05 Sep Naming your dog – choosing the right name for your furry friend
After the hard choice of what breed of dog is right for you comes the equally difficult decision of what to call him or her? It’s important because you want one that’s right for them. There’s also the added responsibility of that name staying with them for the rest of their life. Plus, you need to consider what you’ll feel like shouting their name out in the park or when you have to tell your vet it.
Luckily, when it comes to choosing a name for your dog there is no right or wrong. It’s all down to what you think suits them best. And unlike naming children, your dog will always be happy with your choice no matter how strange or bizarre you decide to go.
So, with so much choice how do you decide? Well, it could be by their breed, their appearance, their personality or simply the name of a character you like from your favourite film or book.
One thing to keep in mind is try and choose a name which is only one or two syllables long as you want your dog to instantly recognise it. Also, the longer the name the longer it takes to shout.
Something else to consider is that a name that starts with a C, K or S is easier for your dog to hear if it’s noisy. Also, if the name ends with a vowel it can help your dog recognise their name. Plus, try and avoid names that rhyme or sound like commands you give your dog. For example roll over sounds very much like Rover.
Finally, try and avoid very common names as you don’t want a pack of dogs running to you every time you shout the name of yours!
The Marie Claire study below revealed these as 2017’s most popular pet names:
1. Bella
2. Poppy
3. Alfie
4. Charlie
5. Lola
6. Max
7. Teddy
8. Daisy
9. Oscar
10. Buddy
11. Molly
12. Milo
13. Ruby
14. Bailey
15. Tilly
16. Rosie
17. Luna
18. Coco
19. Millie
20. Archie