Clever
Dog Names
I'm
getting ready to find a new pup to train. I have a border
collie right now and like the breed although they can be too
smart for their own good. I need to think of a good name for
this new addition. My current border collie is named Tuxcitto
(Italian spelling) since he is all black except for some white
on his chest.
Clever
dog names are a challenge since so many are taken and I like
to stay original. Plus you want a dog name that is easy to say
(for calling) and also easy for the dog to learn and
recognize. I'm hesitant to pick the final name until I
actually get to meet my new dog but I'm going to try and get
it down to a few good choices.
Since
I know the breed, there are several characteristics that can
help me find an appropriately clever name. Border Collies are
herding dogs, smart, tireless, and need lots of exercise.
Tuxcitto actually has more than one name he answers to in
different circumstances.
When
we're out in public and I need to make sure he hears me I
always use his formal version of Tuxcitto. When we're alone
and he's close, like in the house, car, or yard I may call him
Tux. When he's just pulled one of his little stunts, like
opening the door without permission, chasing ducks, or
generally causing trouble I call him black dog. The minute I
say it he knows he's in trouble.
Clever
dog names are usually based on individual traits, appearances,
or even origin. Foreign languages are always a good twist
since they are often unique. Unique talents are also a good
area to consider. I one had an Springer Spaniel that was a
great quail dog, he would go on point and stand motionless
until released by voice command. I called him Arrow since he
was always on target and never missed a bird.
I
also had a English Spaniel when I was very young. He was just
a pup when I got him and he couldn't run at first so he kind
of half walked and ran, which looked like he was skipping. I
name him Skipper. Most people thought he was named after a
boat captain or someone in charge but it was due to his gait.
Which
demonstrates that you can get a little to clever when it takes
10 minutes to explain your dog's name. I always try and avoid
all the popular names too. I don't want to call my dog and
have ten other dogs show up.
I
saw an article the other day that listed the ten most popular
female and male dog names. It was based on the shelters and
some dog insurance companies list of 1000's of dog names
listed by their owner. Here's the list:
1. Max
2. Bailey
3. Bella
4. Molly
5. Lucy
6. Buddy
7. Maggie
8. Daisy
9. Sophie
10. Chloe
I
always knew that Max was popular but some of those names were
a surprise because I had never heard of them used as dog
names. Not sure I'd call any of them clever, but hey not
everyone takes the time and effort some of us crazy dog people
do to name their dog.
I
think that uniqueness counts on any clever dog name. Some name
that in some way describes the dog in appearance, idiosecrencies,
origin (both immediate or original breed location), or even
how you found or acquired the dog.
It's
also a good idea to spend some time with the dog to get a good
idea of their personality and any special talents. I thought
about naming my dog Tuxcitto Houdini at first. He was, and
still is, the best escape artist in the dog world. He can get
out of any enclosure and continues to demonstrate this talent
when ever appropriate. But Houdini was too tough to say and
call so I gave it up.
I
guess the best clever dog names are ones that you and your dog
like. One that is easy to day and readily identifies the dog
is also a good thing to keep in mind. But have fun with it and
don't worry about what other people think too much. It's your
dog, so name him or her what ever you want.
