Choosing a name for your pet dog
Thursday, May 20 2010
When choosing a name for your pet dog, it makes sense to think about its breed, personality and temperament before taking the plunge.
A poll on the website shows over half (55 per cent) of pet owners 
would pick an authentic ethnic name that can be associated with their
dog's breed, whereas 28 per cent would choose a name commonly thought of as human, such as Hank or Susie.
Just 15 per cent of pet owners would call their dog a stereotypically canine name, such as Rover or Lady, the unofficial poll found.
Naming a pet dog, the online writer notes, "is similar to naming a child, in that you want a name that will promote their social wellbeing – you want them to fit in, while also being unique in their own right".
Greg Marlett on the site finds that Spanish-style names work best on small dogs, such as chihuahuas. Bruno, meaning a little black plum; Che, an Argentinean expression of greeting; Hugo (heart, mind and spirit) and Pablo, meaning small, all work well on these feisty four-legged friends, he said.
Meanwhile, members of the Dog Club online forum explore funny names for their pets. A user called Izzie believes the best name she has heard for a dog was Eddie the beagle. Wiget said they have met a rescue dog called Havoc – "because she causes it" – and Dave the doberman.
Sweetypye said: "If I meet another Rizla the Vizla I may expire" and an online member called Jaydex thinks Jarvis is the perfect name for a cocker spaniel.
Pet owners may be stuck for ideas when it comes to picking a name for their new furry friend, so many turn to specialist books for inspiration. Bookstores and online shops are likely to have a selection of name books for puppies, so having a hunt around could help you settle on the right name.
Results from a 2008 survey by dog training website Agilitybits.co.uk show that the top female dog names are Molly, Poppy, Jess, Meg and Millie, followed by Cassie, Lily, Bonnie, Holly and Rosie.
Popular names for male dogs are Alfie, Max and Barney, with Charlie, Jake, Jaspar, Murphy and Sam following behind. Ben and Buster are also hot favourites, along with Bailey, Buddy and Harvey.
Pet owners could take the name of a famous dog, such as Spot, Gnasher or Lassie.
Toto, Laika and Snowy may also be good names for adventurous pets, whereas owners of St Bernards could take inspiration from the title character in the Beethoven films.
However you choose a name for your pet, ensure you keep it simple to make it easier for your dog to learn. Picking a name of one or two syllables, repeating it and praising the pet with rewards when it responds should help dogs pick up their names quickly.