remind you of Star Wars? Then you can probably give him a puppy name of Vader.

Good puppy names reflect on you

You also have to keep in mind that the dog name that you decide on and choose not only says plenty about your pet, but also says a lot about you as a dog owner. If you name your dog Vader, of course, other people can easily tell that the dog’s owner is a fan of Star Wars. More importantly however, the puppy names that dog owners choose and decide upon tell something about their relationship with their pets. Why so? More likely than not, a dog with carefully thought out and unique name has a very loving and caring owner. He took the trouble of naming his dog, so he definitely treats his mutt as someone close and special. Do you see the connection? Thus, if you truly love and care for your puppy or dog, then you better take your time so you can come up with the best possible puppy name!

Keep those puppy names simple, but keep them appropriate too

Yes, how many times do I have to point out that simple puppy names are the best ones. Nevertheless, you have to stick to appropriate dog names as well. For example, do you honestly think it is appropriate to name a Labrador with Tiny or Shorty? No, definitely not. He or she might be tiny and short now as a puppy, but he or she would eventually outgrow that name. However, the situation takes a round-about if we are talking about cocker spaniel puppy names, right? Or for that matter, those puppy names mentioned would also be appropriate as Chihuahua dog names. Yes, definitely keep in mind that being appropriate is also a very important factor in thinking of dog names.

Now with all those helpful and comprehensive tips I mentioned, you must be all set and ready to take on the heady task of naming your beloved puppy! What? You still want more? Okay, if you really cannot make up your mind, then maybe reading and browsing through some of the popular dog names could spark something in that pretty head of yours.

Male puppy names

If your dog is a male, then the puppy names that you would need are male puppy names. Here are some of the more popular dog names that I gathered. This list of dog names comes in no particular order:

• LAMBCHOP
• LANCE
• LUDWIG
• DUKE
• ELMO
• McCOY
• SHERLOCK
• BENJI
• BEOWOLF
• SMOKEY
• SLY
• GENGHIS
• BRANDO
• GORDO
• TANK
• DOZER
• HERMES
• HERO
• CAPO
• LOBO
• PONGO
• TURBO
• IGOR
• CLIPPER
• CLYDE
• CODY
• JEDI
• JED
• JAZZ
• CONAN
• WALDO
• WHOOF
• JUMBO
• PRINCE
• ZIPPO
• ZEUS
• ZORRO
• ZOOM
• JET
• HERSHEY
• JACK
• LUCKY
• POP
• PORKER
• ICEY
• CHOLO
• PHENIX
• PICKLES
• TOTO
• UDO
• PUFF
• PRIMO
• CASPER
• TAZER
• SPICY
• NACHO
• BLAZE
• FINN
• FAUX
• FOX
• BAXTER
• BART
• ENZO
• SCOTCH
• SEGA
• MERC
• SHORTY
• BOOM-BOOM
• SHYLOCK
• SHREK

Female puppy names

If your dog is a female, then the puppy names that you would need are female puppy names. Here are some of the more popular dog names that I gathered. This list of dog names comes in no particular order:

• ZOE
• ZELDA
• WRIGLEY
• XENA
• WHOOPIE
• RED
• RAINBOW
• RAIN
• QUEENY
• PUFFY
• PUDDLES
• PRINCESS
• PRETZEL
• PORTIA
• JESSIE
• KARMA
• CHINA
• CHECCA
• CHESKA
• CHA-CHA
• VIVA
• VIOLET
• POLLY
• VANILLA
• TUNA
• TWEETY
• CAYENNE
• PINKY
• PIP
• HILDA
• CANDY
• LYPSO
• GUMBALL
• GRETEL
• GOLDIE
• TIPSY
• TOOTSIE
• PEBBLES
• PEACHES
• PENNY
• PEPPER
• GINGER
• GIGI
• GIGGLES
• BUNNY
• STELLA
• SIERRA
• SOPHIE

That’s it, now those puppy names should get you started on the right track. If you are still not satisfied with the list given above, you can always search for more dog names elsewhere, or you can ask help from your friends and family.