Choose the right name for your dog

Years ago, people tended to choose simple dog names.

We had thousands of Spots, Freckles, Rascals, Patches, Tramps, Bandits, Shorties, Butches, Buddies, Aces and Pals. At times, it was confusing as to who was calling their dog home.

It was also reasonably common for the owners to bestow titles upon their canine companions such as Lady, Kaiser, Caesar, Duchess, Duke, Princess, Prince, Queenie, and the ultimate King.

You may have noticed some cannot give up a name, so they simply add a numeral after each new dog. Every neighborhood has a dog or two with a numeral, for example, Prince, the Third, or Spot, the Sixth.

Occasionally, the trend leans toward mythical names, gods, and goddesses. There are Thors, Pandoras, Conans, Hercules, Ulysses, Aphrodites, Zeus, Ares, Phoebes, Athenas, Titans, Apollos, and Morias.

Biblical names and places such as Jericho, Eden, Samson, Goliath, Eve, Noah, Jacob, Abigail, Polly, or Moses are quite popular now and then.

Gems are always in style. Bet you can put a face to a dog named Diamond, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Opal or Onyx.

Colors work for some. Rusty, Brownie, Red, Blue, Ruby, Blackie, Amber, Goldie, Olive, Coal, Tar and Violet.

Choose a name based on personality

How about those who thought they were naming their dog according to their personality or unique traits?

Dog parks are full of Sweeties, Sugars, Chases, Bad Boys, Killers, Chewies, Diggers, Luckies, Chances, Cuddles, Foxies, Amigos and Diablos.

Today, many dog owners tend to name their dogs after celebrities, book or movie characters, geographical locations, foods, liquors, and sports teams.

It’s common to come across dogs named after famous personalities like Sinatra or Beckham, characters like Lucy or Einstein, or even names inspired by drinks, foods, and places like Guinness, Martini, Peanut, or Dallas.

Choose a distinctive name

With the growing trend of giving dogs distinctive names, picking out the perfect name, especially for your female dog, can be challenging. There are extensive lists of ideas for female dog names out there that can help you decide, ranging from traditional to modern, to ensure your pet’s name is as unique as she is.

Indian words are popular these days. You will find at least one or two Dakotas or Geronimos in most dog parks.

Then, there are the dog owners who fancy human names, such as Murphy, Fred, Joe, Sophie, Sadie, Molly, Maggie, Bella, Wesley, Jack, Zoe, Chloe, Sammy, or Frank.

Bottom line on dog names

For whatever reason, you choose your dog’s name; it’s a personal choice.

One that long after your pet is no longer with you, just hearing the word will strike a fond memory. It may bring a tear and a smile.

That name will always have a special place in your heart.

Karen A. Soukiasian owns Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.

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