7 Tips to Naming Your Puppy

You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on the internet, researching the right breed for you and your family. Then you went from breeder to breeder or humane society to humane society, meeting and greeting pups until you find just the right match.

Now what? He needs a name!

Throughout its life, you will use your dog’s name more than 35,000 times. So be sure you’re picking a name you can live with and love.

With these seven simple steps, the key to finding the perfect puppy name is at your fingertips!

Dogs understand short commands. Easy names with two or fewer syllables work well. Your puppy’s name shouldn’t sound like any commands. “Stacy” and “stay” are too close for comfort. Such a name will only confuse the issue.

Remember, you’ll be using your pup’s name in public. “Stinky” may be cute among your fellow fraternity members, but it won’t go over well at the veterinarian. Make your kids part of the decision process. Kids like it simple, too, so if calling your Champion Cavalier King Spaniel “Bootsie” works for them, consider keeping the hoity toity name strictly for AKC purposes.

You may think it’s an honor to name your pup after you’re favorite Uncle Norbert. Naming your baby after him may keep you in the will, but naming your puppy after him may not.

If you’re bringing home an older dog, ideally, stick with the name it already owns. Can’t stand it because “Barney” was the first boy who broke your heart? Then stick with similar sounds when choosing a new dog name. “Barney” morphs into “Farley” easily.

Once you’ve chosen a name, try it out for a day or so. You’ll know right away whether it’s a keeper. If not, there are always more puppy names on your list! Take a look around you. Everywhere you are, you'll find a variety of terrific ideas on what to name your pooch.

At first glance, a couple of things will stand out about your new puppy. Enjoy him or her for a day or two and consider these.

Appearance. What does your dog look like? His color, size, and personal style inspire a variety of name choices. “Stubbs” would be a great name for a dachshund pup. Or you may call a cream-colored cock-a-poo “Buffy.”

Personality. Given a couple of days, your new dog’s personality will shine through. Try “Cuddles” for the sweet little guy who loves to get cozy or “Puddles” for the pooch who can’t seem to find the doggie door.

If you want to go beyond the basics, many famous dog names or foreign dog names can fit the bill. Consider these favorite puppy names when making your decision.

Celebrity puppy names. Today, pooches have more celebrity following than their famous owners. Chew on “Lola,” a name used by both Hilary Duff and the Osbournes.

TV dogs. “Scooby” and “Astro” come to mind if you want to honor a famous TV pup.

Movie dogs. Cool movies and cool dog names seem to go hand in hand. Cool Hand Luke’s “Blue” would be a fitting label for a variety of dogs. Comic dogs. “Snoopy” will always be a favorite, but also consider “Daisy” or “Odie.”

German dog names. For starters, try out “Fritz” or “Kaiser.”

Irish dog names. “Finn” fits well for any pup, as does “Murphy,” which just happens to mean “hound of the sea.”

Choosing a name for your puppy can be fun and exciting. You can pick from many options, like French names. “Pierre” and “Gigi” are great choices for any dog, especially those with a bit of French flair.

There are so many names to choose from. But with these tips and a little thought, you'll find the perfect one for your puppy in no time!