Dog Names: Everything You Need to Know

Does a dog's name matter?

Of course, a name is very important. A dog needs one so that it knows you are calling it. For example, when an owner is out for a walk with their dog and it is playing with other dogs, calling it by its name will draw its attention back to the owner. A trained dog, following this reaction, should respond to a command given by the owner, such as heel!.

A dog's name is also helpful during training. Especially if the animal associates being called by its name positively, for instance with the owner's attention, a walk, or petting. At the sound of its own name, it should immediately be prompted to react, such as running over. During training walks, it is also worth using training aids, which will certainly increase the effectiveness of the exercises you do with your dog.

Belgian Shepherd

The length of a dog's name also matters. Dogs actually associate short, sonorous and easy-to-pronounce words better, and in this case that applies to names. It is also important not to name your dog with a word that is used every day, as this could confuse it. A dog's name should reflect its appearance, character or purpose. This often happens, for example, with hunting dogs or police dogs, where their names reflect the type of work the breed is used for. As an interesting fact, we might add that some dog names come from old naming traditions that are part of cultural heritage. A good example would be the traditional names of Polish hounds used in hunting. They refer to the forest, running and the sound of the voice.

When it comes to a dog's name, how you pronounce it is also important. A gentle tone will encourage the dog to engage with you, whilst a shouted or angrily delivered name will certainly discourage your pet from approaching. A neutral tone would therefore be best, which can be modified only during training and when giving commands. Commands have a better chance of being obeyed by the dog when we speak in a raised and cheerful tone of voice, whilst corrections work better with a low and firm tone.

Dog names – how to choose them well?

When choosing a name for your dog, you don't really need to limit yourself. The important thing is that it is short and easy to remember. Especially since the dog will carry it for the rest of its life and will have to learn to respond to it appropriately. Therefore, a dog's name should not be two-part. Because in an emergency situation, when you need to call it back, a dog will respond better to a short and easy name. It should also not be ridiculous for the dog, especially since such a name can lead to awkward situations during walks.

White Swiss Shepherd  

The name you choose for your dog will also be important during check-up visits to the veterinarian. During a visit, the owner will certainly be asked what the dog is called. The same applies to other situations when your pet has contact with other people. Therefore, naming your dog with an offensive, vulgar name will not only cause consternation, but can also result in a fine of up to 1500 PLN. This is because shouting obscenities in public places is punishable.

Classic or perhaps a funny name for your dog?

There are two approaches to giving dogs names. Some owners choose traditional and popular names for a bitch or a dog, such as Bella or Azor, whilst others try to find more original names so their dog stands out from the rest. After all, amongst Toffiks, Burks and Rexes, you will find an individualist with a more distinctive name. Much depends on the creativity and inspiration of the owner themselves. Some choose names that highlight the majesty of a given breed, others the charming character and appearance, and yet others seek names that are somewhat humorous.

Examples of such names for a large dog could be Maluch, in the case where you own a German Shepherd, or Goliath, when your pet is a small dog such as York or Kapec, given to a dog of the Basset breed. Certainly, names given against the grain will bring a smile to the faces of newly acquainted people during walks.

Miniature Dachshund 

When it comes to choosing a name for a dog, you should be cautious if you are considering foreign names for dogs, or using terms from a language whose meaning you do not know. Because although they may seem nice or sound interesting to us, and above all original, they may in fact have a meaning that we do not expect. And this may provoke various reactions, particularly amongst foreigners. 

The most popular dog names in Poland and around the world

Whilst searching for the most popular names for dogs and bitches, we came across a report by the Rover company The Most Popular Pet Names and Trends of 2020. Reviewing it, we noticed that in recent years classical names have consistently enjoyed the greatest popularity. Here is the TOP 10 list of the most popular names for dogs and bitches:

Most popular names for bitches – TOP 10

• Bella,
• Luna,
• Lucy,
• Daisy,
• Lola,
• Sadie,
• Molly,
• Bailey,
• Stella,
• Maggie

Most popular names for dogs – TOP 10

• Max,
• Charlie,
• Cooper,
• Buddy,
• Milo,
• Bear,
• Rocky,
• Duke,
• Tucker,
• Jack.

Pomeranian

What about the popularity of dog names in Poland? Similar to abroad, in our country, names for dogs such as Luna, Lola, Daisy, Bella, Max, Charlie and Rocky are also on the podium. Names such as Toffik, Fafik, Leo, Teddy, Sonia and Tosia continue to be popular. Poles also readily reach for names inspired by characters from TV series or cartoons, such as Alex and Elsa.

Name for a male dog according to Look4dog

Amongst our suggestions for dog names were:

• Azor,
• Bingo,
• Dexter,
• Chip,
• Elmo,
• Frodo,
• Mars,
• Kapsel,
• Largo,
• Jack,
• Max,
• Dolar,
• Oreo,
• Serwus,
• Wiwat

Name for a bitch according to Look4dog

• Astra,
• Bella,
• Cleo,
• Diana,
• Elsa,
• Figa,
• Gaja,
• Hera,
• Lady,
• Kora,
• Nora,
• Rea,
• Pola,
• Kiki,
• Sonia,
• Tara,
• Wiara

Rottweiler

There are many suggestions for names for male and female dogs, which means that every owner can find an appropriate name for their pet, both in Polish and in English. To make choosing a name for your dog easier, we have prepared a few tips:

• because dogs are very sensitive to pronunciation, it is worth choosing a name that has high recognition value and, as we have already mentioned, will be easy to pronounce. Names with hard consonants at the beginning and vowels at the end are simple for a dog to hear, for example Jimmy. 
• one- or two-syllable names for dogs are a good choice, because they are easy to distinguish from commands and make it easier to call your dog, 
• a name for a male or female dog should not be similar to commands, otherwise your dog will easily confuse them. For example, the name "Brad" sounds similar to the command "Sit".
• try not to change a name that has already been given to your dog, because dogs get used to the sound very quickly, and understanding that the name has been changed would take them a lot of time and effort.
• in the case of dogs from a breeder, there is also a so-called litter alphabet, in which the first letter of the dog's name for a given litter is given, which of course greatly limits the choice of name.
• to get a puppy used to their name, you should teach them to associate the name with something positive. It is worth repeating their name whilst stroking, praising, giving treats or playing.

Welsh Corgi Pembroke

An interesting choice of names for pedigree dogs

Let us now move on to the issue of names from a breeder registered with the International Canine Federation (FCI). It can be noted that dogs from a breeder receive very long names and usually sound quite unusual. Very often they are neither melodious nor short. So why are they found in pedigrees? Because names for puppies from a breeder are not intended to be used in the future. After taking them home, new owners can give them completely different names. In situations where dogs remain at the breeder, alongside their official name given by the breeder, they have a more friendly, home name written down. This means that in the pedigree you will find the name (written in capital letters) and a breeder's affectionate name. This is because every dog born at a breeder receives the breeder's affix.

At a breeder, a dog's name must start with a letter that is common to the entire litter. Each litter is designated by letters of the alphabet, starting with A. When the alphabet comes to an end, subsequent litters are designated with additional numbers, for example A2, B2, C2 and so on. Some owners wonder whether they need to name their dog as their pedigree states? Of course not. After bringing our dog home from the breeder, we can name them according to our preferences. A breeder's name is merely a form of memento that is also useful at shows. 

Breeder names often sound foreign. The most frequently chosen are those in the English language. This results from the fact that the FCI issues international pedigrees. A typically Polish name in such a case could be perceived as difficult to read by a foreign judge at a show. It should also be borne in mind that the FCI does not accept breeder affixes that contain Polish characters.

American Akita

Names for dogs – what to be inspired by?

When choosing a name for your dog, you are limited only by your own imagination. You can find plenty of inspiration everywhere, which you can use when selecting a name for a dog or a bitch. However, as we have already emphasised, you should remember that they should be: short, sonorous and pleasant-sounding. Here are the main sources of inspiration for owners:

Films and television series 

Many owners look for inspiration for their pet's name in their favourite films or television series. This is hardly surprising, as popular culture is an unlimited source of inspiration. Especially since a name for a dog or a bitch can be found not only in film titles, but in their slogans, for example those based on comics. Many owners commonly search for a dog's name in television series and films in the fantasy genre.

Border Collie

Literature

Book lovers search for inspiration for their pets' names amongst books of various kinds, even poetry. They often choose their favourite childhood books to which they have a sentimental attachment. Frequently, they name their pet after their favourite literary character. This is a very popular trend. Interestingly, history books and mythology are also enormous sources of inspiration for a pet's name. Dogs often receive the names of kings, great generals or emperors. When it comes to mythology, Greek mythology is chosen, but also Scandinavian or Slavic.

Science 

The world of science is extremely fascinating, which is why it can also be an interesting source of inspiration for pet names. You have at your disposal many names of elements, physical phenomena or planetary systems, whose names come from Greek or Latin. They are not only beautiful, but also majestic, and additionally can have deeper meaning.

Food

For those with a sweet tooth, names derived from food will certainly appeal. After all, nothing sounds quite as sweet as a dog named after a sweet treat. However, in a healthier version, you can also find references to fruit names, such as fig. However, there are far more delicious examples of names for a dog.

Music

Music lovers will be able to choose names for their pet from amongst their favourite singers or songs. The possibilities are truly many, and it all depends primarily on the owner's own musical taste. The inspiration can be really interesting.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Dog names – how to teach your pet to respond to them?

Apart from Christmas Eve, dogs cannot speak in a human voice, although it is unknown how much we would like them to. Therefore, if we want our dog to respond to its name, we simply need to teach it to do so. We have already presented several methods earlier. We remind you that for a dog to respond to its name, it should associate it with something positive. The name should be used in moments that are pleasant for the dog, such as feeding time or playtime. 

Teaching your dog to respond to its name can be treated in the same way as any other training. During training, you should use only positive methods so that your dog associates its name well and you do not achieve the opposite effect. As with any training, it is worth equipping yourself with treats with which you will reward your dog. Learning should also take place in an environment where there will not be excessive distraction. The dog's name should be spoken every time it pays attention to the owner, that is, establishes eye contact; it is worth praising it then and rewarding it with a treat.

German Shepherd

Changing your dog's name – does it make sense?

It can happen that you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter that has already reached adulthood. Such dogs already have their own names that they are bonded to and respond to. It may occur that the original name of your adopted dog does not suit your taste and you wish to change it. Is this a good approach? In principle, there are no obstacles to doing so. Especially since it sometimes happens that some of them were taken from such conditions that they may not even be aware they ever had a name. You teach such a dog a new or first name in the same way as you would a puppy. The same applies when you change your dog's name and teach it to get used to it anew. However, you should bear in mind that once a dog is in a permanent home, it should be given a name permanently. If, however, the owner frequently changes the dog's name, this will introduce chaos and confusion, which will not be beneficial to the animal's mental health. Therefore, as we emphasised earlier, names should not be changed frequently, but should certainly be well thought out.

Dog names – summary

There is probably an unlimited number of dog names. Some can be considered simply straightforward and nice, others adorable or funny, interesting, original. Some owners spend considerable time searching for the perfect name for their dog, which ideally expresses its character or highlights its appearance, whilst others choose it completely spontaneously. Regardless of the way you choose a name for your dog, it is worth remembering the main guidelines we have indicated when making your decision. We would like to remind you again, when choosing a name for your dog or bitch, remember that it should be short, easy to pronounce and not offensive. You should be cautious with names in other languages, checking the meaning of the given words. We hope that the list of interesting and popular animal names we have provided will be helpful to dog owners in making the best choice of name for their pet. There are really many possibilities, and it all depends simply on the creativity of the owner themselves. We wish you successful searching for animal names.