Mary Allen
When choosing a suitable name for your new darling, you are spoiled for choice. There are endless names for both male and female dogs – and it’s not just supposed to be Bello, is it? Here we give you a few tips for finding a name and show you a few examples of the most popular dog names in Germany.
Why is the Right Dog Name so Important?
The name accompanies your dog throughout his life and it is probably the most common word he will hear. It will also become one of your most common words, so the dog name has to suit you too. Of course, it should be special and ideally have a beautiful meaning. In the case of breeders, the dogs are usually named according to a certain scheme. The respective kennel name gives the surname of the dog, so to speak. The first name comes from the number of litters, which is based on the alphabet (litter 1 = A, litter 2 = B, litter 3 = C, etc.). The breeder’s dog name is often very long and complicated and not tailored to the character of the dog. If you don’t want to keep this name, here are three helpful tips for finding a name:
Avoid confusion
Since you want your dog to respond to his name, it’s best not to choose a name that sounds like a command. Matz sounds similar to “place!”, Fritz sounds similar to “sit!”, mouse sounds similar to “off!”. Such names would only confuse your dog unnecessarily.
Choose short names
One or two syllable names are easier for the dog to learn than long and complicated names. They are also easier for you to pronounce. If you choose a long name, choose a good pet form that your dog can easily learn.
Think about the future
You should keep in mind that your sweet little puppy will eventually grow into a full-grown dog. For example, naming a small Great Dane Fiffi is cute in the first months of life, but later becomes less appropriate for the size of the breed. The same goes the other way round: calling a Chihuahua Brutus could cause laughter in the dog park.
Change dog name
If you bring an older dog (e.g. from an animal shelter) into the house, it has probably had a name that it has been used to for a number of years. You shouldn’t just change it like that, it could lead to confusion. But there is a little trick: dogs perceive the sound rather than hear the words. So you can change the name if the sound stays the same. For example, a Dickie becomes a Mickey.
The Most Popular Dog Names
Tasso, the largest pet register, determines the most popular dog names in Germany every year. The following dog names are from 2016:
Top 10 female
- Luna
- Emma
- Bella
- Amy
- Lucy
- Kira
- Lilly
- well
- Paula
- billion
Top 10 male
- Baloo
- buddy
- Sammy/Sam
- rocky
- Lucky
- Bruno
- Max
- Leo
- Charlie
- Oscar
Take Your Time Choosing
Especially with the large selection of dog names, you should not make a hasty decision, but give yourself plenty of time when choosing. Maybe you had thought of a nice name before you moved in and now you realize that it doesn’t go so well with your new pet. If a dog moves in with you, you can wait until you have gotten to know him and his character a bit and only then make a final decision. Because it helps neither humans nor animals to give a name that you will no longer like in a few weeks or months. And once your dog gets used to his name, don’t change it lightly. If you follow our naming tips, you’re sure to find the best dog name.
What name did you give your dog? Leave us a comment and help other expectant dog parents find a great name!